Ford Puma II (SUV) (2019 – 2025)

Reliability score : 8.0/10

Ford Puma II (2019-2025) The second-generation Ford Puma resurrected a 1990s coupe nameplate and applied it to a highly successful B-segment crossover. Built on the Fiesta Mk7 platform, it quickly became Ford's best-selling passenger car in Europe. It stands out in the crowded compact SUV market with its class-leading driving dynamics, sporty styling, and the highly practical 80-liter 'MegaBox' under the boot floor. While the lineup is heavily dominated by the 1.0L EcoBoost mild-hybrid (mHEV) petrol engines, Ford briefly offered a 1.5 EcoBlue diesel engine between 2020 and 2022. This diesel variant was aimed at high-mileage drivers but was quietly discontinued due to declining diesel demand in the B-SUV segment and tightening emissions regulations. A mid-cycle facelift was introduced in ea

✅ Strengths

Class-leading driving dynamics and precise steering
Highly practical 'MegaBox' trunk (80 liters of washable under-floor storage)
Excellent fuel economy on the 1.5 EcoBlue diesel and 1.0 mHEV engines
Attractive, sporty exterior design
Standard equipment levels are generous (especially ST-Line and up)

⚠️ Weaknesses

1.5 EcoBlue diesel is rare and only available with a manual transmission
Firm ride quality, especially on ST-Line models with 18 or 19-inch wheels
Rear passenger space is cramped compared to rivals (e.g., Renault Captur, Skoda Kamiq)
Interior plastics feel cheap in lower areas of the cabin
SYNC 3 infotainment system (pre-2024) can be laggy and prone to freezing

🎯 Verdict

Final Verdict The Ford Puma II is arguably the best-driving B-SUV on the market, offering a brilliant blend of practicality (thanks to the MegaBox) and driving fun. Regarding the 1.5 EcoBlue Diesel: It is a niche choice. If you drive more than 20,000 km a year, mostly on highways, it is a fantastic, highly efficient cruiser. However, if your commute involves heavy city traffic or short trips, avoid the diesel entirely. The DPF and EGR systems will inevitably clog, leading to expensive repairs. For 90% of buyers, the 1.0 EcoBoost mHEV (125 or 155 hp) is the superior choice. It offers near-diesel fuel economy in mixed driving, avoids the complex emissions systems of modern diesels, and benefits from the updated timing chain architecture. Just ensure the oil is changed religiously every year to protect the internal oil pump belt.