Ford’s Baby Cat is Getting Ready To Pounce: Return of The Puma

One of the most-loved Ford sports cars in history is making a comeback: it’s the return of the Puma! Hot on the heels of the hugely successful Fiesta, Auto Express can bring you news that a stunning coupé version is in the pipeline.

Reviving memories of the popular Puma, production of which ended in 2001, the new Fiesta Coupé would be a hugely desirable addition to the blue oval’s line-up. It will pack stunning looks, a great drive and low running costs into an affordable package.

The stage is firmly set for the Puma’s return: Honda has confirmed that a replacement for its CR-X sports car will go on sale next year, in the shape of the hybrid CR-Z. Meanwhile, Hyundai has given the green light to the Veloster concept and there are rumours of an upcoming Polo Coupé from Volkswagen.

As our images show, it’s a real head-turner – just like the original. It builds on the well received Fiesta shape that’s the work of Ford’s chief designer, Martin Smith, and his team.
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Joe_Limon - 7/23/2009 11:12:35 AM

+4 Boost

wow! That is attractive, this may be the only car in it's class I would ever even consider buying.

Joe_Limon - 7/23/2009 6:49:27 PM

+4 Boost

Except ford is beating Honda in reliability? And quality is such a loose term that it all depends on who you talk to.

EnnNorak - 7/26/2009 8:59:39 AM

0 Boost

I would consider it but not until it is available with 5-bolt instead of 4-bolt wheels. 4 bolts on an outstanding 5-spoke wheel is a heinous styling crime and an engineering shortcut.

WorldofLuxury - 7/23/2009 11:29:18 AM

+5 Boost

WOW!
And all they really had to do was stretch the back, but more importantly, they're gonna make this thing.

I can imagine the next generation being a more aggressive version of the current model. Euro Ford really had things all planned out.

DaHarder - 7/23/2009 11:45:13 AM

+5 Boost

Since Honda doesn't seem capable of successfully resurrecting the CR-X, it looks as though FORD has taken the reins and created a truly worthy 'spiritual successor'... and a very nice looking on at that!

inspirion7 - 7/23/2009 12:22:49 PM

+2 Boost

This is one thing I can't wrap my head around. If the CR-X was developed by Honda, why wouldn't they have carry it forward? Now the small car segment is being to heat up, everyone including Honda I'm sure at some point will look at resurrecting the CR-X model. By then, with the wait and see attitude companies have today, it would be too late and the party would be over before too long. The same for Ford with the Taurus. Now some years later, the "New" Taurus is made. I believe that if what you have a successful product, (i.e, Accord, Camry, CR-V, F-150) then continue constant improvement and innovation to the model. How simple is that?

racinghart - 7/24/2009 5:47:48 AM

+1 Boost

You'll find every manufacturer has a long term product plan - and certain niche segments just won't fit into those plans.

You may have noticed that Toyota no longer offer dedicated sports cars (exlcuding Lexus offerings), whereas they have a long history of success with Celica, MR2 and Supra. On a global strategy level, these cars don't fit with their current plans, and what we're seeing is a new concentration on technology, packaging and 'green' models.

Honda will be no different - but the beauty of these small coupe variants is that they share the core components of their mainstream counterparts. When the original Puma was developed, it set a new standard for time taken to go from drawing board to production. Therefore if these new offerings from Ford and Hyundai (and maybe VW) work well, you can vbe sure that other manufacturers will want a slice of the action too. That may yet include Honda...