VFACTS July 2023

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Fordman1

My wife has a Puma ST-Line in that nice bright Blue, it’s a lovely little car. It drives well (it’s good for a squirt down the street with that punchy little engine), it handles really well for a “Fat Fiesta”.

It’s a great little car, it looks really nice, I wish we had the glass roof.

I've driven Puma's a few times now and liked them far more than I was expecting. The drive so nice and the engine has some character to it.

But...........I think those who do manage to get a test drive might be put off by the gruff sounding engine. I like it because it's got some character to it, even if it has no top end power. For a torquey run around, its feels very nippy without having to deal with diesel issues or the expense of a hybrid.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I've driven Puma's a few times now and liked them far more than I was expecting. The drive so nice and the engine has some character to it.

But...........I think those who do manage to get a test drive might be put off by the gruff sounding engine. I like it because it's got some character to it, even if it has no top end power. For a torquey run around, its feels very nippy without having to deal with diesel issues or the expense of a hybrid.

There's no doubt it's probably the best SUV in it's class, turbo 3 cylinder engine and it's based on the Fiesta.

I'd rather the Fiesta, same thing except it's smaller and lighter, so it'll use less fuel, steer/corner/accelerate better than the Puma.

Puma is objectively worse in every metric compared to the Fiesta it's based on, like all SUVs - they're all compromises just like dual cab Thailand Specials where they do everything but nothing exceptionally.

Just because Thailand Specials and SUVs are popular it doesn't mean they're good - MAFS is popular too but I don't see anyone here advocating it's the best thing on FTA TV

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Puma is objectively worse in every metric compared to the Fiesta it's based on, like all SUVs - they're all compromises just like dual cab Thailand Specials where they do everything but nothing exceptionally.

The metrics you mentioned only matter on forums. In the real world it's about ease of use.

My daughter has an SA Focus. We have ZH Escape. They aren't much higher off the ground but it makes a lot of difference getting in and out.

My folks traded their falcon on a Tucson. They'll never go back to a non suv.

Being slightly higher off the ground is what the market wanted.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by prydey

The metrics you mentioned only matter on forums. In the real world it's about ease of use.

My daughter has an SA Focus. We have ZH Escape. They aren't much higher off the ground but it makes a lot of difference getting in and out.

My folks traded their falcon on a Tucson. They'll never go back to a non suv.

Being slightly higher off the ground is what the market wanted.

Originally Posted by kevino

Ah Franco -you have never driven a Puma.
Wife had a 2012 1.6 na Fiesta.
I ve now got a 1.0 turbo 3 Puma.
Fuel consumption is better on Puma.
handling equal.
braking equal
Seat 100 points more better
Tech 200 points better-acc blind spot assist rev camera

You are wrong in this instance.

However if your comparison is a Fiesta ST it is a draw -you would want acceleration as no 1 -I want economy comfort and easy entry exit higher car.

I don't ever intend on driving one either, I don't need to drive a Puma to know that its going to drive worse than the Fiesta its based on,

You're comparing apples and oranges between the NA Fiesta and the boosted Puma, one uses ye olde Ford Sigma engine with VVTI and the other is a modern turbo 1L 3 cylinder engine - compare it with a WZ Fiesta Sport which has the same engine as the Puma.

We've got both a WZ ST Fiesta and a povvo spec 1.6L WS CL Fiesta - the WZ ST Fiesta uses less fuel than the naturally aspirated variant while making twice the power and torque, both 1.6L 4 cylinder engines but one dates back to the 1990s.

I took said WZ Fiesta ST on a 4000km drive across VIC/NSW/QLD and ACT, and I've used it for Adelaide and return six times, I wouldn't say its 'uncomfortable' or 'difficult' to get in and out of but I suspect my tolerance is higher.

We've got the least amount of choice ever in the new car market we've ever seen, you want something thats not an SUV or a Thailand Special then good luck.

Two options under $60K for someone who wants something thats manual and boosted:

Hyundai i30N
Subaru WRX

I think the problem is I actually enjoy driving, the people who buy SUVs use them to get from A-B and thats why a white goods manufacturer like Toyota dominates the market.

Trying to change my opinion about SUVs and Thailand Specials, you'd have more luck convincing a brick wall

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I think the problem is I actually enjoy driving,

Incorrect. I enjoy driving also however I'll keep my territory over falcon any day.

How tall are you? How old are you? I suspect that might tell a story.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by prydey

Incorrect. I enjoy driving also however I'll keep my territory over falcon any day.

How tall are you? How old are you? I suspect that might tell a story.

180cm and 31, however I do have L4/L5/S1 bulged discs in my lower back from a workplace injury which causes nerve pain.

I find with the lower back, its more about the seat itself and its support rather than the height of the seat - something with a flat seat is a problem, but the Recaros in the Fiesta ST - mint.

If the seat is flat then its 20 minutes before I got dramas, if its good, then I can drive non stop.

All the Euro Ford hatches, the seats are great from the povvo spec right up to the ST models.

[kevino]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

180cm and 31, however I do have L4/L5/S1 bulged discs in my lower back from a workplace injury which causes nerve pain.

I find with the lower back, its more about the seat itself and its support rather than the height of the seat - something with a flat seat is a problem, but the Recaros in the Fiesta ST - mint.

If the seat is flat then its 20 minutes before I got dramas, if its good, then I can drive non stop.

All the Euro Ford hatches, the seats are great from the povvo spec right up to the ST models.

You will be in a suv at age 40.
I moved to suv at age 67.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

180cm and 31, however I do have L4/L5/S1 bulged discs in my lower back from a workplace injury which causes nerve pain.

I find with the lower back, its more about the seat itself and its support rather than the height of the seat .

Good luck with the truck ownership then.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

, however I do have L4/L5/S1 bulged discs in my lower back .

Anti inflammatory and physio can improve bulging discs. Steroid injections (anti inflammatory straight to the source) can also improve it if physio can't. Don't try to 'man up' as it will cost you later in life.

I'm only 46 and had to have surgery last year (l5s1). It's a long road after that.

You only get 1 back.

That's why higher cars are more popular with those slightly more senior in years.

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by prydey

Incorrect. I enjoy driving also however I'll keep my territory over falcon any day.

How tall are you? How old are you? I suspect that might tell a story.

While forever and a day I'll regret selling our G6ET apart from the performance loss, the Terry is just better for us in very way....except for not having dipping lhs ext mirror and electric pedal height adjust
...I'm 56 or 57 or 58 depending on the am caffeine intake...and that point where your upper weight is fully on your bent knee joints when dropping down into the seat is a bitch...

[hackney]

You just cannot beat an SUV over a regular sedan in regards to ingress & egress,as you get older you very much appreciate not having to bend down.They are so much more comfortable.

[kevino]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I don't ever intend on driving one either, I don't need to drive a Puma to know that its going to drive worse than the Fiesta its based on,

You're comparing apples and oranges between the NA Fiesta and the boosted Puma, one uses ye olde Ford Sigma engine with VVTI and the other is a modern turbo 1L 3 cylinder engine - compare it with a WZ Fiesta Sport which has the same engine as the Puma.

We've got both a WZ ST Fiesta and a povvo spec 1.6L WS CL Fiesta - the WZ ST Fiesta uses less fuel than the naturally aspirated variant while making twice the power and torque, both 1.6L 4 cylinder engines but one dates back to the 1990s.

I took said WZ Fiesta ST on a 4000km drive across VIC/NSW/QLD and ACT, and I've used it for Adelaide and return six times, I wouldn't say its 'uncomfortable' or 'difficult' to get in and out of but I suspect my tolerance is higher.

We've got the least amount of choice ever in the new car market we've ever seen, you want something thats not an SUV or a Thailand Special then good luck.

Two options under $60K for someone who wants something thats manual and boosted:

Hyundai i30N
Subaru WRX

I think the problem is I actually enjoy driving, the people who buy SUVs use them to get from A-B and thats why a white goods manufacturer like Toyota dominates the market.

Trying to change my opinion about SUVs and Thailand Specials, you'd have more luck convincing a brick wall

You are damning yourself. You should drive (Puma)one. And only then can you compare.


Umm I have a confession to make. MG ZS $23990.
I got a lift in one yesterday. Quite a tidy interior. Good looking seats but flat and probably unsupportive. I couldnt pick the gear changes.

As basic a-b transport burbs area for a non driver driver I can see why people buy them.

I would not buy one as I like a car to be a driver drivers car even if its only in some areas.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

There's no doubt it's probably the best SUV in it's class, turbo 3 cylinder engine and it's based on the Fiesta.

I'd rather the Fiesta, same thing except it's smaller and lighter, so it'll use less fuel, steer/corner/accelerate better than the Puma.

Puma is objectively worse in every metric compared to the Fiesta it's based on, like all SUVs - they're all compromises just like dual cab Thailand Specials where they do everything but nothing exceptionally.

Just remember when you’re talking Puma vs Fiesta, the difference can be as little as 150 kg.
The other thing is that Ford stopped building Fiesta last month so that option is now basically gone.

[kevino]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

There's no doubt it's probably the best SUV in it's class, turbo 3 cylinder engine and it's based on the Fiesta.

I'd rather the Fiesta, same thing except it's smaller and lighter, so it'll use less fuel, steer/corner/accelerate better than the Puma.

Puma is objectively worse in every metric compared to the Fiesta it's based on, like all SUVs - they're all compromises just like dual cab Thailand Specials where they do everything but nothing exceptionally.

Just because Thailand Specials and SUVs are popular it doesn't mean they're good - MAFS is popular too but I don't see anyone here advocating it's the best thing on FTA TV

Ah Franco -you have never driven a Puma.
Wife had a 2012 1.6 na Fiesta.
I ve now got a 1.0 turbo 3 Puma.
Fuel consumption is better on Puma.
handling equal.
braking equal
Seat 100 points more better
Tech 200 points better-acc blind spot assist rev camera

You are wrong in this instance.

However if your comparison is a Fiesta ST it is a draw -you would want acceleration as no 1 -I want economy comfort and easy entry exit higher car.