Ford New Zealand has announced that the new Puma compact crossover will arrive here in the second quarter of next year, and will feature a mild hybrid powertrain.

Ford is offering customers two Mild Hybrid (MHEV) variants; the Ford Puma EcoBoost MHEV and the Ford Puma EcoBoost ST-Line MHEV.

 Ford’s EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt technology delivers powerful, responsive performance and optimised fuel efficiency alongside lower C02 for Puma MHEV customers. The MHEV electrified powertrain seamlessly integrates electric torque assistance with a low-friction, three-cylinder 1-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver up to 210 Nm.

“Our customers love their new Ford Pumas,” said Rachel White, Ford New Zealand Marketing Manager, Passenger and SUV. 

“We get fantastic feedback, particularly on its stylish design, clever interior and great driving characteristics.  Adding the mild hybrid next year will increase its appeal even further and give those looking for an electrified solution a fantastic choice.”

EcoBoost Hybrid technology enhances Puma’s 1-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with an 11.5kW belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG). Replacing the standard alternator, the BISG enables recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48-volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack.

The BISG also acts as a motor, integrating with the engine and using the stored energy to provide torque assistance during normal driving and acceleration, as well as running the vehicle’s electrical ancillaries.

With 91kW of power, the intelligent, self-regulating MHEV system continuously monitors how the vehicle is being used to determine when and how intensively to charge the battery for optimal benefit, and when to utilise the stored battery charge using one of two strategies:

The new Puma mild hybrid will be available in New Zealand from Q2 2022 with pricing to be announced closer to arrival.