Motoring with Joe Rayfus: Can the all new all-electric Puma Gen-E could evoke that old kind of satisfaction?

When Ford launched the Puma back in 2019 it quickly became a familiar sight on Irish roads. Small enough to zip around town, yet practical enough for family duties, it combined sharp looks with lively handling. I know this because I spent more time with the Puma than any other press car.

During the Covid period I had a petrol Puma on test for nearly six months, a stretch long enough to grow genuinely attached to it. My daily commute at the time involved approximately 14 steps to the spare room, so opportunities to leave the house were a novelty. I discovered a passion for grocery shopping or going to buy a couple of bags of sticks. Eighteen holes of golf was a wild weekend and my poor auld cocker spaniel Belle, who passed away shortly afterwards, accompanied us everywhere.

The Puma was the perfect car for all those moments. I liked it so much that both my mother and father-in-law both ended up buying petrol Pumas of their own. My mother is now, however, quite annoyed (rightly so) with the issues associated with the ‘wet belt’ setup of that same petrol engine.

But with that past affection in mind, I was especially curious to see whether this new all-electric Puma Gen-E could evoke the same kind of satisfaction, albeit, now without the worries associated with the need for a wet belt.

The first impression is that Ford has kept the spirit of the car intact. The electric motor delivers smooth and instant torque, and while the official 0 to 100 km/h time of 8 seconds reads well, it never feels like a hot hatch. It is lively enough for daily use, quick off the line at traffic lights, and responsive for overtakes, but it is not for chasing thrills. This is still very much a practical family crossover, just with an electric twist.

Ford quotes a range of up to 376 km on the WLTP cycle. Over the course of my week with the car, which included a mix of motorway driving and town use, I managed closer to 310km before recharging. That is some way shy of the official claim, but in line with what most buyers will experience in the real world. Around town the range held up much better. Would I like more range? Yes, of course. But at the same time I am not sure I would want to lose any of that epic boot space to make room for extra batteries.

And that brings me to what may be the Puma Gen-E’s strongest asset. The boot is superb. Ford has reworked the clever Megabox concept into what it now calls the GigaBox. With 574 litres of space, it trumps many larger SUVs. It is deep, wide, and extremely versatile. It can be hosed out, so you never need to worry about dirty boots or wet gear going in. The extra 43 litre frunk under the bonnet is the perfect spot for charging cables, which keeps them separate from shopping bags. In an age where practicality is often compromised by the demands of electrification, the Puma Gen-E stands out by actually improving in this area.

Inside, the cabin feels modern and well equipped. Two digital screens dominate, and Ford’s SYNC 4 system works seamlessly with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. The layout is neat, the sliding armrest is a thoughtful touch, and the wireless phone charger keeps clutter to a minimum. That said, I am not entirely convinced by the unusually large, square shaped steering wheel. Some will find it futuristic, others will see it as a gimmick. It never spoiled my drive, but I could not shake the sense that a more conventional wheel would make the whole experience feel more natural.

On the road, the Gen-E is composed and quiet. Four driving modes let you tweak the feel with one pedal driving proving especially handy in heavy traffic. Adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and the option of a 360-degree camera all add to the ease of ownership. This is a car designed to slot seamlessly into daily life and it achieves that without fuss.

Looks matter in this class and the Gen-E carries enough subtle design cues to mark it out as the electric model. The new shield front end is clean, the aero wheels help efficiency without being dull, and a subtle rear spoiler adds a sporty touch. It still looks like a Puma but fresher and a little more distinctive.

Price, as always, will be the deciding factor for many buyers. The Puma Gen-E Select starts from €32,916, while the Premium trim begins at €35,718. That places it very slightly above the petrol versions but still keeps it within reach for those who want to make the switch without stretching into the price bracket of larger, heavier electric crossovers. Against that, buyers will weigh reduced running costs, lower VRT, and the convenience of charging at home. Ford also includes an eight year, 160,000 km battery warranty, which should reassure anyone concerned about long term ownership.

For many, this could be the first electric car that feels like a natural step rather than a compromise. It retains the character that made the petrol Puma such a success while adding the refinement of electric driving.

Familiar yet fresh, the Puma Gen-E makes the move to electric feel achievable, and that might prove to be its most important contribution.