• Higher console
• Big screen
• Poor plastics

How is the quality and layout?

Sadly, this is the Puma Gen-E’s biggest weakness. Ford has moved most controls to the central infotainment touchscreen, which isn’t the most intuitive system to use. The climate menu in particular takes too many taps to adjust on the move.

The design looks dated in places, with oddly placed air vents and a digital instrument panel that doesn’t sit neatly within the dash. Material quality is mixed, with lots of scratchy plastics on show. Some trims brighten things with white artificial leather inserts, but it doesn’t fully mask the budget feel.

The saving grace is the raised centre console. It frees up space beneath for extra storage, keeps drinks holders at a convenient height and makes the interior feel more substantial. It’s a clever touch in an otherwise disappointing cabin.

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Infotainment and tech

Every Puma Gen-E gets a 12.0-inch touchscreen and 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster. The graphics are crisp and smartphone integration is wireless for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The reversing camera feed is sharp too.

But Ford’s software is fiddly. Key menus such as driver assistance are buried deep within sub-menus, and disabling alerts can be frustrating. Voice control is included but not as advanced as systems used by Volkswagen or Hyundai.

On the plus side, over-the-air updates mean the system should improve over time, adding new features and fixes. It’s worth checking if early reviews still apply when you buy.

Comfort

• Lumbar support
• High driving position
• Winter Pack option

Front seats include standard lumbar adjustment for both driver and passenger, which is rare in this class. Support is decent, though the seating position is high and not especially sporty. Many SUV buyers will like that elevated feel.

Electric adjustment isn’t available and heated seats are an optional extra via the £350 Winter Pack. That pack also adds a heated steering wheel, which is a nice touch in colder months.

Rear passengers won’t be as happy. The raised floor cuts into knee and foot room, and headroom is only average. Two adults can travel in the back for shorter trips, but it’s not a car you’d want to use regularly for carrying four tall adults.