Engine range and fuel options

The 1.7-litre Zetec-SE engine suited the Puma’s chassis perfectly, making it feel every bit the junior hot hatch. With 125hp on tap, it offered eager throttle response, a fizzy top end and just the right amount of mid-range torque to exploit the car’s superb balance. In the limited-run Ford Racing Puma, that same engine was tuned to produce 157hp, cutting the 0–60mph time to 7.8 seconds – over a second quicker than the standard 1.7. It felt genuinely quick for the period, and still entertaining years later.

Lower-powered versions were less impressive, though still enjoyable in the right context. The entry-level 1.4 produced 90hp and felt adequate around town, but lacked the punch to fully exploit the chassis on twistier roads. The 1.6, introduced later with 103hp, bridged the gap a little better and made a decent case as an all-rounder – but it still fell short of the sparkle and character that made the original 1.7 so special.

Regardless of engine choice, every Puma came with fun built in. The steering was sharp, the chassis communicative, and the driving position low-slung and engaging. There was a sporty feel to the clutch and gearshift, with short, precise throws and well-weighted pedals. It was a car that rewarded enthusiasm without ever feeling intimidating – one of the key reasons it remained so fondly remembered.

Ride quality was surprisingly composed for a car with such nimble handling. Most models struck a good balance between comfort and control, soaking up bumps without ever feeling floaty. The Racing Puma was firmer, with stiffer suspension and wider tyres, but even it remained just about tolerable on British roads – and in return, it delivered even sharper cornering and a more focused drive.