Should you buy one?

Absolutely. If you’re in the market for a small SUV, why settle for anything less than the best? The Ford Puma appeals to both the head and the heart by offering buyers a choice of frugal yet peppy petrol engines, unrivalled handling dynamics and practical boot space. It’s arguably the most well-rounded car in its class.

Sure, its interior could have featured a few more premium materials, but the hard plastics are more than capable of absorbing abuse from ill-tempered children and flippant mates alike. It’s very low maintenance – you can muck the car out with little more than a damp cloth and a vacuum cleaner – which leaves you with more spare time to enjoy the way the Puma drives.

The Puma’s biggest problem is the Skoda Kamiq. It gives the Ford a good run for its money by offering more cabin space and better comfort levels, but it loses its appeal the second you get it on a winding back road. We’ve driven the two cars back-to-back – and we’d pick the Puma every time.

What we like

Almost everything. The Puma’s practical boot is a real highlight, though. It takes the car from being just a good-driving compact SUV to a vehicle with the chops to operate as a small family’s main car.

What we don’t like

The Puma’s dashboard lets the side down a bit. It’s a little bland and unimaginative compared to the likes of the Peugeot 2008 and MINI Countryman. For some, the lack of diesel or EV power will also be a dealbreaker. However, an EV model is expected to arrive in 2024, so watch this space.