Puma - Evo Review

[Mannginger]

Morning all

I'm having thoughts about wandering into Puma territory. I fancy a change from the Focus, but want to stay within the Blue Oval for loyalty reasons.

I'm also looking to reduce outgoings a little with the next car and so am looking at second hand vehicles. (Buying on Finance)

On top of this I want something that's still fun to drive (mainly A+B roads but some long journeys now and then)

Hence I am looking at 1.7 Pumas. Evo seem to really rate it on their star system - but I can't find a review on the website - does anyone know what issue they reviewed the Puma in (or have a link to the review)

Personal thoughts around this or other options would also be welcome

Thanks

Phil

[Ahhh moneypenny]

I have a 1.7 Puma and its fab, handles well, quite nippy (well fast enough for me!!) Its really fun to drive, you'll get some honest answers on a forum called Puma people (sorry Ted don't like to advertise other forums!!)but they are genunily a good site. Its great on A and B roads, sticks to the road like glue. They're quite cheap and economical too, don't know about the article though sorry.

[cerbagriff]

Just bought myself a racing puma and it's bloody wonderful. Suspension is rock hard, seats are well supportive, winds up as quick as you like and the exhaust crackles on over run, and 30ish to the gallon. Why didn't I do this ages ago. Pound for pound I think the pumas are one of the most fun cars around.

[deevlash]

Iv recently bought a 1.6 puma and love it its not quite as powerful as the 1.7 but still quite nippy, From what I've heard the 1.7 can suffer from bore wear if the wrong type of oil has been used due to some funky cylinder linings on the yamaha developed engine. The chassis is basically the same as the old fiesta but tarted up a little and as far as I know my car is essentially a rebodied version of the zetec S fiesta thats in the back of autocar this week having praise heaped upon it

[BossCerbera]

There's a Puma write-up in this month's CAR magazine. Thumbs up as usual.

[rick_172]

I like driving my mums 1.7 Puma. Its a great package, not quick enough to get you into trouble but it handles brilliantly and the grip is almost unbelievable! Its pretty small inside, I'm 6ft 1 and it feels a bit claustrophobic plus the interior looks a little dated nowadays. But its a good car to drive, definately recommended.

[dezza87]

rick_172 said:

plus the interior looks a little dated nowadays.

thats what you get when the car is a least 4 years old.

I love my puma very fun car to drive and handles remarkably well.

[atgsambo]

I love my Racing Puma and dont think the dash is "dated" infact i quite like it There really good cars , the 1.7 won TG Car of the year in 1997 i belive

[Einion Yrth]

Another thumbs-up here from a satisfied Puma owner - goes exactly where you point it. Lots of fun in the twisties, lacking a bit in straight line power perhaps, but still has enough to be fun.