Ford’s Puma has finally been confirmed for South Africa, plugging a massive gap in the Blue Oval’s lineup. Arriving to the party a few years after its global introduction, here is what rivals it will go up against when it hits showroom floors.
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Ford recently confirmed their local lineup would be bolstered by the addition of a new entry-level model. Entry-level nowadays means costing around R500 00 in the body style of an SUV, to appease the mass market. This in mind, the Puma is not as fresh as you’d think since it has served in Europe since the turn of the decade and is expected to go through a mid-cycle refresh by early 2024.
The Romanian-produced Puma has achieved considerable success in the European market but models destined for the first-world continent are often priced above their competition locally. Here are a few current contenders that could go blow for blow with the Puma, parameters are pricing between R450 000 and R550 000 while offering similar kit and appeal.
BAIC Beijing X55
Kicking off the list of prospective competition that may steal the Blue Oval’s limelight is the Beijing X55 which offers impressive value for money. The lineup starts at R420 900 for the entry-level Dynamic while the range-topping Premium model will set buyers back R480 900.
- Starting price: R420 900
- Powertrain: 1,5-litre turbocharged inline-four
- Power: 130 kW
- Torque: 305 N.m
- Claimed fuel consumption: 7,2 L/100 km
Volkswagen T-Cross and Taigo
Battling with the Puma from Volkswagen are the MQB-based T-Cross and Taigo SUVs. Starting from R399 000, the compact model offers an impressive entry price but can quickly be increased with a shopping list worth of optional extras. The more comparable 85 Kw Comfortline listed below would be a more fitting rival to Ford’s newbie although a peppy 110kW R-Line derivative is also available for R541 900.
- Starting price: R456 100
- Powertrain: 1,0-litre turbocharged inline-three
- Power: 85 kW
- Torque: 200 N.m
- Claimed fuel consumption: 5,3 L/100 km
Following a similar recipe for optional extras, the Taigo lineup starts at R475 000 with the Life derivative and can inflate all the way up to R537 100 for R-Line. Key difference between this and its T-Cross sibling is its swooping roofline, offering a more aesthetic and sporty appeal to prospective buyers.
- Starting price: R475 000
- Powertrain: 1,0-litre turbocharged inline-three
- Power: 85 kW
- Torque: 200 N.m
- Claimed fuel consumption: 5,4 L/100 km
Renault Captur
Simplified into two derivatives and offering handsome standard features, the French firm means business with the Captur. Starting at R469 999 with the Zen while the Intens will set buyers back R499 999.
- Starting price: R469 999
- Powertrain: 1,3-litre turbocharged inline-four
- Power: 113 kW
- Torque: 270 N.m
- Claimed fuel consumption: 6,6 L/100 km
Omoda C5
Breaking onto the scene as a more premium Chinese SUV offering, the Omoda C5 continues the tradition of its compatriots value for money methodology. Pricing starts at R447 900 and goes up to R509 900 for the range-topping model in a lineup comprising 5 models. Listed below is the C5 1.5T 230T Lux.
- Starting price: R477 900
- Powertrain: 1,5-litre turbocharged inline-four
- Power: 115 kW
- Torque: 230 N.m
- Claimed fuel consumption: 6,9 L/100 km
Haval Jolion
Serving as the most affordable model on this list, Haval’s Jolion can be bought for as little as R344 950 and spans all the way up to R579 950. Listed below is the Haval Jolion 1.5T Super Luxury.
- Starting price: R455 850
- Powertrain: 1,5-litre turbocharged inline-four
- Power: 105 kW
- Torque: 210 N.m
- Claimed fuel consumption: 7,5 L/100 km
Related: Puma Confirmed for Ford’s Lineup by Q4
