Ford PUMA Parts | 1997 - 2003 | Mk1 Zetec Duratec #2770KK65K
This was the car that proved Ford could be back on the road as a company that could indeed design affordable sports cars that were versatile yet captivating. Based entirely on the excellent running speed of the Fiesta, Puma got its own 1.7-liter engine before adding the 1.4-liter Fiesta unit as demand grew. Jackie Stewart and the design team truly produced a winner here, so the residues remained high. Dont worry: pay the extra and own one. Its the best small coupe ever made. Models covered: Puma - June 1997 to present 1.4 /1.7/1.7 Racing special edition Ford Puma Mk1 History Puma was launched in the 1.7-liter form in June 1997, and demand was instantaneous. So much so that a 1.4-liter model powered by Fiesta was added in February 1998. Both performed excellently with the tuned Fiesta running gear. Initially, only a 1.7-liter version was offered, and there was never an automatic option. However, there was a stunning 1.7-liter limited edition model called Racing, introduced in early 2000, and it will likely be sought after once they hit the used market. Only 350 were built, and all had an additional 25 HP and a lowered body with a sleek look, with flared wheels finished (only) in Ford Racing Blue. Suspension changes included a wider track, while Recaro seats, a CD player, and air conditioning were all standard. At the end of 2000, the 1.4-liter Puma was replaced with a punchier 1.6-liter model using the same 100 HP engine found in the Focus and Fiesta. At the end of 2001, a special edition Ford Puma Thunder was announced to mark the final passing of this cracker of a coupe. Leaving at the top of its game, Puma looks set for future classic status. What you get Certainly, this car turns heads, with its integrated headlights, kicked-up tail, and distinctive side rebates. The loaded profile is also surprisingly practical. This is one of the very few small coupes you can buy that can actually seat two adults in the back. However, it is more likely that owners will want to throw the rear seats forward and use the generous 240-liter loading capacity. The detail touches are also pleasant. Both the fascia and doors are covered with aluminum, while the shift knob is a single piece cast from the same stuff, and Racing also has it on the pedals. The instrument dials also strike another chord - white face to Fiesta Si. There are also thoughtful touches like full-size bottle holders on either side of the rear passengers feet and a mobile phone receptacle in the center console. As for equipment, you will find all the convenience features a fast coupe really needs, fitted as standard; electric windows, remote central locking with security alarm, drivers airbag, and a classic hi-fi. There is no provision for a sunroof, but in compensation, the optional air conditioning was, at just 360 euros, one of the most affordable on the market, so many owners specified it. "Air" was standard on Racing. Spare parts Based on the 1997 Puma 1.4 petrol. A clutch assembly is around 170 euros, and a complete exhaust system with a catalyst is approximately 1415 euros. Front and rear brake pads will be near 40-60 euros each. A radiator is about 195 euros with air conditioning, an alternator 240 euros, a starter motor 140 euros, and a replacement headlight can be up to 460 euros. The offer of original Ford parts is always in motion, there may be differences, but Fords policy for older cars is that the price of Ford parts should be higher than a similar part on a newer car by a maximum of 2-3 years old. On the road While Puma shares many of the attributes of the Fiesta, Escort, and Mondeo, there is no doubt that the road experience is offered at a different level. The most powerful of the two standard versions offers a Zetec-SE 1.7-liter engine of 1.3 liters, capable of resting to sixty in just 8.8 seconds on the way to nearly 130 km/h. The Puma with a smaller 1.4-liter engine is not visually distinguished from the more powerful car. Reaching 60 km/h is still a respectable 10.8 seconds, incidentally, while the average consumption of 38mpg makes it a car you buy with both your heart and head. If you find a Racing, you will enjoy 0-100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 202 km/h while averaging around 34mpg. Regardless of the model chosen, it comes with impeccable pedigree. Handling was perfected by a team that included no less an expert than former world champion Jackie Stewart; if you can imagine what that might mean on the road, you wont even bother to test anything else. Puma was never crash-tested by Euro NCAP, so there is no star rating. But the safety kit is not excellent by modern standards and relies on the foundations of an old car. There is a drivers airbag, but only Racing receives a standard passenger airbag - on all other models it is optional. 1.4 also lacks ABS. However, security is better, with a standard alarm and immobilizer. The seats will fold for a more usable loading area; its quite large with them down. The shape and height of the boot make it difficult to insert bulky items. The interior is well finished, with a standard Ford dashboard. Good sporty driving position, although larger men find it a bit cramped on longer journeys. The sport seats are supportive and comfortable. Its a bit of a struggle to fit two adults in the back; even children will fumble at the prospect. The two rear seats are more useful for storage and handy for shopping bags. It works better as a two-seater, with more space in front. The 1.7 engine fits the Puma chassis superbly and makes it feel like a hot hatch. In Racing specimens, it has 155 HP and reaches 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds - thats a second faster than the standard 1.7. 1.4 is adequate but feels slow in comparison. 1.6 is better but still doesnt come close to the original 1.7. All models come with built-in fun. It is well balanced, responsive, and there is a sporty feel to the clutch and gearbox. The ride is compliant (except for Racing, which is a bit hard but very sporty).
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