Tuesday, April 5th, 2022
FORD PUMA AND RANGER RETAIN THEIR TITLES AT 2022 WHAT CAR? AWARDS
Ford’s acclaimed Puma crossover and rugged Ranger pick-up have again won awards from consumer bible What Car?
For the third successive year, the stylish and dynamic Ford Puma has been voted What Car?’s small sports utility vehicle of the year.
What Car? editor Steve Huntingford said: “This is the third year in a row that the Puma has won small SUV of the year and, in truth, no rival has come close to taking its crown. But then, the Puma is a truly outstanding car. With its nippy acceleration and agile handling, it puts a big smile on your face. Yet you can buy it with your sensible hat on, too, thanks to its low CO2 emissions, excellent real-world fuel economy, cleverly designed boot and attractive monthly PCP costs.”
Newly introduced last year was the hot Puma ST, which promptly became What Car?’s 2021 sports SUV of the year, and holds the accolade for a second year running.
“Even if it cost significantly more than it does, the Puma ST would still be one of the most compelling sports SUVs available. It’s nothing short of miraculous that it offers such a visceral driving experience and immense practicality at the lowest price in the class,” said Steve Huntingford.
The eighth best-selling car in the UK last year, Ford’s sporty small SUV has continued to turn heads, and provide the first taste of motoring for learner drivers after it became the first mild hybrid car offered by the AA Driving School.
Picking up the hot SUV title again comes at a great time for the Puma ST, as the fan-designed Puma ST Gold Edition is about to hit UK roads, alongside a Ford Puma ST-Line X Gold Edition.
Ranger growth
Ford’s versatile and eye-catching Ranger has featured in What Car?’s pick-up category every year the magazine and advice site has judged this growing slice of the market.
This year Ford Ranger is again What Car? pick-up of the year, repeating its 2021 win, immediately following two years of price point wins, demonstrating best value over competitors.
Ranger’s segment share has grown from 20 per cent in 2016 to 40 per cent in 2021, now accounting for one in three pick-ups sold in the UK. It has been the UK’s best-seller since 2016 and also remains Europe’s best-selling pick up.
On winning pick-up of 2022, Steve Huntingford added: “Despite beefy suspension that enables it to carry payloads of more than a tonne, the Ranger rides in a far more civilised manner than rivals, whether lightly laden or loaded up with cargo. What’s more, it handles tidily, has a gutsy engine and makes a lot of financial sense, thanks to attractive servicing costs and strong resale values.”
Four new series have been added to the Ranger line-up, expanding the range from five to nine models.