Yet More Awards for ‘Truly Outstanding’ Ford Puma and Ranger

Ford Puma is What Car? small sports utility vehicle of the year

DUNTON, U.K. - Ford’s acclaimed Puma crossover and rugged Ranger pick-up have started 2022 with awards in the UK from consumer bible What Car?

Puma has been voted What Car?’s Small Sports Utility Vehicle of the Year for the third successive year.

What Car? editor Steve Huntingford said: “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.”

The hot Puma ST, which was crowned What Car?’s 2021 Sports SUV of the Year soon after its launch, has been awarded the accolade for a second year running, beating Porsche’s Macan and Cayenne.

“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,” added Huntingford.

Ford Puma ST is What Car? sports SUV of the year

The eighth best-selling car in the UK last year, Ford’s sporty small SUV has continued to turn heads, and now learner drivers are able to get behind the wheel, since it became the first mild hybrid car offered by long-term Ford partner, 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.

Ford’s versatile 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 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.

Ford Ranger is What Car? pick up of the year

Ranger’s segment share in the UK 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.

Huntingford said: “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.