Ford Puma 2021 News

From home-grown V8 sedans to Japanese sports coupes and European hot hatches, Australian buyers love performance cars.In recent years the trend has shifted from coupes and sedans to performance-honed SUVs, which is no surprise given the general market shi

Most car-makers are a very risk-averse bunch, electing to swim safely with others rather than against the tide or in unchartered waters.

We all do it. Look at new-car prices, think ‘maybe one day’… then that day arrives and the prices have leapt higher than toilet paper sales on the eve of yet another lockdown.

Skoda has given its Kamiq range an overhaul, introducing a pair of new models to try and continue the initial success of the Toyota Yaris Cross-challenging compact SUV.The new range begins with the Kamiq 110TSI Ambition, which effectively replaces the previously offered 85TSI model that is no longer available locally. That means all Kamiq will now be powered by the same 110kW turbocharged petrol engine, but the Ambition gets the choice of manual or DSG.The more powerful engine does mean a sharp price increase for the entry-level Kamiq model. The 85TSI started at $26,390 (plus on-road costs), but the 110TSI Ambition will be priced from $32,390 for the manual and $33,390 for the dual-clutch auto. That’s a hefty $6000 increase to get into a Kamiq. Both of those prices exclude on-road costs and Skoda will offer a drive-away deal with the Ambition manual starting at $32,990 and the auto $34,990.The extra money brings extra equipment too, with the Ambition loaded with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED tail lights with animated turn signal, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ‘virtual cockpit’ digital instrument panel, rear view camera with rear parking sensors, Lane Assist with lane keeping system and a power tailgate.The Ambition isn’t the only new variant, with the Limited Edition launch variant now discontinued in favour of the Kamiq 110TSI Signature. The new pair will sandwich the Kamiq Monte Carlo that remains an unchanged part of the line-up.The Signature, naturally, comes with more standard equipment to justify its price. It rides on the same 18-inch alloys as the Ambition but gets silver roof rails, leather upholstery, electric driver’s seat, heated front and rear seats, an Amundsen infotainment system with 9.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as front and rear parking sensors, Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert.The Kamiq Signature is priced from $35,890 (plus on-road costs) or $38,990 drive-away.The Monte Carlo has increased slightly, up $1100 compared to the previous model, so it now starts at $35,290 (plus on-road costs) or $37,990 drive-away.All Kamiq are available with an optional panoramic roof for an additional $1300 or a tow bar for $2000.Servicing can be bought as pre-paid packages, with three-years costing $800 and five-years $1400. All Skoda models are covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

Is this the end of the road for the hot hatch?At the start of last decade, the thought that SUVs would overtake passenger cars was considered outrageous. And the idea that SUVs would become popular performance vehicles even more outlandish.

Earlier this year, before the coronavirus turned the world on its head, we asked the question - was Ford Australia still living on its image as the 'Falcon Car Company' and leaving the Ranger to do all the heavy lifting in the sales race?This year had the

Ford Australia has released pricing and specification for its new Puma small SUV, which is due in showrooms in the second half of this year

Ford Performance has revealed the sportiest version of the Blue Oval’s new light SUV, the Puma ST, but will the Hyundai Kona N-Line rival be sold in Australia

The new Ford Puma has been awarded a maximum five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) rating, though the crossover was tested overseas using last year's examination standards.While the Ford Puma is just hitting Australian showrooms now, t

Ford's little EcoSport SUV tried and failed to win Australians over, now the car maker thinks it's got the recipe right with the launch of the new Puma.Speaking at the Australian launch of the Puma, Ford's product manager Lionel Santoso said the small SUV