Ford Puma and Fiesta hybrids get new automatic gearbox

Ford has expanded the Puma and Fiesta line-ups, adding a new seven-speed automatic gearbox option for the cars’ turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrains. The new versions of both cars will go on sale in the Spring, with prices expected to start from around £23,000 for the Fiesta Hybrid and £24,000 for the Puma Hybrid.

Ford says that in-gear acceleration for the 123bhp Puma Hybrid automatic has improved by four percent over the current non-hybrid model. The more powerful 153bhp Puma Hybrid automatic is also 0.2 seconds faster from 0–62mph, with a time of 8.7 seconds.

The Puma’s automatic gearbox has been designed to hold lower gears when the car is in Sport mode, while the transmission can perform “triple downshifts” when the engine is under heavy load, according to Ford. The manufacturer says this makes for faster overtaking. Drivers can also select gears manually using the paddles behind the steering wheel.

The new dual-clutch gearbox isn’t all about performance, though. Ford also expects both the Puma and Fiesta Hybrids’ CO2 emissions will decrease by around five per cent over the equivalent petrol models, thanks in equal parts to the electrical assistance and the added efficiency of the automatic gearbox.

Ford is yet to finalise the cars’ official fuel economy and emissions figures, but the brand expects the 123bhp Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid will return between 48.7 and 49.5mpg, while producing 118–128g/km of CO2. The 123bhp Puma EcoBoost Hybrid is set to chart the same economy figures, but slightly higher emissions of between 129–131g/km of CO2.

Finally, Ford expects the 153bhp Puma EcoBoost Hybrid will have a fuel economy figure of between 47.8 and 48.7mpg, with emissions ranging between 131–134g/km of CO2.

Ford has also added a little extra technology to both cars thanks to the new gearbox. Both hybrid models can now be specified with adaptive cruise control with stop and go, meaning the car can regulate speed itself in traffic, braking and accelerating on its own. It will even slow to a halt in a queue.

It’s likely that Ford’s new seven-speed DCT hybrid powertrain will replace the non-electrically assisted automatic versions of the Puma and the Fiesta. If so, the Puma line-up could be electrified across the board, with the exception of the range-topping ST model.

Currently, Ford’s seven-speed automatic gearbox is only available on the most expensive versions of the Fiesta – and we expect that’ll remain unchanged. For the time being, the entry-level Trend specification will still be offered with a naturally aspirated 1.1-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, as well as non-mild-hybrid versions of Ford’s turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine, offering either 94bhp or 123bhp.

Looking for more Ford content? Check out our review of the range-topping Ford Puma ST here…