Ford has kept the refreshed smart design and practicality that has made the Puma such a hit and added their own smooth and punchy electric motor to give fans of the compact SUV even more choice.
In this instalment of Drive Time John tries out the new Ford Puma electric and discovers how Mazda is making changes to its two premium flagship SUV models for the next model year.
The Ford Puma is the UK's best selling car and has proved to be a huge favourite with British motorists.
Last year it sold almost 50,000 units and now Ford has made it available as an all-electric model.
Thankfully, Ford has kept the refreshed smart design and practicality that has made the Puma such a hit and added their own smooth and punchy electric motor to give fans of the compact SUV even more choice.
The new electric model is just what you would expect from a Puma, it is responsive and agile and is perfect in town and country.
The handling is sharp and the suspension deals well with bumps and rough roads despite its extra weight.
The Gen-E produces 168bhp with instant torque and can reach 62mph in just eight seconds thanks to its 43kWh battery that is good for a combined range of 233 miles.
The battery supports rapid charging and as a result can go from 10-80 per cent in just 23 minutes.
Home charging on a normal wall box will take about seven hours - ideal for overnight use.
Inside Ford has continued the good work and there is a smart 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 12.0-inch touchscreen which offers crisp graphics and good controls.
Thankfully, Ford has kept physical buttons for the climate controls so drivers will not have to fiddle with the touchscreen on the move.
There is full smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging point and a full list of driver aids.
The more expensive versions add keyless entry, a B&O sound system and a powered hands-free tailgate.
On the practical front, there is a large 43-litre "frunk" ideal for storing your cables and the main boot provides 574 litres of total luggage space - including 145 litres in its clever Gigabox.
Two trim levels are available, the Select costing from £29,995 and the Premium version which starts at £31,995.
I sampled the Select and it has everything you need and a slightly longer range at 233 miles compared to 226 miles.
In real terms you can expect to get about 170 miles before charging, which stacks up well against its many rivals.
The electric Puma is a welcome addition to Ford's range and it is certain to be as popular as its petrol powered siblings.
Mechanical: 43kWh battery, 168ps, driving front wheels via single speed automatic.
Meanwhile, Mazda's two flagship SUVs are to get updates for the next model year with the cars arriving in the UK in the summer.
The comprehensive package of changes to the CX-60 and CX-80 will include tech upgrades, new active safety technology along with new wheels and interior improvements.
The smart exterior styling of both models will remain unchanged, but Exclusive-Line grade cars will now feature smart new 20-inch alloy wheel designs.
Replacing the outgoing 18-inch wheel, the new wheels are metallic silver on CX-60 and bright silver on CX-80, with both designs enhancing overall appearance.
Across all models, Mazda's popular Polymetal Grey paint colour is added to the CX-60 and CX-80 for the first time.
Inside, the 2026 CX-60 and 2026 CX-80 will continue to feature high-quality materials such as real maple wood, Nappa leather and Japanese textiles.
Each model remains a true expression of Mazda's crafted approach and its enduring Crafted in Japan spirit.
New for the 2026 model year, the Mazda CX-60 and CX-80 Homura and Homura Plus variants will offer a stylish tan interior1 with quilted Nappa leather seats, a two-tone leather steering wheel, and a suede-look dashboard while across all trim grades onboard refinement levels are boosted by the fitment of noise-insulating glass to the front doors.
Reinforcing their Euro NCAP 5-star rating, the active safety technology tally on the Mazda CX-60 and CX-80 is further increased with all 2026 Mazda CX-60 and CX-80 models now featuring Driver Emergency Assist2 (DEA).
Working with Driver Monitoring, DEA detects sudden medical emergencies, takes control, slows the vehicle, and brings it to a safe stop.
Once stationary it automatically unlocks the doors to allow emergency responders quick access.
In addition, the 2026 CX-60 now features a suite of safety and driver assistance technologies first introduced on the flagship CX-80.
The CX-60's Driver Monitoring system now comes as standard, along with key safety features such as Smart Brake Support Head-on collision mitigation and Emergency Lane Keeping Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist.
Starting from the Exclusive-Line grade, it also includes Smart Brake Support Front Crossing with Front Cross Traffic Alert and Front Cross Traffic Braking, along with the Towing Hitch Guide function.
These enhancements strengthen its comprehensive safety package, while additional technologies - including Cruising & Traffic Support with Unresponsive Driver Support3 and Smart Brake Support Rear Crossing4 - are also available.
Day-to-day driver convenience takes a step forward with the introduction of Amazon Alexa5 in-car voice recognition, allowing natural voice control for navigation, entertainment, and connected features.
The CX-60 also gains a hybrid navigation system offering alternative route calculations, point-of-interest search, and seven years of free map updates.
As well as meeting the Euro6e-bis emission standards, the diesel-powered CX-60 and CX-80 models are now approved for the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil 100 (HVO 100) fuel, with the choice of this biofuel underlining Mazda's ongoing commitment to sustainability through the adoption of cleaner, renewable fuel options.