Mild hybrid on the way
Ford New Zealand will be adding a mild hybrid (MHEV) version to its Puma range during the second quarter of next year.
The new compact crossover will feature the marque’s EcoBoost Hybrid 48V technology and come in two MHEV variants – the Ford Puma EcoBoost MHEV and the Ford Puma EcoBoost ST-Line MHEV.
Ford’s powertrain integrates electric torque assistance with a low-friction, three-cylinder one-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver up to 210Nm.
Rachel White, Ford NZ marketing manager, passenger and SUV, says: “Our customers love their new Ford Pumas. Adding the mild hybrid next year will increase its appeal even further and give those looking for an electrified solution a fantastic choice.”
The MHEV architecture is designed to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, while also delivering powerful and responsive performance.
EcoBoost Hybrid technology pairs with an 11.5kW belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG), which replaces the standard alternator and enables recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48V lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack.
The BISG also acts as a motor, integrating with the engine and using the stored energy to provide torque assistance during normal driving and acceleration, as well as running the vehicle’s electrical ancillaries.
The self-regulating MHEV system has 91kW of power and continuously monitors how the vehicle is being used to determine when and how intensively to charge the battery.
Engineers says the BISG has allowed them to lower engine compression ratio in the SUV and add a larger turbocharger for more power.
It also means the Puma engine can be restarted in about 300 milliseconds – about the same as the blink of an eye – which means the vehicle’s auto start-stop technology can operate in a wider range of scenarios and deliver more fuel savings.
Selectable drive-mode technology means drivers can adjust throttle response, ESC, traction control, and gearshift timings for automatic models. Drive modes include normal, eco, sport, slippery and trail.
Other features of the Puma MHEV are new, stiffer twist-beam rear suspension, larger shock absorbers, stiffer suspension bushes and optimised suspension top mounts to reduce friction and enhance stiffness throughout the chassis to support optimal driving dynamics.
Pricing details will be available closer to arrival.
