Ford Australia has confirmed the 2023 Ford Puma small SUV will lose its current five-star ANCAP safety rating when the updated model is released in the coming months.
As reported, the Ford Puma was recently downgraded to a four-star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP testing.
Euro NCAP said the Puma was retested for the 2023 model year update and found “challenges in adult occupant protection”, which dropped it down to four stars.
In a statement to carsales today, Ford Australia described the amended four-star rating as “solid” and said it would apply to MY23 versions due to launch here early next year.
The Australian-market Puma is currently rated five stars, based on testing conducted in 2019.
“Puma has been retested according to the latest Euro NCAP test protocol,” the company said.
“With the changed requirements under the new protocol, the result for Puma is a solid four-star rating.
“Some safety-related elements have been enhanced – including improved retention systems – for the car to achieve this rating.
“Safety continues to be of the highest importance when designing and engineering our vehicles, and Ford is committed to meeting or exceeding safety requirements across the globe.”
Full details of the incoming MY23 Ford Puma are still to be released.