Introducing the New Ford Puma ST
Combining everyday practicality with the thrill and excitement of a Ford Performance vehicle, new Puma ST will suit a variety of buyers.
It looks every inch the sporty vehicle that it is, with the already handsome exterior of the Puma adorned with some eye-catching upgrades. There's a downforce-increasing front splitter, large rear roof spoiler and a unique rear diffuser to kick things off, and that's before you notice the signature ST upper and lower front grilles that allow for better engine cooling.
Sporty enhancements continue on the inside of the new Puma ST, with heated Recaro sports seats taking left and right centre stage. The Ford Performance skid plates, flat-bottomed sports steering wheel and ST gear knob confirm the abilities of the new Puma ST, even before you press the start button.
*NB - Mean Green shown in video is now discontinued.
Engines and Performance
First introduced in the hugely well-regarded Fiesta ST, the 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine produces 197bhp, enough to accelerate the new Puma ST from 0 to 62mph in as little as 6.7 seconds. An impressive acceleration figure for such a practical and spacious car.
It's a characterful engine, and despite only having three cylinders to play with manages to produce a seriously healthy 320Nm of torque, which, combined with the smooth 6-speed manual gearbox, allows for swift overtaking at any speed.
All of this performance is thanks to the bespoke air-intake, free-flowing exhaust system and a clever integrated exhaust manifold, which drastically reduces turbo lag. It's an efficient little engine too, capable of up to 40mpg on the WLTP combined cycle.
Alternatively, a 168bhp 1.0-litre engine is also available with the Puma ST, offering up to 44mpg, whilst still being able to go from 0 to 62mph in 7.4 seconds. Offered with a new 7-speed ‘Powershift’ dual-clutch automatic transmission gives buyers a different recipe to opt for when looking at this fiery compact SUV.
Chassis and Handling
Ford Performance vehicles - and Ford cars in general - are revered all over the world for their magnificent handling abilities. The manufacturing giant has worked hard to ensure this remains true with the new Puma ST, equipping it with some mightily impressive hardware.
A model which aims to redefine SUV agility, its standard 19-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres as standard - serious performance rubber. Equipping the car with the Quaife mechanical Limited Slip Differential - part of the optional Performance Pack - will result in unrivalled handling capabilities in this segment.
Uprated suspension, larger brakes and a faster steering ratio over the standard Puma results in outstanding responsiveness and purer driving enjoyment.
Technology and Drive Modes
Selectable drive modes are an essential aspect of modern performance cars, and the new Puma ST allows you the choice of four distinctive settings:
- Eco Mode - configured for maximum fuel efficiency
- Normal mode - aims to deliver a natural driving feel
- Sport Mode - activated by a button on the steering wheel, sport mode sharpens the throttle and steering response, and opens the active noise control valve on the exhaust for a sportier sound
- Track Mode - designed with lap times in mind, vehicle characteristics including steering and throttle response are altered for maximum performance. Traction control is disabled, and the ESC system is set to its least intrusive setting
Another clever feature is the Launch Control system - again part of the Performance Pack - which enables you to consistently perform perfect fast starts.
New Puma ST Models
ST
Key features:
- 19" magnetite machined alloy wheels
- Unique ST elements to front & rear body styling kit including ford performance embossed splitter
- Fixed led headlamps
- Black contrast roof
- Dual chrome exhaust
- Red brake calipers
- ST logo projection (from door mirrors)
- ST suspension
- Engine sound enhancer
- Keyless entry
- Front parking sensors
- St flat bottomed steering wheel with metal grey stitching
- Recaro sport seats with ST logo finished in partial leather and miko dinamica
- Comfort pack
- Heated front seats
- Unique ST gear shift knob
- ST scuff plates
- ST front & rear mats
- Alloy sports pedals
Test drive the new Ford Puma ST
One of the great motoring emblems - the Ford ST logo - has made its way onto the brilliant Puma compact crossover, meaning those who want the practicality and higher driving position of a compact SUV can now enjoy all of the sporty traits that those two letters bring with it.
To experience the new Puma ST for yourself, please contact your nearest Evans Halshaw Ford retailer.
