Ford Puma ST revealed with a bold and sporty new look
SUV practicality with hot hatch performance and driving dynamics. This is the new Ford Puma ST.
Comparing the ST model with the current Puma, the mild-hybrid 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine has been swapped out for the 1.5-litre turbo, which is being used in Ford’s Fiesta ST. Peak power is available at 6,000rpm, with peak torque increased to 320Nm which produces a 0-60 mph time of 6.7-second and reaches top speed of a 137 mph.
“Real driving enthusiasts aren’t going to settle for less excitement just because life demands a more ‘sensible’ car, so our number one priority was that the Puma ST had to be as exhilarating and capable as every ST model, without sacrificing any of Puma’s practicality,” said Stefan Muenzinger, Ford Performance manager, Europe.
You have the ability to adjust the Puma ST’s driving mode to suit your mood:
- In Normal mode: engine mapping, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), active exhaust valve and electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) are configured to deliver natural responsiveness and a connected feel.
- In Eco mode: engine mapping and throttle response are configured for maximum fuel efficiency.
- In Sport mode: engine mapping and throttle pedal response are sharpened, and EPAS settings adjusted to deliver more feedback and finer control for fast road driving. The active noise control valve opens to intensify the sporty exhaust note. Sport mode is accessible immediately using a dedicated button on the steering wheel.
- In Track mode: all vehicle dynamics features are tuned for the fastest possible lap times, traction control is disabled, and ESC interventions are set to wide-slip mode for the purest driving experience.
For an extra £950 you could have access to a launch control function which comes with its dedicated graphics within the instrument cluster as part of the Performance Pack.
The sporty design comes from the sloping roofline silhouette and pronounced wheel arches. The large rear roof spoiler also supports optimised aerodynamics. Ford’s signature ST upper and lower grilles are designed to deliver increased engine cooling capability.
A Ford Performance-embossed splitter is integrated into the front bumper which boosts the front-end downforce by almost 80 percent for improved stability and traction.
The Puma ST offers Magnetite or machined metal finishes for the standard 19in alloy wheels, and six available exterior body colours include Agate Black, Desert Island Blue, Fantastic Red, Frozen White, Magnetic and bold, ST-exclusive Mean Green.
Inside, the Puma’s system delivers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility at no extra cost and is supported by an 8in central touchscreen. A premium B&O sound system is available as standard also.
The MegaBox is included in the ST which offers best-in-class load space of 456 litres. Basically, it’s a box… we go into more detail in our review of the Ford Puma.
Standard FordPass Connect modem technology allows Puma ST owners to remotely control a selection of vehicle features – including Door Lock Unlock and Vehicle Locator – via the FordPass mobile app.