Ford brings the famous letter combination ST to the Puma and that means that the smallest crossover like Puma ST has been transformed into a real fun machine. It gets the same engine as the Fiesta ST!
Ford currently supplies the Fiesta and the Focus as ST in the Netherlands, and now a completely new ST model is added: the Puma ST. The Ford Puma is the first SUV-like of the brand in Europe with a sporty ST version, but internationally it is not the first. In the United States, Ford already supplies an ST version of the Explorer. The Puma is technically closely related to the Fiesta and so it is no surprise that the Puma ST gets the same power plant as the already famous Fiesta ST. That is certainly not a punishment!
The Puma ST has a 200 hp and 320 Nm strong 1.5-liter three-cylinder Ecoboost in its sporty muzzle. Always coupled to a manual six-speed power source, the Puma ST reaches 100 km / h in 6.7 seconds. Its top speed is 220 km / h. In fact, the Puma ST has no direct competitors. Honda offers a Sport version of the HR-V with a blown 1.6 of 180 hp. However, that car is much less hardcore than Ford’s youngest toy.
Ford Puma ST
Hardcore
Ford gives the 1,358-kilo Puma ST much more than just a powerful petrol engine. For example, it has a modified torsion beam, a thicker stabilizer bar and a better sprung sports suspension. According to Ford, the steering responds 25 percent faster to input than with the regular Puma. Inhibitions that are 17 percent larger should be able to calm the Puma ST properly. The front discs measure 32.5 centimeters in diameter while the rear ones measure 27.1 centimeters. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are folded around the standard 19-inch wheels. But the ST party doesn’t end there. If you pay extra, you can get the Puma ST with a mechanical limited slip differential. Virtually unique in this segment. Nice detail: the Puma ST has new engine mounts that should better keep the blown 1.5 in place during tough cornering.
The Puma ST has various driving modes, including the conventional Normal, Eco and Sport modes. New is the Track mode, a mode in which traction control is switched off and all aids are fully focused on setting fast lap times. Also new: launch control, a position that can be selected via the steering wheel, in which the entire powertrain is fully geared to achieving the shortest possible sprint time.
Appearance
Such a nice collection of sporty hardware naturally requires a dynamic-looking exterior. The Puma ST has its own bumper work, complete with large openings and black inserts. The splitter in the front bumper provides almost 80 percent more downward pressure on the muzzle than with the regular ones. After all, more pressure on the front wheels helps to transfer the 200 horses to the asphalt. On top of the tailgate we observe a large rear spoiler. At the bottom of the buttocks, on the right side, hangs a set of dual exhaust pipes. ST badges, along with things like a black roof, black side mirror caps and various small black details, cannot be missed at a modern ST party.
Interior Ford Puma ST
In the interior, Ford screws special Recaro sports seats, Miko Dinamica upholstered specimens with embroidered ST logos that keep the driver and co-driver properly in place. The leather-covered steering wheel is flattened at the bottom and the gear knob has an ST appearance of course. Seats, seat belts and the handbrake lever are finished with gray stitching, just like the floor mats.
Prices and equipment
Ford has not yet officially announced the price of the Puma ST. Techzle was previously able to report that the Puma ST will receive a tax price of € 39,795. If we add the costs of getting ready to drive of € 930, this results in a confirmed starting price of € 40,725.