Ford says the new Puma ST is refined with head-turning SUV proportions, boasting that it delivers heart-pumping thrills matched with uncompromising practicality.
It also promises to deliver hot-hatchback thrills - 200PS, and just 6.7 second to launch from 0-100km/h.
The Puma ST is priced from €41,813 (excluding delivery and related costs ), and is the first Ford Performance SUV in Europe. It features a bespoke chassis that Ford says delivers great driving dynamics, and sports bold styling in exclusive Mean Green.
Standard specification on the Puma ST includes: 19” Magnetite machined alloy wheels; fixed LED signature headlamps; black painted contrast roof; dual chrome exhaust; red brake calipers; selectable driver modes (Normal/Eco/Sport/Track ); ST suspension; engine sound enhancer; Recaro sport seats with ST logo; unique ST gear shift knob; ST scuff plates; ST flat-bottomed steering wheel with metal grey stitching; and alloy sports pedals.
The Puma ST is powered by a 200PS 1.5 litre EcoBoost engine delivering 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds. An optimised chassis features bespoke twist-beam, anti-roll bar and damper configurations. Steering responses are 25 per cent faster and brakes 17 per cent larger than the standard Puma.
Specially-developed Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres also help to deliver the most agile Ford SUV driving experience yet. Puma ST is offered with the same direct, smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission as the Fiesta ST, with a shortened final drive ratio to enable 6.7-second 0-100km/h (0?62mph ) acceleration and a 220km/h (137mph ) top speed while accommodating those statement 19-inch alloy wheels.
The Puma ST is the only small performance SUV in Europe to be offered with an LSD option, which optimises front-end traction to enhance cornering ability and minimise understeer, in particular on the exit of corners. It is also enhanced with other sophisticated sports technologies such as patented force vectoring springs. This also improve the Puma ST’s stability, agility and responsiveness. The non-uniform, non-interchangeable, directionally-wound springs apply vectoring forces to the rear suspension and enable cornering forces to travel directly into the spring, for increased lateral stiffness. The balance between the two features has been fine-tuned by Ford Performance to optimise grip on dry surfaces and smoothness on wet surfaces.
The Puma ST further enhances Ford’s B-car architecture to counterbalance the vehicle’s naturally higher centre of gravity. The rear suspension twist-beam is uprated to 2,000Nm/deg torsional stiffness, an increase of more than 40 per cent compared with Fiesta ST and 50 per cent compared to the standard Puma, with a 28mm anti-roll bar integrated into the U?section. A front 24mm anti-roll bar also contributes to cornering stability.
Steering is a focal point of any ST model as it is key for the interaction between driver and vehicle, which gives an exceptional response. The direct and precise vehicle reaction provides confidence – a key ingredient for fun-to-drive. Braking performance is also optimised for a true ST driving experience. Front discs are increased by 17 per cent in diameter compared with the standard Puma specification to 325mm, and 271mm discs feature at the rear. Puma ST’s brake booster is tuned for modulation, feel and feedback that supports performance driving. Peak power is available at 6,000rpm, with peak torque increased to 320Nm between 2,500rpm and 3,500rpm, contributing to linear acceleration and enhanced responsiveness.
