The Ford Puma ST is a standout SUV that demands attention from the moment you set your eyes on it. The dual grill, reminiscent of the ST design, not only looks impressive but also ensures optimal airflow to the exhilarating (albeit small) engine. With its performance splitter and larger headlights, the front exudes confidence and excitement, making it the perfect companion for thrilling family trips.
While the dimensions remain similar to the regular Puma, the ST version takes it up a notch with its additions. Cosmetically, the black mirror caps and side skirts (aka side spears) give it a sporty and edgy look, a theme that’s underlined by the red ST badging front and rear. However, it’s not all looks without substance. The 19-inch wheels and 325 mm disc brakes provide necessary grip stopping power, while the Hitachi Twin Tube frequency adaptive dampers ensure you feel every inch of the road beneath you, while remaining fixed to it too. Oh and let’s not forget the twist beam suspension in the rear that offers 50% more rigidity for improved cornering.
Underneath the bonnet, you’ll find a tiny yet incredibly high-performance 1L 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine that when combined with a seven-speed gearbox and mild hybrid system, delivers 118 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque. This translates to a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of just 7.4 seconds, all while sipping fuel at a rate of 6.2 L per 100 km and emitting a modest 140 g/km of CO2. Alright, so 118kW of power doesn’t sound like a lot but don’t let the numbers fool you; it’s all about the ‘travelling’ performance of this sporty Puma that’s accompanied by an engine note that emits a sound that will leave you grinning with every press of the accelerator.
Inside the Puma ST, the ST treatment continues to impress. The entrance is marked by ST door sills, red stitching accents, a sporty steering wheel, and carbon fibre treatments, elevating the overall aesthetic and reminding you of the special car you’re in. But the highlight is undoubtedly the supportive and comfortable ST/Ford Performance seats. These seats, with the adjustable lumbar support and thigh extension, cater to different body shapes (even mine) while keeping you snug and secure.
The Ford infotainment system is well-integrated into the dashboard, offering all the standard features you would expect. The driver also benefits from a customizable driver display, providing access to various settings and performance gauges. The steering wheel-mounted controls make it easy to adjust audio settings and use the adaptive cruise control but the driving mode buttons are there (Eco, Normal, Sport) and there’s a shortcut button that hyperlinks you to the fun zone – basically Sport.
Now sharp looks and clever tech is one thing (ok two), but it’s on the road where the Puma ST truly shines. Along with some more mundane city trips, my review time took me north of Auckland and out towards some of the ‘less popular’ tarmac, I’m sure you know what I’m getting at.
With its well-weighted, precise steering (requiring 25% less input for sharper turns vs regular Puma) and responsive chassis combination primed for action, roads with corners became the thing I hunted for – and was immediately rewarded. The ST’s firm suspension and chassis rigidity returns a remarkable level of confidence, and just quietly inspires you to push the Puma ST way past your regular comfort zone, all the while, the AGR seats grip you securely, ensuring you feel every turn and bump, believe me, you WILL spill your coffee.
Now, admittedly the Puma ST isn’t a straight line speed demon, however, this doesn’t mean it lacks thrills. Quite the contrary, in fact, it’s a car that allows you to make the most of legal speed limits, offering an ideal blend of agility and excitement. Basically, the Puma ST manages to strike a balance between delivering heart racing performance and offering a ensured, safe and controlled ride.
But the Puma ST isn’t just about performance either; it’s also designed to be practical for everyday use. Equipped with modern convenience features, such as self-parking capabilities, valet mode, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the Puma ST is equally adept at handling the demands of daily commutes as it is at offering fun B-road adventures.
What’s impressive too was the fusion of the Puma ST’s mild hybrid system (a little battery sign above the fuel gauge or a hybrid screen) and its dedicated sport mode, it allowed me to unleash maximum efficiency in the city (alright 6.2 L/100 km) while extracting all I could from its 1L powertrain on the open road, as I mentioned before, it’s a versatile and well-rounded package.
There are some vehicles that I am REALLY reluctant to hand the keys back to, and the Ford Puma ST falls into that category. In my mind it lives on as a spiritual successor to the ‘gone but not forgotten’ Fiesta ST, with tight-track driving dynamics giving it impressive ‘overall’ performance (it’s not all about the speed in the straights). But its dual-mode nature means that it’s cool around town too. Seriously take this SUV for a spin and brace yourself for a wild and exhilarating ride.
