197 HP Ford Puma ST Breaks Cover, Does 0-62 MPH In 6.7 Seconds

Ford Performance has finally lifted the veils of its smallest SUV and the first of its SUVs developed for Europe, the Puma ST.

Packing the powertrain of the Fiesta ST platform sibling, the Ford Puma ST is powered by the same all-aluminum 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that makes 200 PS (197 HP) at 6,000 rpm and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque between 2,500 and 3,500 rpm.

While the power is identical with the Fiesta ST, the peak torque is 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) higher, contributing to enhanced responsiveness. The performance SUV sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds, which means it’s just 0.2 seconds slower than the lighter Fiesta ST. The hot hatch is also faster, reaching a top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph) while the Puma ST maxes out at 220 km/h (137 mph).

Manual gearbox, chassis upgrades for “the most agile Ford SUV driving experience yet”

Ford Performance says it has tuned the exhaust note to better suit the Puma ST’s more refined SUV character, making it 1 decibel quieter than the Fiesta ST for a more relaxed cruising experience. As with the hot hatch, the engine turns the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox which features a shortened final drive ratio to favor acceleration while accommodating larger 19-inch alloy wheels.

For those interested in fuel economy, the Puma ST is projected to average 6.9 l/100 km (40.9 mpg UK / 34 mpg US) in the WLTP test cycle, with corresponding CO2 emissions of 155 g/km. When it comes to the chassis, Ford Performance made significant changes over the standard Puma, including the addition of a Quaife limited-slip differential (LSD) option and force vectoring springs. Furthermore, the optimized chassis features bespoke twist-beam (40 percent stiffer than Fiesta ST), anti-roll bar and damper configurations.

The Puma ST also rides on specially-developed Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires to help deliver “the most agile Ford SUV driving experience yet” without sacrificing ride quality. Steering responses are said to be 25 percent faster while the brakes are 17 percent larger.

Subtle yet effective styling tweaks compared to the regular Puma

Selectable Drive Modes are key to the Puma ST’s versatility, offering Normal, Eco (a first on an ST model), Sport and Track modes. In addition, the three-mode ESC gives drivers the choice of full system intervention, wide-slip mode with limited intervention, and full system de-activation. A Launch Control feature is also part of the package.

In the looks department, the Puma ST is not all that different from a Puma ST-Line. Unique features include a Ford Performance-embossed splitter integrated into the front bumper to increase front end downforce by almost 80 percent, a large rear roof spoiler, and a diffuser-like element incorporated into the rear bumper.

Rounding out the exterior upgrades are the signature ST upper and lower grilles designed to deliver increased engine cooling capability, gloss black roof, mirror caps and rear roof spoiler, as well as 19-inch wheels in Magnetite or machined metal finishes. Customers can choose from six body colors, including the ST-exclusive Mean Green.

Sporty ambience in the cabin thanks to the standard Recaro sports seats

The cabin features heated Recaro sports seats embossed with the ST logo and finished in grippy Miko Dinamica material, Ford Performance skid plates, a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel and ST gear knob. The seats, gear lever gaiter and ST-branded floor mats are finished with Metal Grey stitching.

Standard features include a wireless charging pad, Quickclear heated windscreen, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers and Ford’s 8-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Puma ST also comes with standard FordPass Connect modem technology which allows owners to remotely control vehicle features, including Door Lock Unlock and Vehicle Locator, via the FordPass mobile app. The modem also enables cloud-connected Local Hazard Information.

In the UK, the Puma ST starts from £28,495 ($36,300), while the Performance Pack with limited-slip differential (LSD) adds £950 ($1,210).