Just a little over a yr since its launch, and the Ford Puma compact crossover has turn out to be a agency fixture within the High 10 UK best-selling vehicles listing.
Up till now it’s solely been obtainable with the superb 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine in numerous states of tune, however now there’s the sporty ST model.
Utilizing the identical 197bhp 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder unit because the Fiesta ST (however with torque boosted from 214lb ft to 236lb ft), Ford hopes it could actually work the identical magic with this distinctive, barely greater, extra sensible automobile.
At first look, there’s not a lot to differentiate the ST from the smaller-engined ST-Line, aside from ST badging and some delicate tweaks, together with twin exhaust ideas and new alloys.
That is in all probability the fitting determination as a result of too many boy racer additions would restrict its enchantment. Plus, in case you go for Imply Inexperienced, you stand out fairly sufficient, thanks very a lot.
Inside, the most important distinction is a pair of Recaro sports activities seats, a flat-bottomed ST steering wheel, plus ST-branded gear knob and door sill protectors.
Elsewhere, the ST will get the identical 12.3-inch digital driver’s show and eight.0-inch central infotainment display screen as a high-spec common Puma, with built-in sat-nav, Apple and Android smartphone mirroring and a wi-fi phone-charging pad.
The 456-litre boot can also be carried over, together with the waterproof and drainable ‘Megabox’ underfloor storage space.
Some scoff on the Megabox as a result of it’s simply utilising the area the place historically a full-sized spare wheel could be stored. That is true, however the further storage makes an enormous distinction and the Puma actually can swallow a shocking quantity of bags.
Energy is shipped by the entrance wheels by way of a six-speed handbook gearbox, leading to a 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds, a 137mph high velocity, gasoline economic system of 40.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 155g/km CO2.
Different adjustments out of sight embody a suspension that’s firmer and decrease, plus uprated anti-roll bars.
Sounds good on paper, however how does it go, and is it worthy of the ST badge? Properly, the usual Puma drives just about the way you’d anticipate a crossover based mostly on the acclaimed Fiesta to drive, which isn’t any unhealthy factor.
The Puma ST takes it up a notch or two, mixing spectacular engine responsiveness with fast steering, highly effective brakes and wonderful physique management.
Speed up arduous out of a bend and the traction is excellent, due to an non-compulsory mechanical limited-slip differential (a rarity on this value vary) and specially-developed Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
There’s no scarcity of grunt from the engine, whereas the slick six-speed gearbox has a brief shift motion and the gear ratios are effectively chosen.
Even the driving place, complemented by supportive Recaros, is close to excellent.
Okay, it’s not fairly as nimble because the smaller Fiesta ST, however Ford’s engineers have carried out a improbable job crafting a compact crossover this partaking to drive.
There are 4 selectable driving modes (Eco, Regular, Sport and Observe), however with a experience that’s on the agency aspect, Regular will do exactly wonderful for on a regular basis driving and reserve Sport for enjoyable on more difficult roads.
Claimed gasoline economic system is just about on the cash, although we managed to squeeze as a lot as a 45mpg out of it on a gentle motorway run.
Competitively priced from £28,510, a Efficiency Pack (with goodies together with a Mechanical Restricted Slip Differential and Launch Management) is an additional £950, whereas the £600 Drive Help Pack provides nice-to-haves comparable to Adaptive Cruise Management and a rear-view digicam.
Verdict: With its successful mix of dynamic drive, practicality and funky appears to be like, the well-equipped, surprisingly spacious Puma ST sports activities crossover is a welcome addition to the Quick Ford household.
