Ford Europe releases all-new Ford Performance-enhanced Puma ST

For the very first time in Europe, the all-new Ford Puma ST now comes with Ford Performance driving dynamics, adding agility and and dexterity to the compact SUV.

The all-new Puma ST starts at £28,495 (PHP1.8 million), and is powered by a 1.5 liter EcoBoost engine, propelling the car from a standstill to 100 kph in just 6.7 seconds. Also onboard is an optimized chassis with a bespoke twist-beam, an anti-roll bar, as well as damper configurations. Ford also upgraded the new Puma to have a steering response that is 25 per cent faster and brakes that are 17 per cent larger than the standard Puma. The Puma ST is also equipped with specially-developed Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

That's not all though, as Ford Europe also enhanced the Puma ST with sophisticated Sports Technologies including a one of a kind limited-slip differential (LSD) option – part of the £950 (PHP60,000) Performance Pack. The package also includes patented force vectoring springs and selectable Drive Modes including Sport mode and Eco mode.

“Real driving enthusiasts aren’t going to settle for less excitement just because life demands a more ‘sensible’ car, so our number one priority was that the Puma ST had to be as exhilarating and capable as every ST model, without sacrificing any of Puma’s practicality,” said Stefan Muenzinger, Ford Performance manager, Europe. “We believe that we have the best-handling small SUV in its segment. It really does feel connected and has the true ST feel. It is a joy to drive.” 

Ford Performance partnered up with Michelin to develop a bespoke tire specification to perfectly complement the Puma ST’s enhanced chassis. The special edition Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires can fully take advantage of the additional traction offered by the optional Quaife mechanical limited-slip differential, available in the optional performance pack. 

The Puma ST is currently the only small performance SUV in Europe to be offered with an LSD. The LSD option works alongside Torque Vectoring Control, a feature that improves road-holding and reduces understeer by applying brake force to the inside front wheel upon cornering. 

Puma ST’s better-than-ever steering delivers an 11.4:1 ratio – delivering the aforementioned 25 per cent faster response than the standard Puma. 

Ford’s 1.5 liter EcoBoost engine (first seen in the iconic award-winning Fiesta ST) features advanced turbocharging and high-pressure fuel injection technologies. The engine pushes out 197 horses along with 320 Nm of torque. Puma ST is offered with the same direct, smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission as the Fiesta ST.

"Selectable Drive Modes are key to the Puma ST’s versatility," says Ford in a press release. "From a Track mode that configures the performance SUV for maximum fun-to-drive, to Eco mode, offered for the first time on an ST model, Drive Modes alter Puma ST’s character to suit scenario or mood."

The Puma’s sporty styling has been refreshed as well, as the ST variant now includes a sloping roofline silhouette and flared wheel arches. A Ford Performance-embossed splitter is integrated into the front bumper to increase front end downforce by almost 80 per cent, increasing stability and traction. The massive rear roof spoiler also enhances the SUV's aerodynamics, with a distinctive diffuser incorporated into the rear bumper. 

Ford offers two different wheel finishes for the Puma ST, namely: magnetite or machined metal finishes for the standard 19-inch alloy wheels. There are also six available exterior body colors include Agate Black, Desert Island Blue, Fantastic Red, Frozen White, Magnetic and bold, ST-exclusive Mean Green.

The interior of the Puma ST is equally charismatic and engaging, as the SUV comes equipped with heated, bolstered Recaro sports seats embossed with the ST logo and finished in grippy Miko Dinamica material, along with Ford Performance skid plates, and a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.

The Puma ST also comes standard with a wireless charging pad, a heated windshield, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers and Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A premium B&O sound system also comes as standard.

"Standard FordPass Connect modem technology allows Puma ST owners to remotely control a selection of vehicle features – including Door Lock Unlock and Vehicle Locator – via the FordPass mobile app," says Ford. "The modem also enables cloud-connected Local Hazard Information, which can inform drivers of a hazardous situation on the road ahead, even if the incident is not visible due to a bend in the road or other vehicles." Other available driver assistive technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking, Active Park Assist, and Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking. 

Photo/s from Ford

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