Until Hyundai starts production of the 2022 model year Kona N, the Puma ST remains the most interesting crossover in the European subcompact segment. Produced on the Fiesta’s platform, the jacked-up brother of the Fiesta ST hot hatchback has been put through its paces by AutoTopNL.
With launch control on and 4,200 rpm on the tacho, the go-faster SUV shoots to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in 7.14 seconds as opposed to Ford’s claimed acceleration time of 6.7 seconds. YouTube channel AutoTopNL has managed to push the Puma ST to 218 kph (135 mph) according to GPS data, which is very close to the automaker’s official figure of 220 kph (137 mph).
The satellite-based telemetry system recorded the quarter-mile pass in 14.99 seconds, half-mile in 23.56 seconds, and standing mile in 38.17 seconds. All in all, pretty impressive for a 1.5-liter turbo mill with only three cylinders.
Available from 30,900 euros in Germany (make that $36,920 at current exchange rates), the Puma ST is five grand costlier than the Fiesta ST. Only two equipment levels are offered at the present moment, and both feature 225/40 rubber wrapped around 19- by 8.0-inch alloy wheels. The pictured Mean Green paint option is the most expensive of the lot at 1,000 euros.
Recaro sport seats with part-leather upholstery and Alcantara-esque Miko Dinamica are standard too. Ford of Europe charges extra for the Driver Assistance Package, which is a bit uncanny at the price point of the Puma ST. What's more, you'll need the 1,200-euro Performance Package for launch control, the gear shift indicator, and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
The Ford Motor Company has also limited the already limited appeal of the Puma ST by offering a six-speed manual transmission, which is an uninspired decision because customers in the Old Continent are starting to favor two pedals over the stick shift. Mercedes, for example, has announced that it will phase out manuals by 2030. As if that wasn’t enough, automatics accounted for more than 50 percent of new-car sales in the United Kingdom last year.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News