Mechanically it is the same as the Puma ST that is currently on sale, using the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. With 197ps (bhp) being delivered via front-wheel drive it is expertly controlled by a six-speed manual gearbox allowing it to sprint to 60mph in only 6.7 seconds, which for a small performance SUV is very impressive. Having taken some of its racing pedigree and under the bonnet design from the Ford Fiesta ST the Puma actually boasts a faster 0-60mph time with the Fiesta ST getting to that speed 0.2 seconds slower.
On a quick comparison the Puma ST is technically similar to the Fiesta ST with the chassis being largely based on the Fiesta and sharing the same suspension and rear axle. The dimensions of the small SUV compared to the hatchback also bring changes with the Puma having a 70mm wider body, an extra 95mm wheelbase and increased track widths of 27mm compared to the Fiesta, bringing it into the Small SUV category. With the iconic Recaro bucket seats in Fords performance vehicles the driving position is similar to most performance Fords such as the Fiesta ST and the Focus ST and ST-line.
Amko Leenarts, Ford’s design director has said “To create something truly special for our loyal performance fans, we’ve moved to a forward-looking approach in co-creating the Puma ST Gold Edition with them, the number of votes cast shows just how enthusiastic our customers are – and that they have excellent taste.” This is not the first time Ford has actually taken opinions from ‘outsiders’ to produce a car as they asked gamers from Team Fordzilla (Ford’s E-Sport team) to concept a racing car which a 1:1 scale model was created as a concept idea, but unlike the Puma ST this car doesn’t drive and is not for sale.
Deliveries will commence towards the end of this year with orders being taken soon you can register your interest at: https://www.ford.co.uk/shop/research/keep-me-informed . But with a limited number being produced, getting your hands on one will be a tough task.