The Ford Puma has been a big hit in Europe since its launch a couple of years ago, routinely ranking among the best selling vehicles in that region on a monthly basis – as well as the entirety of 2022 – and it also continues to rack up prestigious awards along the way, too. Meanwhile, The Blue Oval continues to update its popular crossover and launch new special editions in an effort to keep it fresh and competitive. The latest is this – the brand new Ford Puma ST Powershift, which features the most powerful version of the turbocharged Ford 1.0L I-3 EcoBoost engine to date.
Paired with a mild hybrid system that engages energy recovery more quickly than in other applications for faster recharging of the 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack, the Ford Puma ST Powershift generates a combined output of 170 horsepower and 248 Nm (183 pound-feet) of torque, which flows to the front wheels via a paddle-shifted, seven-speed, dual-clutch Ford Powershift transmission. According to the automaker, that translates to a 0-100 kilometer-per-hour (62 miles-per-hour) run of 7.4 seconds.
In addition to those revisions, the seven-speed gearbox used in the new Ford Puma ST Powershift is designed to keep the mild hybrid powertrain at the optimum engine speed for efficiency, but it’s also capable of performing triple downshifts, which helps it achieve maximum acceleration. With Sport Drive Mode engaged, the transmission also holds lower gears for longer durations, making for sportier responses.
Underneath, the Puma ST Powershift shares its suspension upgrades with the regular Puma ST, which include a stiffer rear suspension twist-beam, a 28mm anti-roll bar integrated into the U‑section, a 24mm front anti-roll bar, force vectoring springs, Hitachi twin-tube frequency-reactive dampers, and 325mm front disc brakes.
In terms of styling, the Puma ST Powershift features a Ford Performance-embossed splitter in the front bumper that increases downforce by nearly 80 percent over the regular Puma, along with a rear roof spoiler, rear diffuser, and ST upper and lower front grilles. The new, ST-exclusive color Azura Blue is one of a total of six exterior options, along with available black accents and a Magnetite finish for the standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside the cabin, sport seats are covered in Sensico synthetic leather, rounding out a rather extensive package.
We’ll have more on the Puma soon, so be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Puma news and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
One more very cool car we will never see in the Excited States of America!
Why are the puma and focus not sold in the USA