Plenty of life in beefed-up Puma

IT’S fair to say the rise of the crossover has been stratospheric.

They’re being snapped up in droves, thanks to their ability to offer a slight amount more practicality than a regular hatch, but with the high-riding, confidence-inspiring driving position people love.

Now, perhaps a natural progression, we’re getting performance crossovers – like this, the new Ford Puma ST. It aims to give an option to those buyers considering a hot hatch but want more space.

Let’s find out if it’s any good.

What’s new?

This Puma follows the same formula as the Fiesta ST.

Take the regular car, add a punchier engine, implement heavy suspension revisions and tune-ups and give the whole car a more dynamic look.

It worked handsomely for the Fiesta, so you can understand why Ford would take the same tack with the Puma.

But Ford hasn’t forgotten about space –the Puma ST has retained the regular car’s party-piece boot feature.

How does it look?

The ST styling treatment works well on the Puma, which looks punchy and more muscular than the standard car.

We’ve got a revised grille, beefier arches and a twin-outlet exhaust at the back all signifying the car’s performance intent, but it’s certainly not a design which shouts out to other motorists. Of course, the bright green paint – a unique feature for the Puma ST – might say otherwise, but spec this car in a more subtle shade and passers-by will be hard-pressed to distinguish it from the regular car, and that doesn’t feel like such a bad thing.

As an understated way of getting around, the Puma ST is very appealing.

What’s the spec like?

All Puma ST models boast a good level of standard equipment.

It comes with Ford’s latest SYNC 3 infotainment system which incorporates satellite and media functions, as well as Apple CarPlay for enhanced smartphone connectivity.

The ST also benefits from a new digital display ahead of the driver (replacing the traditional dials).

It’s configurable too, while a new sport mode transforms the screen into a red hive of activity, further highlighting the car’s dynamic intent.

And whereas the little Fiesta is available with a series of alloy wheel size choices, with the Puma there are just one – 19 inches.

In truth, it’s quite a large wheel size for this type of car, but there aren’t any options to change them out, sadly.

The Puma ST aims to bring more punch without losing out on practicality – but does it succeed? Jack Evans finds out.

The verdict

Though some might lament the rise of the crossover, the Puma ST shows that they do transfer over the performance side of things rather well.

As a more family-friendly option it’s a car which will likely appeal to many, particularly those who don’t want to forsake performance in the face of daily duties.

It’s a well-resolved proposition, that’s for sure, and shows Ford is maintaining its commitment to the ST badge.

We reckon it’s going to go down a treat.