Australia on the prowl for Ford Puma ST auto

The high-performance flagship of the all-new Ford Puma range, the Ford Puma ST, has just been launched in Europe but Australian buyers will have to cool their heels as the hot little crossover is not heading Down Under – for now.

Developed by Ford Performance alongside the Ford Fiesta ST, which now carries the flame for the Blue Oval brand’s compact hatch line-up in Australia, the Puma ST features the same 1.5-litre turbo-triple engine that belts out 147kW and an uprated 320Nm of torque (+30Nm), and is likewise paired solely with a six-speed manual gearbox.

And therein lies the rub: no automatic transmission means no Ford Puma ST for Australia, based on the overwhelming preference for autos among Aussie SUV buyers.

We hasten to add that Ford has a history of launching its high-performance ST models with only a manual gearbox, before bowing to popular demand and following up with an auto.

The latest Ford Focus ST is a case in point, and Ford Australia is hoping for a repeat performance with Puma ST, Fiesta ST and other models in the pipeline.

Although the hot Puma is taller, heavier and less aerodynamic than the related Fiesta, Ford Performance powertrain and chassis engineers have made substantial changes to the pint-sized front-drive wagon to ensure it’s worthy of the ST badge – and not far behind the hatch in benchmark performance criteria.

With the extra torque (peaking from 2500-3500rpm) and a shortened final-drive ratio, the Puma ST can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, just two-tenths behind the Fiesta ST, while top speed is 220km/h, down 12km/h.

Heavy emphasis was also placed on the Puma ST’s dynamic performance, with a full workover to its suspension (including 40 per cent stiffer rear torsion beam) and the availability of a Quaife mechanical limited-slip differential that operates alongside a torque vectoring control system.

Specify the optional LSD and Ford’s patented ‘force vectoring’ springs are also worked in, further honing the Puma ST’s on-road behaviour in concert with other measures such as 25 per cent faster steering (11.4:1 ratio), 17 per cent larger front disc brakes (325mm diameter) and a specially developed 19-inch wheel-and-tyre combination (with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber).

Front-end downforce has also increased by almost 80 per cent with the integration of a Ford Performance-embossed splitter into the front bumper, while other aero aids (and visual treats) are noted with the large rear roof spoiler and a distinctive diffuser in the rear bumper.

Tempering the aggressive nature of the Puma ST is the inclusion of an ‘Eco’ selectable driving mode (a first for a Ford Performance vehicle, although ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ mode are there too) and a slightly quieter note (-1dB) from the free-flowing exhaust system compared to the unapologetically raucous Fiesta ST.

Cabin features include ST-branded Recaro sports seats, a flat-bottomed leather-clad steering wheel and ST gear knob.

“Real driving enthusiasts aren’t going to settle for less excitement just because life demands a more ‘sensible’ car,” said Ford Performance manager (Europe) Stefan Muenzinger.

“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.

“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.”

As Australia waits, UK buyers can order the Ford Puma ST now for £28,495 ($A51,469).