Fast 150kW Ford Puma ST in development

Engineers have begun testing a hot ST version of the upcoming Ford Puma small SUV ahead of its launch late next year, with early development mules spotted hot-lapping the Nurburgring.

Commenting on the sighting of the faster Ford Puma at the famous German public road course, the car-maker's global development boss, Hau Thai-Tang, admitted to Autocar that a flagship small SUV "would be a good place for us to look" if Ford decides to expand its ST performance sub-brand.

Despite the existence of the prototype, Thai-Tang refused to confirm the Puma ST spotted had been green-lit for production.

Rumoured to be running the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as the new Ford Fiesta ST, which donates its B3 platform, the Puma ST is expected to pinch the smaller car's go-faster hardware and match the Fiesta ST's 147kW power and 290Nm torque outputs.

Set to sit at the top of the Puma tree above the mildly sporting ST Line, the Ford Puma ST is likely to get a bespoke chassis tune, bigger brakes and a sporty body kit.

Drivers will also have the choice of selectable driving modes, launch control and the option of a traction-enhancing limited-slip differential.

Apart from the Fiesta ST, which has been delayed for Australia and will now arrive here alongside the new Focus ST early next year, Ford's ST performance sub-brand also comprises the Edge and Explorer SUVs in the US. But according to Thai-Tang, the US car-maker has ruled out an ST version of every car it makes.

"We look at creating STs by very objective measures to make sure it is credible as an ST,” said Thai-Tang. “Do we have the right building blocks [on which to base it]?"

In any case, Ford Australia has ruled out the Ford Puma for local release, at least for now. Its small SUV strategy beyond the existing EcoSport and upcoming 2020 Escape remains unclear, but could also include the 'baby Bronco' being readied in the US.

Ford's development chief also went on to discuss the next Focus RS, which is set to arrive following the current hatch's mid-life facelift, saying that he understood the "importance of that car" to Ford enthusiasts.

Rumours the next-gen Focus RS will indeed come with hybrid tech were fuelled recently by Ford's own president, Joe Hinrichs.

When asked if the Focus RS would have electrification, Hinrichs replied: "The world is changing on powertrain and propulsion. No hints, but there’s a lot to talk through."

It's thought a 48-volt mild-hybrid version of the current car's 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder would not only slash emissions but boost power and make turbo-lag obsolete, using an electric motor to spin up the turbocharger from idle for instant response.

An integrated starter/generator is thought to add at least 22kW/94Nm, which should see the Focus RS punch out 300kW and 576Nm.