Hot Ford Puma ST teased

Ford has released it first official teaser for the Ford Puma ST, a hotter high-performance version of its upcoming compact SUV.

Created to be a more affordable rival to the Audi SQ2, the new Ford Puma ST will also compete with the Hyundai Kona N.

Providing it with more than a sporting chance, the fast Ford Puma ST will lift its turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and six-speed manual from the Fiesta ST.

Turn up the volume in the short video posted on Twitter and you'll be able to hear the little 1.5-litre's soundtrack as it revs away.

The Ford Puma ST is lkely to produce the same 148kW and 290Nm as the Fiesta ST, but a weight penalty should mean it won't be quite as fast as Ford's smallest hot hatch, which hits 100km/h from rest in just 6.7 seconds, before topping out at 232km/h.

Already spotted testing both on road and track to ensure it's stable at high speeds, the Ford Puma ST will come with a revised aero package, which is partly previewed in the short teaser video.

The sporty body kit will include a revised from bumper featuring wider air intakes and a small front splitter.

At the rear, the Puma will get a redesigned bumper, twin exhaust outlets and a subtle boot lid spoiler.

Sitting lower to the ground compared to the standard Puma, the ST will get a bespoke suspension tune with stiffer springs and more reactive dampers.

Bigger brakes will reign in the extra performance while an optional limited-slip differential will boost traction.

Like the latest Fiesta ST, expect the hot Puma to get selectable driving modes and launch control.

When it arrives, Ford's first compact performance SUV will join the ST version of the Fiesta and Focus in the Ford Performance range in the wake of a decision by the Blue Oval to axe the replacement for the Focus RS.

It's thought that when it arrives some time after the Australian launch of the mainstream Ford Puma range around September, the faster ST will fuel other car-makers with the determination to introduce their own small performance SUV.

Ford Australia is yet to confirm the Puma ST for our market.