Today, Ford New Zealand says it welcomes the new Puma ST to dealerships across the country.
Enhanced using 48-volt mild hybrid technology to deliver 118kW of power and 200Nm of torque, the ST’s 1.0-litre engine is combined with a paddle-shift-operable, seven-speed transmission – seamlessly fusing energised driving experiences, low emissions, and everyday usability, says Ford.
The new Puma ST managed to get to 100km/h in 7.4-seconds and returns 6.2 l/100 km for its fuel economy and is priced at $46,490.
“The Ford Performance team called on all of its experience developing the original Puma ST to deliver ST signature fun-to-drive without losing the practicality of our compact SUV. We’re using 48-volt mild hybrid technology not just to improve efficiency but also to enhance peak power and torque,” said Stefan Muenzinger, Ford Performance manager, Europe. “The multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is combined with a paddle-shift-operable, seven-speed transmission – fusing an energised driving experience and everyday usability.”
2023 Ford Puma ST: Performance with hybrid efficiency
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt mild hybrid technology is enhanced to deliver even greater performance for Puma ST.
The mild hybrid system engages energy recovery more quickly than in other applications for faster recharging of the 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. This enables the belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) to offer a longer boost period of torque supplementation for enhanced performance at lower engine rpm, according to Ford.
A Puma ST chassis sharpens responses using a rear suspension twist-beam rated at 2,000 Nm/deg torsional stiffness – an increase of more than 50 per cent compared to the standard Puma – with a 28 mm anti-roll bar integrated into the U‑section and a 24 mm front anti-roll bar.
Ford’s says its patented force vectoring springs also improve the Puma ST’s stability, agility and responsiveness. The non-uniform, non-interchangeable, directionally-wound springs apply vectoring forces to the rear suspension and enable cornering forces to travel directly into the spring, for increased lateral stiffness.
This spring technology is combined with Hitachi twin-tube frequency-reactive dampers at the front and rear, delivering the stiffness needed for enhanced body control alongside the compliance to isolate smaller road imperfections for high-speed refinement.
An 11.4:1 steering ratio – almost 25 per cent faster than the standard Puma – uses a combination of ST-specification front knuckles, steering arm and steering rack gearing, for heightened response during turn-in compared to the standard Puma.
Enhanced braking performance is provided by 325 mm front discs – 17 per cent larger in diameter than the standard Puma specification. Puma ST’s brake booster is tuned for modulation, feel and feedback that supports performance driving, and the powertrain’s optimised energy recuperation also supports increased engine braking.
2023 Ford Puma ST: “Design that combines form and function“
A Ford Performance-embossed splitter integrated into the front bumper not only makes the Puma ST’s sports credentials immediately clear, but also increases front end downforce by almost 80 per cent versus the standard Puma. A large rear roof spoiler and distinctive rear diffuser also feature, while signature ST upper and lower front grilles are designed to maximise engine cooling capability and efficiency.
Puma ST introduces a new ST-exclusive Vasttraffic Blue signature colour among seven exterior paint options. Complemented by standard black grille surrounds, side spears, door mirror caps and rear roof spoiler, the SUV also offers a Magnetite finish on the standard 19-inch alloy performance wheels.
Inside, standard highlights include Ford Performance-developed sports seats, B&O sound system with 10 speakers, a wireless charging pad, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, FordPass Connect modem, and Ford’s SYNC communications and entertainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available driver assistance technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Active Park Assist, and Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking.
Ford says its customers can call into their local Ford dealer for a test drive or they can also book a test drive or configure and order their own Puma now online at https://www.ford.co.nz/suv/puma/.
