Ford Puma ST Powershift Is Performance Crossover That Won’t Come To Malaysia
The Ford Puma ST Powershift is a Fiesta-based performance crossover.
The Ford Puma is the spiritual successor to the EcoSport, a compact Fiesta-based crossover that was once sold right here in Malaysia. With the Puma, Ford has focused its efforts on the European market and now that compact crossover is getting the Ford Performance treatment in the form of the Ford Puma ST Powershift.
This version features the most powerful version of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which is enhanced using 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The mild hybrid system engages energy recovery more quickly than other applications, allowing for faster recharging of the 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. This enables the belt-driven integrated starter/generator to offer a longer boost period of torque supplementation for enhanced performance at lower engine rpm. With its enhanced powertrain and unique software tuning for the turbocharged engine, the Puma ST Powershift produces an almost 10% increase in peak power compared to the 155 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engine.
The Puma ST Powershift produces up to 170 PS peak power and 248 Nm peak torque, making it one of the most powerful compact SUVs on the market. It delivers a spritely 7.4-second 0-110km/h acceleration. The Puma ST Powershift benefits from the same active exhaust valve technology as the Puma ST for increased performance and a distinctive ST engine note under acceleration.
The seven-speed Ford Powershift transmission is optimised with revised software strategies that can maximise performance and efficiency for Puma ST Powershift customers. In fully automatic mode, the dual-clutch gearbox provides smooth-shifting, effortless convenience and comfort, particularly in stop-start traffic. The transmission also enables Stop & Go functionality for the available Adaptive Cruise Control, which can bring the vehicle to a complete halt in stop-start traffic and automatically pull away if the stopping duration is less than three seconds.
A Ford Puma ST Powershift chassis shared with the award-winning Puma ST sharpens responses using a rear suspension twist-beam rated at 2,000 Nm/deg torsional stiffness, with a 28 mm anti-roll bar integrated into the U-section and a 24 mm front anti-roll bar. Ford’s patented force vectoring springs also improve the Puma ST Powershift’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.
The Puma ST Powershift features an 11.4:1 steering ratio, almost 25% faster than the standard Puma. The steering 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, further supported by Torque Vectoring Control. Enhanced braking performance is provided by 325 mm front discs, which are 17% larger in diameter than the standard Puma specification.
The Puma ST Powershift’s design combines form and function, with a Ford Performance-embossed splitter integrated into the front bumper. This not only makes the Puma ST Powershift look more aggressive but also generates downforce at the front of the vehicle, enhancing stability. The Puma ST Powershift’s interior features an ST-embossed leather-trimmed steering wheel, ST-embossed RECARO sports seats, and a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Puma ST Powershift offers a versatile and practical solution, including the Ford MegaBox, which offers 80 litres of additional storage space in the rear.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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