Ford Puma ST Powershift Is A Mild Hybrid, Has Its Power Downshifted To Down 170 PS

We did not cover the Ford Fiesta-based mini SUV Ford Puma ST. The ST-badged Ford Puma is a hot mini SUV producing a respectable 197 horses (200 PS) from its 1.5L three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. The Ford Puma ST Powershift is a tamer version of that, making a less powerful 170 PS (168 bhp) and 183 lb-ft (248 Nm) of torque out of its 1.0L 3-cylinder EcoBoost mild-hybrid engine.

In another downshift, this other Ford Puma ST is outfitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as opposed to the six-speed stick shift on the regular ST. The lesser Puma ST has a tweaked computer to achieve this power output and it also boasts a belt-driven starter-generator (BISG) that is said to be able to engage energy recovery more quickly than in other applications for fast recharging of the 48V battery.

It is not going to make any land speed records, obviously. But it is not much less quick than the full-blooded Puma ST; the century sprint is achieved in 7.4 seconds, which is 0.7 seconds slower than the regular ST.

I think the sacrifice in power output and sprint timing may be well worth it since it should be lighter on your wallet when it comes to gas because it makes 44.8 UK mpg over the 41.5-42.8 UK mpg of the slightly big guy. Also, it is better for the environment as it puts out 144 g/km of CO2 compared to 149-155 g/km on the regular Puma ST.

We usually don’t do those numbers but it seems like it is necessary to point out what it has gained for the loss it had. If you know what I mean.

Other highlights include sports technology-enhanced chassis, a Ford Performance-embossed front splitter, a larger rear roof spoiler, a rear diffuser, signature ST upper and lower front grilles for maximum engine cooling, 19-inch alloy wheels, Ford Performance-developed sports seats in Sensico synthetic leather-effect material, a wireless charging pad, Quickclear heated windscreen, 456 liters of cargo space with the rear seats in place, and innovative Ford MegaBox that offers further 80-liter of storage space beneath the boot floor – just to name a few.

No word on the pricing and availability yet.