2020 Ford Puma ST

20 years ago, the Puma badge sat on a sports car which many of us admired, and still do now. But as time has moved on, so have the cars. The popularity of sports cars has gone down as they’re being overtaken by SUV’s, great. This isn’t ‘just’ an SUV, as you can see attached to the grille, it’s wearing another badge that has been going for many years too, the Sport Technologies badge.

It will most likely share the same engine found under the bonnet of the Fiesta ST. Which is a 1.5-litre turbo-charged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 197bhp and 214lb-ft. 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 144mph. It’s an impressive amount of power from such a small engine. But putting the same powertrain into a heavier car will of course mean slightly lower performance figures. That’s not to say 197bhp in a Puma doesn’t sound powerful, it does, and will be relatively quick, but compared to the Fiesta, it will of course be slower. Unless Ford has a something else yet to reveal, a hybrid possibly?

From the picture, the Puma looks slightly lower and it will most likely get stiffer suspension, larger brakes and with the same optional extras available as the Fiesta ST. A limited-slip differential, different driving modes and not forgetting launch control – the perfect get away from grocery shopping.

Here’s what I think, a Puma ST would be great, something exciting, more practical than a Fiesta with arguably near to the same amount of power. But at the same time, utterly pointless. It’s like going for a long run, returning home, and eating a load of cake. Complete waste of time, as you’ve most likely put the weight back on you just burnt off. That’s the same as buying a sports SUV, adding weight onto something that’s already brilliant.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure a Puma ST will be a joy of a ride, but if you want a sports car, buy the Fiesta ST. But if you want an SUV with some poke, this may be your answer.