New Ford Puma ST Arrives

AUCKLAND, New Zealand 18 October 2023 – Responsive, rewarding, fun-to-drive Ford Performance dynamics are now set to be enjoyed by even greater numbers of customers as Ford New Zealand welcomes the new Puma ST to dealerships across the country. 

Enhanced using 48-volt mild hybrid technology to deliver 118kW/200Nm, the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre engine is combined with a paddle-shift-operable, seven-speed transmission – seamlessly fusing energised driving experiences, low emissions, and everyday usability. 

The new powertrain fully embraces the Sports Technologies moniker and includes performance-enhancing features like twist-beam and anti-roll bar settings, and patented force vectoring springs. 

Coupled with the compact SUV’s comfort, uncompromised interior space and innovative practical solutions, the versatile new Puma ST delivers a responsive 7.4-second 0-100 km/h acceleration alongside 6.2 l/100 km fuel efficiency and 140 g/km CO2.¹

“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.”

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.

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 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 advanced 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.

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 pad³, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, FordPass Connect modem⁵, and Ford’s SYNC communications and entertainment system⁶, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ ^{6, 7}. Available driver assistance technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go⁴, Active Park Assist⁴, and Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking⁴.

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/.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines always-on digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 173,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

Ford, a global American brand woven into the fabric of Europe for more than 100 years, is committed to freedom of movement that goes hand-in-hand with looking after the planet and each other. The company’s Ford+ plan, with Model e, Ford Pro and the Ford Blue business units is accelerating its European transformation to an all-electric and carbon neutral future by 2035. The company is driving forward with bold, new EVs, each one designed with European drivers in mind and innovating with services to help people connect, communities grow, and businesses thrive. Selling and servicing Ford vehicles in 50 individual European markets, operations also include the Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Customer Service Division and 14 manufacturing facilities (eight wholly owned and six unconsolidated joint venture facilities) with four centres based in Cologne, Germany; Valencia, Spain and at our joint venture in Craiova, Romania and Kocaeli, Türkiye. Ford employs approximately 34,000 people at its wholly owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 54,000 people including unconsolidated businesses across Europe. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com.

Disclaimers:

* Recommended Retail Pricing only. As always, the selling price of any vehicle or option is entirely at the discretion of the Dealer. RRP shown excludes Clean Car fee and Dealer delivery charges.

[7] Features may require activation.