Is this real? It turns out that it is – from now on, the range of the Ford Puma ST model will be supplemented with a liter version with an automatic transmission. Well, that’s not really great…

The point is that the usual Ford Puma SUV already has many 1-liter versions, the maximum of which offers “soft” hybrid technology and 155 hp. At the same time, the original “hot” Ford Puma ST modification is distinguished by a 1.5-liter 200-horsepower engine, appropriate chassis settings, and sporty exterior details. And now the new version combines all the features of the Ford Puma ST (extended bumpers, double exhaust, 19-inch wheels, sports suspension, “sharp” steering wheel) with a small 1-liter engine.

However, the engine is not ordinary: the changed engine control program and MHEV technology allowed for a 10% increase in power. Now, 170 hp are removed from this 3-cylinder “liter”, which is similar to the 2-liter Ford Focus ST170 of the early 2000s. Although, of course, the question of reliability remains open…

In addition, the new version of the Ford Puma ST received a 7-speed automatic DCT Powershift – while the 1.5-liter version of the Ford Puma ST always had a manual transmission. In addition to the new lever, in the interior, you can also see a sports steering wheel and seats with red stitching, a digital 12.3-inch instrument panel, and metal overlays on the pedals – everything as it should be for a “real ST car”.

The new Ford Puma ST 1.0 Powershift is inferior to the original version of the Ford Puma ST 1.5 in acceleration to a hundred km (the difference is 0.6 seconds) – from now on, this exercise takes 7.4 seconds.

Similarly, it should be inferior in cost: that is, the less powerful 1-liter version with an automatic transmission should be cheaper than the more powerful (and also more “authenic”!) 1.5-liter version with a manual transmission. It is also interesting to follow what customers will choose in the end.