But somewhat ironically, it’s this overt and undeniably welcome emphasis on everyday usability that shocks the Puma ST’s overall design the most: if you’re buying a car for driving pleasure, wouldn’t you buy something more smaller, lower and less compromised? And if you need something frugal with a big boot, there are much quieter, smoother, less stylish cars on the table, and some of them aren’t half bad to drive (the Puma standard, for one).
Yes, that’s a question you could ask any potential hot hatch or super-sedan buyer, but it’s especially prevalent in this case, because the Fiesta ST is undeniably the best driver’s car but at barely diminished in terms of functionality as a daily driver and, you could certainly say, more likely to be taken seriously.
So is this a case of Ford being too liberal with its deployment of the hallowed ST moniker? Can the Puma ST both convince us due to its quality of life while comfortably comparing to its universally acclaimed range mates in terms of performance?
First impressions leave little to be desired in terms of actual dynamism (although I’m still unconvinced by the slightly snappy steering and firm ride), or in terms of outright punch, but I know how fast a chassis too enthusiastic and an energetic motor can grate over a few months of daily drudgery.
A few thousand very varied kilometers await Gold Edition number 4 of 999 over the next few months. I can’t wait to see if I’ll overcome it by yearning for the refinement of something more understated.
second opinion
More than 275,000 votes were cast on social media to help create this model, but with only 350 copies destined for the UK, only a few Ford fans will see one. At least it’s hard to miss. Stripes and the ST badge can be like a red rag to a bull among easily tripped drivers when overtaking on the freeways.
Tom Morgan Freelander
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-10 05:01:24
