Back in the ’90s, Ford realised its line-up needed a bit more fizz

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Car Reviewed: Ford Puma ST Hybrid

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Rather than just giving buyers full-flat ‘Rallye Sport’ guises like it did before, it came up with an in-between, something that would get the heart racing but not to the point of causing cardiac arrest. The result was the ST range, which combined potent performance with everyday practicality.

The Focus ST170 was Ford’s entry to the hot hatch world; its engine was underwhelming, but its chassis was a peach. Then came everyone’s favourite, the Fiesta ST, which has since been canned, and now there’s the Puma ST. Originally offered with a 197bhp 320Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre and a six-speed ‘box, the ST now also gets a 1.0-litre with a seven-speed automatic, and here lies the issue.

Over the week, it received continuous comments from Ford fans: “Oh, they made a mistake there—why would you buy this option?” Their tonality sounded like they’d rather get a piggyback from a snapping turtle than drive the hybrid ST, and that’s the part I don’t get.

Sure, there are fewer ponies in favour of a hybrid powertrain, and you don’t have the pleasure of swapping cogs manually, something that this car absolutely should be offered with, but at no point was I bored driving it. Having driven both guises of the Puma ST, there’s next to no feeling of lost power. There might be about 30bhp and 72Nm difference between the two, but you most likely won’t notice in the real world.

By clicking the little ‘S’ on the steering wheel and sinking the throttle, the 1.0-litre perks up and emits a low grumble, and then you’re off. 0-62mph is claimed to arrive in 7.4sec, although our tests showed a slightly slower 7.7sec; 30-70mph through the gears is over in just 6.9sec — quicker than a MK7 Fiesta ST! Get it on a backroad and you quickly see how it deserves its badging. Its stiff chassis handles corners with ease, providing a thrilling driving experience.

Like most of Ford’s hot range, you get bucket seats with large bolsters, which can make it difficult to get in and out, but they are really comfortable and look the business with the red stitching. The cabin is designed for convenience, with all buttons within easy reach and minimal reliance on the central touch screen, enhancing the car’s practicality.

Quick, 34mpg and a hoot in the corners, but one thing steamrolled my ST fun, and any chance of any future merrymaking during my week with it.

When coming home from a restaurant with my fiancée and mother-in-law in pitch black winter, we clipped the edge of a pothole that was large enough to swallow two double-decker buses. Being a low-profile tyre, the cabin contents and occupants violently hit the roof before slamming down, and then the dreaded low tyre pressure symbol appeared.

We were stranded in a bit of the world where no one could hear you scream; a dark country road with nothing but fields and sheep for miles. Due to weight and cost reduction, marques don’t often put spare wheels in cars, but you usually get some kind of rubbish gel to get you home if you don’t travel above 6mph. The Puma ST has neither and it had suffered a catastrophic puncture. Recovery was able to patch the puncture and escort us home.

While the Puma ST offers a thrilling driving experience, it’s not without its drawbacks. The lack of a spare wheel and the vulnerability to potholes are issues that potential buyers should be aware of. However,these drawbacks shouldn’t at all overshadow the overall performance and enjoyment that the Ford Puma ST offers.