The Ford Puma was a car that had a short production life of just four years. It's a cousin of the popular Fiesta hatchback, but the difference is the Puma is a coupe. It's one of Ford's models that they feel didn't sell too well in Europe. Perhaps people at the time didn't want a small coupe?
One area where it excelled was off the road, believe it or not. The Ford Puma fast became a worthy vehicle of getting converted into a track day weapon! Even Ford themselves created some track-ready production models (the Ford Racing Puma).
One area where it excelled was off the road, believe it or not. The Ford Puma fast became a worthy vehicle of getting converted into a track day weapon! Even Ford themselves created some track-ready production models (the Ford Racing Puma).
As you may know, production of the Ford Puma ended back in 2001. There hasn't been a worthy replacement since, especially for track day use. At least, not until now! Today, the Fiesta ST has made great strides in the car enthusiast market. It's also fast becoming a popular track car. Here's why:
It looks great
Just like the Puma, the latest incarnation of the Fiesta has proven to be a hit with enthusiasts! Even in its standard form, it's a nice car to drive. The Fiesta ST, as you can imagine, is a race-inspired vehicle and certainly looks the part.
It boasts excellent tuning potential
As standard, the Fiesta ST comes with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine. It's turbocharged and has twin independent variable valve timing. It also puts out 180 brake horsepower as standard!
It looks great
Just like the Puma, the latest incarnation of the Fiesta has proven to be a hit with enthusiasts! Even in its standard form, it's a nice car to drive. The Fiesta ST, as you can imagine, is a race-inspired vehicle and certainly looks the part.
It boasts excellent tuning potential
As standard, the Fiesta ST comes with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine. It's turbocharged and has twin independent variable valve timing. It also puts out 180 brake horsepower as standard!
If you wanted to drive a hatchback around a racing track, the Fiesta ST is a great base to start with. Of course, enthusiasts will want to modify their cars and make them even better.
Some of the tuning options available for the Ford Fiesta ST include: hybrid turbocharger and large aftermarket intercooler, stainless steel exhaust with a larger internal bore, remapped ECU, upgraded springs and shock absorbers and upgraded brakes.
Some of the tuning options available for the Ford Fiesta ST include: hybrid turbocharger and large aftermarket intercooler, stainless steel exhaust with a larger internal bore, remapped ECU, upgraded springs and shock absorbers and upgraded brakes.
It doesn't cost a fortune to buy
Just like its predecessor the Puma, a race-inspired Fiesta ST won't break the bank. Take TC Harrison Car supermarket, for example. Dealers like them can provide excellent deals, not just on used models but brand new ones too.
That means almost any enthusiast can afford to buy and prepare a car for the track!
Everyone knows how to tune an EcoBoost engine
As with the Puma, the Fiesta ST features an engine that most mechanics know like the back of their hands. That's in sharp contrast to certain German "hot hatches" that have many variants.
One of Ford's biggest selling points is how they limit the amount of engine choices available. That makes it easier to maintain vehicles, both from theirs and each owner's point of view.
Just as much fun as the Puma
Last, but not least, consider this. The Ford Puma was a fun car to drive, even in standard guise. As a track day car, it brought many a smile to each person that drove it.
Just like its predecessor the Puma, a race-inspired Fiesta ST won't break the bank. Take TC Harrison Car supermarket, for example. Dealers like them can provide excellent deals, not just on used models but brand new ones too.
That means almost any enthusiast can afford to buy and prepare a car for the track!
Everyone knows how to tune an EcoBoost engine
As with the Puma, the Fiesta ST features an engine that most mechanics know like the back of their hands. That's in sharp contrast to certain German "hot hatches" that have many variants.
One of Ford's biggest selling points is how they limit the amount of engine choices available. That makes it easier to maintain vehicles, both from theirs and each owner's point of view.
Just as much fun as the Puma
Last, but not least, consider this. The Ford Puma was a fun car to drive, even in standard guise. As a track day car, it brought many a smile to each person that drove it.
Today, the Ford Fiesta ST is helping owners remember what it was like to drive the Puma all those years ago. There's no denying the Puma offered a fun experience to all. And now the Ford Fiesta ST is doing the same in 2016 and beyond!
