Used Ford Puma ST for sale: everything you need to know 

The performance-focused Ford Puma ST is one of the best-driving small family cars on sale today, ticking box after box. Like the standard Puma, it’s comfortable, well equipped and practical, but in Puma ST form it’s even more fun to drive. It’s all the fun of a hot hatch with added practicality.

On sale since 2019, and given a facelift in 2024, the Puma leads the way in a very busy part of the market. The ST model sets it apart from a lot of general Puma rivals – such as the Skoda Kamiq, Toyota Yaris Cross, Nissan Juke and Renault Captur – because not many rivals have a performance version. If you’re looking at a Puma ST, you’ll probably also want to check out the Cupra Formentor, Volkswagen T-Roc R and the Hyundai Kona N.

The Puma ST’s great strength is its all-round performance, with a highlight being how much fun it is to drive. Although a new Puma now is much more expensive than it was a few years ago, a used Puma is a great deal.

Should you buy a Ford Puma ST?

The answer to this question is almost definitely “yes”, because there aren’t many cars of this type that are a better choice than the Ford Puma ST. It’s stylish and relatively practical, with plenty of performance and sharp handling that’s much more hatchback-like than an SUV. It comes with lots of equipment as standard, too.

While passenger space is restricted by its size, its boot is exceptionally spacious, with a 456-litre capacity that dwarfs other cars of this size. It’s a clever space too, with a wipe-clean, 80-litre storage box under the boot floor, known as the Megabox. Very useful for muddy football boots, and with a drain plug at the bottom you could even use it as an ice box for a remote barbecue.

Reasons not to get one? Well, some rivals have more performance, even if they’re not quite as fun to drive. The interiors in rival cars are more interesting, too.

But those are minor quibbles. Overall, the Puma carries on the flag flown by the now-discontinued Fiesta ST (upon which the Puma is based, mechanically) in being a tremendously fun small performance car.

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What’s the best used Ford Puma ST model to buy?

There are essentially two types of Puma ST to choose from. The early cars were powered by a three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine with 200PS, attached to a six-speed manual gearbox. If you’re after outright performance, this is the one to go for. However, in 2023 Ford introduced a mild-hybrid 1.0-litre option with 170PS and a Powershift automatic gearbox. This isn’t quite as quick, but it should give you better fuel economy by around 2mpg, according to official figures. Which is best for you depends on your preferred balance of speed versus efficiency.

Used Ford Puma ST fuel economy and performance

• Ford Puma 1.5 EcoBoost 200PS petrol: The first performance Puma ST models from 2020 were fitted with a 1.5-litre engine developing 200PS, which equated to a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds and an official fuel economy of 42.8mpg. However, the engine was later dropped.
• Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid 170PS petrol: Available on later Puma ST models, the 1.0-litre engine was cranked up to 170PS as Ford ditched the 1.5-litre engine to chase fuel efficiency. The result was a claimed figure of 44.8mpg, but a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds.

What used Ford Puma ST trim levels are available?

There’s just one regular trim level on the Puma ST, although there was a special edition model to add a bit more choice on the used market.

• Ford Puma ST: The Puma ST comes as standard with a sportier exterior look than the standard Puma, with more aggressive bumpers and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside you get a different gear knob and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Wireless charging for your phone and a digital driver display are standard, as are parking sensors front and rear.
• Ford Puma ST Gold Edition: Released at the end of 2021, this limited edition Puma ST was designed in conjunction with a fan vote, which saw it specced with black paint, red brake calipers, gold decals and gold alloy wheels. It features the 1.5-litre engine.

Used Ford Puma ST dimensions and boot size 

The Ford Puma ST’s exterior dimensions are: 

• Length: 4226mm
• Width: 1805mm
• Height: 1550mm

The Ford Puma’s boot size is:

• 456 litres
• 1,216 litres with back seats folded

Used Ford Puma ST road tax

The Ford Puma ST comes in under the £40,000 price threshold for luxury car tax in the UK, which means you’ll pay just the flat rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax). At the time of writing, that’s £190 per year. 

How much is it to insure a Ford Puma ST? 

As the most powerful, sporty option in the Ford Puma range, the Puma ST has a higher insurance group than other models. But with an insurance group of 22 (of 50), it shouldn’t be anything particularly crazy.

Read our full Ford Puma ST review