So the Ford Fiesta ST is no more. Still a shame, even if we know all the reasons why. It means the small fast Ford torch is handed over to the Puma ST which, it should be said, is a cracking little car. Honestly, anyone who hadn’t immediately driven a Fiesta ST before getting into a Puma would be seriously impressed by the speed and the sense of mischief. Even those well versed in the Fiesta’s appeal will find a lot to like about the SUV equivalent, because it really is very similar.
Which must be good news, because we can surely expect plenty more cars in the mould of the Puma. Ford isn’t likely to give up on the ST badge now given the love so many people have for it; if it must go on an SUV like the Explorer rather than a hatch like the Focus, then so be it. Ford has already demonstrated with cars like Mustang Mach-E GT that, even if imperfect, its electric performance cars will have an identity of their own. So maybe, just maybe, an EV SUV ST won’t be all that bad.
In fact, the performance SUV is a genre that Ford has dabbled in before, albeit far more modestly than any likely future attempt will. Back when the first Kuga was the hot new thing and people were buying the diesel in their droves, the business case was made for the 2.5-litre turbo five from the Focus ST to go in. Yes, seriously. With a manual gearbox, too. Seemingly undeterred by how bonkers the engine transplant seemed in an S-Max, the Kuga got a 2.5T variant as well. It’s a wonder there wasn’t a Transit version.
For some reason, the Volvo motor was detuned for the Kuga installation, rated at 200hp instead of 225. (The same as a Puma now, in fact.) But the hearty 236lb ft of torque remained, from just 1,600rpm. Inevitably weight dented the Kuga’s driver’s appeal versus a Focus, however it still met with some positive reviews for its handling and reasonably perky performance. The biggest gripe (beyond fuel consumption) seems to be that there wasn’t enough five-cylinder sound reaching the driver.
That could all be sorted nowadays, of course, and it’s hard not to imagine a Kuga 2.5T as one of the best sleepers around because of how tuneable that five-cylinder is. Hopefully there’s no glaring reason why not that we’re missing. Even the mildest of ECU tunes, designed to stay well within the tolerances of standard components, could liberate more than 280hp and almost 300lb ft in a car that looks like every other SUV, let alone just every other Kuga. Which would be pretty cool.
The 2.5-litre Kuga was a niche choice even 15 years ago, especially as it was only offered in top-of-the-range Titanium spec, so finding one nowadays isn’t tremendously easy - especially if you’re after a manual. But that’s what we have right here, complete with a pano roof and heated leather. It’s said to have a full service history for its 60,000 miles, too, and certainly looks better than a whole lot of 2012 Kugas seem to.
Its £9,490 asking price seems strong, but then how on earth do you actually value a car like this? A higher mileage example is £8k, a lower mileage auto £10,000. None of them are quite the bargain that might be hoped for. Undoubtedly a new owner now would really have to appreciate the appeal of the five-pot, especially with the tax cost as well. But the potential is surely still there to create something really cool, the Kuga ST that never was. Dafter things must have happened with this engine…
SPECIFICATION | FORD KUGA 2.5T
Engine: 2,521cc, five-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 200@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 236@1,600-4,000rpm
MPG: 28.5
CO2: 234g/km
First registered: 2012
Recorded mileage: 60,000
Price new: £24,295
Yours for: £9,490
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