Ford Puma ST-Line

FIRST DRIVE - Style-focused flagship adopts crowd-sourced options

- Matt Robinson

EARLIER this year, Ford gave fans of the special edition car, with the 'crowd-sourced' Puma ST Gold Edition. For the first time, online voting produced a new car, with those taking part electing which special parts to fit to Ford's hot crossover. So perhaps it's not too surprising to see that like the regular ST, this limited-run model has spawned a 'lite' ST-Line variant.

This ST-Line X Gold Edition becomes the range-topping Puma trim level, bringing unique style on top of what you get in the normal ST-Line X version of the crossover.

There's Grey Matter paint (usually a £775 option), white and gold racing stripes on the bonnet and roof, and golden 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, you'll find less to distinguish this from other Pumas, although the sporty seats and steering wheel get gold stitching.

Other than the changes to trim and equipment levels, the ST-Line X Gold Edition is the same as any other ST-Line Puma. So there's a reasonably roomy interior given a relatively compact footprint and a versatile boot with a floor that can be set at two different heights or removed entirely.