When Ford first introduced the Puma ST, redeploying the formula from its successful Fiesta ST hot hatch to create a performance SUV, the results were well-received. Ford has now expanded the range by offering a 170hp mild hybrid engine option, to sit alongside the existing 200hp petrol, and this newcomer sounds like an intriguing option for company car drivers, potentially offering a more fuel and CO2-efficient route into fast Ford motoring.

Of course, this new variant would fall flat on its face straight away if it was too slow to justify the ST trappings, and it's true that its 170hp output places it more in 'warm' than 'hot' territory. However, while its acceleration from a standing start would best be described as brisk rather than truly rapid, when stringing bends together on a favourite road the waves of torque you can ride means performance feels in no way lacking. In addition, a really fun, sporty, growly engine note makes it sound like the engine is much bigger than its 1.0-litres - an effect that becomes even more pronounced when the Sport driving mode is selected. Performance car snobs may complain about this noise being artificially enhanced, but on our test drive we were having far too much fun to care about that.

The familiar ST suspension enhancements are unchanged from the 200hp model, and on a twisty road the grin factor is off the scale. There's no body roll, the handling feels poised and very planted and the steering is judged perfectly, elements that combine to make it a real thriller, and there is simply no sense of driving an SUV rather than a conventional hatchback. The brakes are impressive too.

The mild hybrid ST also eschews the 200hp model's manual gearbox for a seven-speed automatic, which would often be bad news for driving enjoyment, but even this is a success, and the gearshift paddles swap cogs adroitly should you wish to retain that element of control rather than leaving everything up to the 'box. 

All this talk of fun handling might lead you to suspect compromised ride quality, but, in fact, this is very well judged for a sporting model - it's more geared towards firmness than softness but only just, and it's in no way harsh or uncomfortable over bumps.

The Puma ST's body kit means it looks the part from the outside, and this continues when you open the door to reveal illuminated Ford Performance scuff plates, and settle into the nicely body-hugging sports seats. Interior trim quality is decent too with more leather than we'd expected. The 12.3in driver display and 8in infotainment touchscreen are familiar from the regular Puma range, but we feel the latter looks a bit small these days, and could do with being angled towards the driver. Other practical features of the regular Puma, such as the 'Megabox' under-boot storage area, are also retained.

It all sounds great, and we were all set to recommend the mild hybrid Puma ST as an ideal choice for the sports-minded company car driver who needs to make slight concessions towards practicality and economy. That was until we checked the data, and realised that its savings over the 200hp petrol aren't actually that great - the mild hybrid sits only one company car tax BIK band lower, and is only 2mpg better on the official WLTP combined cycle. The P11D price is no different between the two engines either, so it all comes down to whether it's worth giving up 30hp for such meagre efficiency gains. For many of Ford's target ST buyers, we suspect it won't be. However, there really is no question of anyone being short-changed here, as whichever engine you choose you will still end up with a cracking performance SUV. 

Ford Puma ST 1.0L Ecoboost (MHEV) 7 Speed Automatic