New Ford Fiesta ST3 revealed

Ford has added to its sporty Fiesta ST line-up by launching the range-topping Ford Fiesta ST3.

Until now, there were two cars available to ST buyers - the entry-level ST1 car or the higher spec ST2 model. The new ST3 builds further on the ST2 specification by adding extra equipment that includes keyless entry, an upgraded hi-fi with sat-nav, cruise control, automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers.

The introduction of the ST3 also sees the addition of rear parking sensors to the options list, with ST2 buyers now able to opt for the driver’s aid as an extra too.

The ST3 is available in five paint colours - Race Red as standard, Frozen White for an extra £250, Panther Black or Spirit Blue for £495, with Molten Orange costing £725. Smoke Storm or Molten Orange colour themes are available for the interior.

All ST models use the same punchy 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol EcoBoost engine that produces 180bhp and takes the car from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds. The ST does 47.9mpg and produces CO2 emissions of 138g/km.

The top-of-the-range ST3 starts at £19,250, with the ST2 and ST1 models remaining at £18,250 and £17,250 respectively. The ST3 still compares favourably with equivalent rival models – the Peugeot 208 GTI Prestige starts at £19,750 and the Renaultsport Clio 200 LUX is priced at £19,995.

The Ford Fiesta ST has won plenty of awards since its release a year ago, not least Carbuyer’s Best Hot Hatch for 2014. We found the car to be the best hot hatchback currently available in the supermini segment, thanks to its combination of muscular looks, driver enjoyment and excellent value.

For reviews of cars in the current Ford range, visit Carbuyer’s dedicated Ford page.