Ford Fiesta ST3 is the new range-topping ST

Ford is adding to the appeal of the Fiesta ST with the launch of a new version – the Fiesta ST3 – with a higher specification. Costs from £19,250.

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The absence of an RS Ford at the moment means lovers of fast Fords have to settle for an ST, rather than a full-fat RS.

But it seems that those who do opt for the ST versions of Ford’s cars are willing to pay more to get a bettered specced car, something Ford are happy to accommodate with the launch of a new Fiesta ST model – the Ford Fiesta ST3.

Ford are already seeing the vast majority of Fiesta ST buyers opting for the ST2 version (9 out of ten choose the more expensive version) so they’re obviously hoping a big chunk of those buyers will instead now opt for the better equipped – and more expensive – Fiesta ST3.

The ST3 gets SatNav, DAB, Keyless, Cruise, Aut lights and wipers, power fold mirrors and climate all included in the price, all for an extra £1000, a discount of around a third if you specced up an ST2 to the same level.

Ford may have titivated the spec for the ST3, but they’re not offering a power boost; the ST3 gets the same 1.6 litre, 180bhp turbo as the ST and ST2 which means a reasonably lively 0-62mph of 6.9 seconds and official economy of 47.9mph.

Ford are offering a choice of five colours for the ST3 – Frozen White, Race Red, Panther Black, Spirit Blue and Molten Orange – with either Smoke or orange interiors depending on the exterior colour choice.

The Ford Fiesta ST3 is now on sale at Ford’s Uk showrooms – it will cost £19,250 – with first deliveries due in June.