New higher-specced Fiesta ST 23 | 04 | 2014

FORD HAS LAUNCHED A new version of its hot-hatch, the Fiesta ST. Available from Ford's Scottish dealership network, the new flagship Fiesta ST3 starts at £19,250 and comes with a stack of additional goodies.

The new model — powered by the same 180bhp 1.6 turbo engine and performance as the ST and ST2 — gets around £1400 of extra equipment fitted, compared to the ST2.

Keyless entry, cruise control, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dim rear-view mirror, power-fold door mirrors, DAB, sat-nav and automatic climate control are all standard. Rear parking sensors can be fitted for an extra £250.

Capable of hitting 62mph from standstill in 6.9secs, the ST3 carries on to a top speed of 139mph. It also returns 47.9mpg at the pumps and emits 138g/km CO2.

The ST range starts at £17,250, with the current ST2 — which accounts for around 90% of ST sales in the UK — priced at £18,250.

The ST3 is available in a choice of five exterior colours mated to two interior colour schemes.

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Jim McGill