Ford has added a higher specification version of the Fiesta ST hot hatch. Priced from £19,250, the ST-3 costs an extra £1000 over the ST-2 model.

It gains keyless entry, DAB radio, cruise control and automatic headlights and wipers, plus an auto dimming rear view mirror, power folding door mirrors and climate control.

The Fiesta ST-3 uses the same 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine as the rest of the Fiesta ST range. Peak power is 182PS, giving a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 139mph. Emissions are 128g/km and official fuel economy is 47.9mpg.

Options include parking sensors at a cost of £250, plus a choice of five exterior paint colours – Frozen White, Race Red, Panther Black, Spirit Blue and Molten Orange.

Since the Fiesta ST was introduced in 2013 it has been popular beyond Ford’s expectations, with sales volumes 20 per cent higher than the predicted 5000 in the past year.