Ford Fiesta ST update due in September

An updated version of the Ford Fiesta ST hot hatch will arrive in Australia from September, with the new model adding technology and styling upgrades, but also an increase in price.

The new Fiesta ST will cost $27,490 plus on-roads, a notable jump over the current car’s $25,990 sticker which made it one of the most affordable, and enjoyable, small performance cars on sale.

Justifying the price hike are minor styling upgrades, including a grey metallic finish to the ST’s 17-inch alloy wheels and red-painted brake callipers.

Inside, the ST finally scores satellite navigation and a reversing camera as standard, as well as a bigger 5.0-inch centrally-mounted multi-media display.

However the ST will still run Ford’s existing Sync 1 operating system, unlike upgraded versions of the larger Ford Focus, which will become the first model in Australia to debut the latest Sync 3 technology.

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With updated Focus models to arrive in July, Sync 3 adds faster performance, simpler connectivity, smartphone-like usability and a larger 8.0-inch touch screen.

Ford will also offer two option packs across the regular Focus range. First is a $2000 Technology Pack available on the base Trend and mid-range Sport variants, which adds a host of advanced driver assist systems including: lane keep assist; lane departure; adaptive cruise control; blind spot detection, automatic high beam assist. It also includes a stop-start system to save fuel.

The top spec Titanium model already boasts stop-start and blind-spot detection as standard, so its Technology Pack costs $1500 and adds: lane keep assist, lane departure, adaptive cruise control and auto high beam.

The other option pack is a Sports Executive Pack for Sport and Titanium models only, which adds a sunroof and bi-xenon headlights for $1800.

Pricing for the updated Focus starts at $23,390 for the Trend hatch.

Read our full review on the Ford Fiesta range.