Ford Fiesta ST specification upgrades ruled out for Australia

The Ford Fiesta ST 3 model has been launched in select European markets, bringing additional equipment such as satellite navigation and digital radio reception at a small premium - but the company's local arm has informed CarAdvice that no such changes will be offered here because the brand wants its hot-hatch to remain the sharpest priced of its peers.

"We only have one specification in Australia with a few features that we have not deployed to hold the price at a very competitive $25,990," said Ford Australia brand communications manager Neil McDonald.

"There will be no update in the foreseeable future," he said, and indicated no plan to offer satellite-navigation in the future, even as an option.

The Fiesta ST 3 is equipped with much of the standard gear already offered locally, including smart key with push-button start, reversing sensors, auto headlights and wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and climate control.

Rival models such as the Peugeot 208 GTi, Renault Clio RS200 and Volkswagen Polo GTI are available with sat-nav, though none come with digital radio reception.