2014 Ford Fiesta ST (Photo credit: qJake)

Of course, if it’s performance you’re interested in, then you’ll no doubt want to be eyeballing some figures; have a look at the impressive results the new machine is shifting below.

• 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds
• 137mph top speed
• 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine returns 197 horsepower, 214 lb-ft torque
• 47.9mpg, 138 g/km CO2

With acceleration, speed and efficiency all rolled into one perfect piece of automotive engineering, there’s little wonder that there’re high hopes riding on the new Fiesta. Not least of course, due to the revered reputation the name carries with it, and like its predecessors before it, the new model continues the pinpoint precision in power and handling that has made the vehicle stand out for so many happy Ford customers in the years gone by.

Of course, the ultimate test of performance is Germany’s famed Nurburgring, and as the Fiesta ST readies itself for release, buyers will be able to do so knowing that the machine was put through its paces during development at the iconic 21km racing circuit. With over 7,500 km of race track testing and 5,000 km of high speed testing before it set foot in production, Ford certainly know the importance exactitude in their performance vehicles.

With SYNC and AppLink and all the latest features built in, we’re pretty excited for the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST here at Matlock Ford, and of course our new and used Ford cars are changing and getting better all the time. See what we have in stock at the moment, or why not call in and speak to us about current and upcoming Fiestas!

The secret lies in their intelligent, automated all-wheel drive system, something you’ll see written down as AWS. The use of the word ‘intelligent’ almost seems an injustice to the device, as this computational genius has a number magic tricks up its sleeve to ensure you can cope with any and all weather conditions!

The AWS evaluates and revaluates the road every 16 milliseconds, which is reportedly 20 times faster than the blink of a human eye. Its analysis then results in a dynamic adjustment of the power split, balancing the front and back wheels to ensure that handling and traction are delivering with pinpoint precision at all times.

We’re all used to the kind of nightmarish wheel-spin we can experience during really snowy or icy driving conditions; however we might forget all about it if we all start driving a new Kuga. ‘Torque on Demand’ allows the system to send 100% of the drive train power to the axles that need it, and here’s the really clever thing; the power distribution is determined by measuring the intricate nuances of wheel speed difference in correlation with the driver steering input and the positioning of the throttle. A true feat of technology.

Christopher Dean of Dancing on Ice was recently trying out the vehicle and was hugely impressed with its ability to provide a smooth and safe driving experience whatever the weather. The more you find out about this latest iteration, the easier it is to understand how it’s attained a five star Euro NCAP rating.

Here at Matlock Ford we have a host of new and used Ford cars, including of course the Ford Kuga. Give us a call to find out more or see what we have in for you to drive away today! And no matter what the weather conditions, you’ll get home safe and sound in our latest vehicles!

So, exactly what extent does the largest football ticket competition need to go to be regarded with such prestige? Ford have gathered together 27 European countries and is giving resident fans the chance to win 360 Champions League Final tickets! The Final itself, of course, is taking place right here upon this blessed plot, at the one and only Wembley Stadium on 25^th May.

Of course, a single ticket to the world’s greatest footballing event isn’t going to do you much good, so each of the 90 overall winners will receive four tickets, with accommodation, spending money and flights if necessary all bundled in for good measure!

Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe said “This competition offers a money-can’t-buy opportunity to witness first-hand the biggest football event in Europe this year.” And the vehicle of the show? That’d be the Ford Kuga, the smart utility vehicle currently at the forefront of the expanding and growing European SUV market! Jam-packed with the latest technologies including Ford SYNC, the intelligent All Wheel Drive System and more, the Kuga will be used as support transport for the event.

As official partner and vehicle supplier to the Champions League, Ford are excited to bring this next level competition to football fans all over the world! Here at Matlock Ford, we’re all scrambling to get our entries in over at www.drivetowembley.com before the 15th April, so why not sign up, and then drop by and have a look at the latest Ford offerings we have in stock once you’ve done so!

Whilst this new model is set to be packed with features and family-friendly optimisation, including new technologies such as the programmable MyKey and the ever expanding, voice-activated, smartphone /dashboard connectivity tech SYNC Applink, the great news is the Ecosport is still all about the drive. Its foundations  come straight from the Fiesta family, which means it’ll be a solid, sturdy and fun vehicle to drive, complete with fluent, tightly accurate steering and boot-loads of grip.

Of course, the EcoSport has already broke records and attained a well-deserved status of approbation in South American, however its introduction into Europe is completely new ground. Nick Fitzgerald, chief programme engineer on the EcoSport said; ‘EcoSport for Europe builds on that success and brings this attractive car to the European consumers.’

With SUVs becoming increasingly sought after in Europe, Ford’s plan appears to be to keep delivering on what their consumers tell them they need, and this new entry is a perfect example of the growing demand for bigger, more functional and spacious cars outside of The States. By 2017 in fact, Ford predict 1 million SUVs will be sold throughout Europe!

Whilst the excitement of the show was palpable, and looking toward the future of Ford is always a delight, if you’re looking for new or used Ford cars right now, here at Matlock Ford we have a huge collection of these much-esteemed and celebrated vehicles. Give us  a call today or come by to see what we have!

Yes our beloved manufacturer broke records by doing the quadruple and taking home an astonishing four awards; the most the company has ever taken home from the event! So what exactly did they win and why?

Mondeo Mayhem

The dexterity of the Mondeo has long been one of its most notable features, providing for families in every imaginable way the country over; delivering that roomy interior and boot space, whilst simultaneously being a comfortable and affordable solution. That in mind then, it’s no wonder the vehicle retained its title as the UK’s Best Family Car. Not happy with a single award though, the Mondeo also swooped in to take Best Estate for the third year running.

Fiesta Fortitude

It’s volume sale time for the new Fiesta right now, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have time to pop into the What Car Awards and pick up its trophy for Best Supermini. As a car that keeps on getting better, that with every iteration it provides something new whilst retaining all the qualities of the one prior to it, there’s little surprise when the sales figures roll in with a huge 14% rise in 2012. The vehicle’s better engine, primed new safety measures and beautiful 2013 facelift ensure this year will be another fiesta for the Fiesta.

A Fiery Focus

The Ford Focus ST is one of the sportiest cars you’ll see out on the roads of the UK today, delivering all the comfort and accessibility you’d want to get jobs done around town, whilst providing the speed and excitement that motorways and country roads incur when you’re out and about again. With a turbo-charged direct-injection 2.0 litre Ecoboost engine that returns an astonishing 39mpg, there’s little wonder that Focus ST is doing so well today. What Car, it seems, vigorously agree, as they awarded it Best Hot Hatch at this years’ event!

For more from all these high-flying, award-winning stars, call us at Matlock Ford today!

At the University of Michigan, Ford researchers are taking samples from used Ford cars to find out what germs are growing and how to prevent them. They will also be trying to identify hotspots such as steering wheels, as well as on Ford car consoles and near cup holders, where bacteria is most likely to flourish and grow.

The ultimate aim is to develop a coating for the surfaces of Ford cars that will stop microbes and bacteria from growing at all, as well as to make Ford vehicles cleaner and more hygienic overall.

Cindy Peters, who is a technical expert working for the Ford Motor Group, explained:

“Vehicle cabins are exposed to a wide variety of environmental conditions that can make them microbial breeding grounds,”

“Based on growing consumer desire for health and wellness solutions, we decided to take a look at the interiors in Ford vehicles with the goal of creating a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing environment for our customers.”

The Ford C-MAX and Ford Fusion join the Toyota Prius C, the Dodge Dart Aero and the Mazda CX-5 SkyACTIV as the finalists of the competition, which is now in its eight exciting year. The overall winner will be announced in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show in the US.

Commenting on the shortlist, the editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal, Ron Cogan, said:

“This is a very exciting time for the Green Car of the Year program,

“For two decades now, Green Car Journal has documented the ‘greening’ of the auto industry, from a time of mere concepts and demonstration programs to today, when the sheer number of environmentally positive production vehicles available to consumers is just eye-opening.”

The Ford Fiesta and C-MAX have been nominated for the award due to the fact that they come with a choice of powertrains and from next year, plug-in hybrid Energy models will be available alongside combustion-only and Hybrid models. Even owners of used Ford Fusion and C-MAX cars have praised the ‘green’ qualities of each, which is why they remain amongst the most popular Ford cars with eco-aware consumers.

109 years old is the exact age of the 1903 Ford Model A Rear Entry Tonneau, dubbed ‘the oldest surviving Ford Motor Company vehicle’, which is set to go under the hammer at an auction in America this month. The car, which is one of three Model A Ford cars ordered in July 1903 and the only one that is believed to have survived, will be sold at the RM Auctions Hershey auction in Pennsylvania.

The car’s first owner, butter maker Mr. Herbert L. McNary, owned it for 50 years before it was sold to car collector Harry E. Burd. Mr Burd enquired about the vehicle to Ford in the 1950s, receiving the response:

“You have every reason to be proud of owning one of the earliest Fords sold… it was the third one actually sold by the company.”

Experts are anticipating that the 2-cyclinder, 8hp vehicle, which has remarkably only had five owners throughout its lifetime, will sell for between $300,000 – $500,000 (£185,610 – £ 309,250).

If Ford cars are your vehicles of choice then you are probably already aware of the reputation that used Ford cars have for high standards. Ford cars are built to last, so their durability is no surprise. A Ford car dealer like Matlock is also proud to offer a comprehensive aftercare service after you have bought a used Ford from them.

The promise of excellent aftercare takes some of the pressure off your decision to save money by choosing a used Ford car instead of a new one. You will be able to benefit from regular winter checks and tyre checks and will also be able to take advantage of very reasonably priced services, MOTs, valets and oil changes.

Used car dealers ought to aim to provide a really quality service in order to keep your car in the best possible condition. Matlock have the expertise to do just that.

It’s hard to beleive but over 300 parts for the Ford Focus are made from recycled materials such as unwanted jeans, empty bottles, old carpets and even old CD’s.

All this happens whilst ensuring that there is no compromise in quality, performance or durability.

The Dunton team are working on a bio-degradable plastic which is derived from sugar in corn, sugarbeet and cane. Tests have shown that it can degrade naturally in 90-100 days rather than the 1000 years it takes for petroleum based plastic to degrade.

Ford see uses for this new material (polyactic acid) in such things as carpeting, floor mats, upholstery and even moulded trim pieces.