As we all know, MotorMartin is a big fan of Fast Fords. Perhaps it’s the misspent youth amongst the environs of Essex or maybe it’s the idea that powerful and great looking cars are within reach of everyday folk, whatever it is, MotorMartin is certainly not alone on this one. When the ticker tape device up on the top floor of MotorMartin Towers began chirruping recently it was with great excitement that the following good news from Ford, regarding two of MotorMartin’s current favourite cars, arrived ready for posting.
News then, that this year’s Ford Performance newcomers, the Focus RS and Mustang, were voted best Hot Hatch and Drop Top at the 2016 Scottish Car of the Year is certainly something that Ford themselves will be celebrating and just goes to show that these two Fast Ford’s are certainly top of the current crop. In fact, MotorMartin’s sister site, Blacktopmedia.co.uk, recently posted Tony Yates’ thoughts on the impressive Focus RS and Mustang, both cars, I think it’s safe to say, definitely hit the spot.
The Association of Scottish Motoring Writers’ have shared with MotorMartin that their Hot Hatch of the year, the Ford Focus RS, pioneers All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, plus selectable drive modes including the industry first “Drift-mode”, all of which helped gain the RS the coveted top position.
Over 2,000 Focus RS hot hatches have been delivered in the UK this year, explained Ford UK to MotorMartin, and 350 of those have been in Scotland. Part of the reason for the Focus RS carrying on the Fast Ford tradition is that it is powered by a specially engineered version of Ford’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivering a quite staggering 350PS and sprinting from 0-62mph in 4.7sec to make it the fastest accelerating RS ever. An unbelievable achievement I’m sure you’ll agree.
Alisdair Suttie, ASMW secretary, confirmed to MotorMartin that: “Whether it’s off the line, through the gears or round corners, the Focus RS is simply the best hot hatch of the year, and perhaps the best ever. It couldn’t deserve this award more.”
The all new Ford Mustang, the UK’s best-selling high performance car within six months of going on sale in January, has meant that Ford UK have achieved the double as it has been voted Scottish Drop Top of the year. The iconic American muscle car, Ford UK have confirmed to MotorMartin, comes with a 5.0-litre V8 engine, or a 2.3-litre EcoBoost, and is available alongside the RS from 75 UK FordStore dealerships.
Stephen Park, ASMW president, commented to MotorMartin that: “No other car launched this year delivers such a sense of occasion for the money as Ford’s Mustang. Choosing a Convertible with the mighty V8 engine delivers sensory overload. This is a thrilling muscle car in every respect and one which should prove to be a sound investment with strong demand equalling strong residuals.”
Danny Bell, Ford Britain’s district manager for Scotland, shared the following when he said: “Ford’s excellent new performance range has the power and capability to make the most of this region’s flowing road routes. Scottish dealers are benefitting as a result and will be further buoyed by the Association’s endorsement.”
Their you have it then, two amazing cars that have created quite a stir and yet the Focus RS is available from £31,250, and the Ford Mustang is available from £31,745 for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost and £35,745 for the 5.0-litre V8 GT, pretty good value in MotorMartin’s opinion for such peerless performance.
Where will you go?