The Mustang is a car that is recognized the world over has also been the topic of many a song and movie like Gone in 60 seconds and Bullitt, the latter, which features what is said to be the best car chase scene in cinematic history. I saddled up and headed down to the Western Cape to give the recently updated pony car a go.
New looks
Ford has retained its somewhat retro look for the latest Mustang, this new model, however, features sharper and more aggressive styling than the model that preceded it. Gone are the power bulges on the bonnet of the previous Mustang, now lower, features two air vents. The car also features new headlights with three-dimensional tri-bar taillights that now come with LED technology as standard as well as a refined front bumper with new lower grille elements. The side profile remains the same with pronounced rear wheel arches and that iconic Fastback roof-line which slopes down into the redesigned rear end.
The Mustang retains the same retro taillights but the rear bumper has been slightly refined. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost model features dual exhaust pipes, one on each side. The V8 now boasts quad tailpipes, two on each side to reaffirm the vehicle’s performance pretensions. Ford has also added a range of new 19-inch alloy wheels which are offered in multiple finishes depending on the model.
The interior
Inside, there’s a new 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster which allows for customisation option such as different themes for the layout as well as individual colours of each dial, needles and styling elements. There is a new button on the redesigned steering wheel with an image of a pony (or horse) on it. This button lets you toggle through various options such as vehicle set up, cluster customization options and much more intricate functions, like checking the intake air temperature, for example.
The centre infotainment screen which features the brands latest Sync 3 technology is clear, easy to use and it offers up Apple CarPlay as standard. Another standard feature is the Bang & Olufsen sound system which is now standard across the range. Another feature which I enjoyed and which is standard is the heated and cooled front seats which are partially electric.
There are some issues though, I found some plastics to be very cheap and some don’t fit all that well. Most can be found in the lower section of the cabin though, so the overall interior quality has been much improved over the previous model. As for safety features, well for the first time Mustang is now equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert technologies as well as Lane Departure Warning.
The drive
The updated Mustang brings with it more power, for both the 2.3-litre and 5.0-litre models. My first experience was behind the wheel of the 2.3-litre EcoBoost in cabriolet guise. The turbocharged EcoBoost delivers 213 kW and 441 N.m, some 11 N.m more than before. It also features a new 10-speed gearbox which is impressive. It’s fast, smooth and it completely refines the entire driving experience. The car is no slouch and it loves the open road. My driving partner and I exploited the cars performance potentials yet still managed a respectable 10.5L/100km. Dynamically, the cabriolet felt a bit compromised when the road got twisty, I felt the front end to be a tad too light and the steering didn’t inspire all that much confidence.
That all changed when I got behind the wheel of the 5.0-litre, V8. Start it up and the burble will wake the dead, the car not only sounds as American as rock ‘n roll but it is as satisfying as a greasy cheeseburger with extra fries. The extra weight over the front end gave me the confidence that I was looking for, especially now that the engine develops 331 kW and 530 N.m which also send its power to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
As with the EcoBoost, the gearbox provides seamless shifts, even in Track Mode, the car’s most veracious setting. Another feature which refines the V8 is Fords Magnaride damper system which improves the suspension set up to better offer a smooth ride. After my drive in both cars, I can confidently say that the Mustang is a great GT car.
Not dodging a Bullitt
As part of the Mustangs 50th anniversary, Ford released a very special edition Mustang to commemorate that iconic chase scene in the 1968 Steve McQueen movie; Bullitt. The Bullitt Mustang is finished in an exclusive colour called Dark Highland Green, it features bespoke gloss black rims made to resemble the wheels on the car from the movie. It also features more power, 338 kW, and a six-speed manual gearbox. My very short time behind the wheel of this fantastic machine provided enough evidence that this is how you want your Mustang to be. Unfortunately, only 50 of these cars are coming to South Africa.
Warranty and service
All models come with a four-year/120 000km warranty as well as a six-year/90 000km service plan.
Pricing
Mustang 2.3 Fastback 10AT R768 000
Mustang 2.3 Convertible 10AT R831 000
Mustang 5.0 GT Fastback 10AT R915 800
Mustang 5.0 GT Convertible 10AT R978 400
Mustang Bullitt 5.0 V8 GT Fastback 6MT R995 400
