It’s been a while since the new right-hand drive Mustang broke cover in Australia but Ford finally mustered a mob of the iconic sports cars for the first local media drive.
The Mustang was first let loose half a century ago and in four years reached classic status with the 1968 Fastback’s unforgettable starring role with actor Steve McQueen, carving up the streets of San Francisco in the movie Bullitt.
The latest iteration comes in two versions, coupe and convertible, powered by either a 5.0-litre V8 or four-cylinder 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, the former a nod to the 20th century gas guzzling muscle machines, the latter Ford’s gift to environmentally conscious modern motoring.
As Ford says, no Mustang engine line-up would be complete without a great V8 engine at its core. The new 5.0-litre V8 is no exception with a swag of upgrades that help it breathe better, especially at higher engine speeds; lessons learned in developing the special-edition 2012 Mustang Boss 302. The result is a boost in power to 306 kW and 530 Nm of torque.
The addition of the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine introduces turbocharging to the Mustang powertrain line-up. Once again engine breathing is the key, the geometry of the EcoBoost intake manifold and turbocharger housing being optimised to provide higher output – 233 kW and 432 Nm of torque.
To put this into context, the last time Ford sold the Mustang in Australia in 2001 the car had a 4.6-litre twin-cam V8 that produced 240 kW of power and 430 Nm of torque.
Six-speed manual transmission provides smoother shifting than previous Mustangs, while the automatic transmission features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching.
The new ‘pony’ has taken on a European look – Maserati comes to mind – without forgoing vital Mustang cues such as a muscular, long bonnet, shark nose and signature lighting.
A sleek profile is set off by 19-inch Ebony Black painted alloy wheels with 255/40 R19 tyres (EcoBoost) or 19 x 9-inch Ebony Black wheels, 255/40 R19 tyres (front) and 19 x 9.5-inch Ebony Black wheels, 275/40 R19 tyres (rear, GT).
The cockpit, says Ford, carries an aircraft theme with a plain design for instruments and controls. While the High-resolution 8.0-inch colour touchscreen presents vital information including satellite navigation, its positioning low on the central dash means the driver has to take his or her eyes off the road for longer than with high-set screens found in many European vehicles.
Seats are laterally supportive but lack of rear legroom puts the Mustang well into 2+2 territory. However, boot space in the convertible is a generous 324 litres, enough to take a set of golf clubs, while the fabric roof can be stowed in a matter of seven seconds.
A selection of driving modes can be called up by flicking a switch on the central console. Normal offers a balance between comfort and performance; Sport+ provides more responsive steering and throttle response; Track allows the engine to respond directly to the driver’s input, while reinforcing the sporty engine note; and Snow / Wet keeps the car in touch with adverse road conditions.
The media drive programme consisted of city and country roads, plus track work. At close to five metres long, the Mustang is a big car and needed some close attention in heavy traffic, although manoeuvrability was surprisingly good.
The well-sorted suspension ironed out some pretty ropey roads out of town, while the Brembo brakes were equal to the task of slowing the 1600 kg-plus coupe on coming up behind slower road users. Steering was weighted according to the pre-selected driving mode.
On track the V8 showed itself to be a big and brutal with engine note to match. The EcoBoost had an altogether lighter touch but was no less spirited, especially coming out of tight bends.
Convertible cabin wind turbulence was non-intrusive with the top down, with the body strength coping well with lateral and twisting forces, eight airbags providing the ultimate in passive safety.
Mustang prices start at $45,990 for the Ecoboost Fastback manual, convertible coming in at $54,990, while the range is topped off at $66,490 for the GT Convertible.
Cars can be optioned up with ‘over the top’ Racing Stripes from $650; black painted roof, $975; 19-inch Premium Wheel with Luster Nickel Finish, $500 and prestige paint, $500.
With 4000 orders, most with deposits – 80 per cent the V8 versions – the first year’s supply is spoken for. New owners are in for some pleasant surprises.
MODEL RANGE
Ford Mustang Ecoboost Fastback: $45,990 (manual), $48,490 (automatic)
Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible: $54,990 (automatic)
Ford Mustang GT Fastback: $57,490 (manual), $59,990 (automatic)
Ford Mustang GT Convertible: $66,490 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Ford dealer for drive-away prices.
