Ford Mustang retouched – sleeker, smarter, safer, meaner

While we have become used to seeing the new ‘Stang on the roads in South Africa (after what felt like a prolonged wait of almost 2 years after it was announced that Ford Mustang would become available in right-hand-drive markets) the much-loved cars launched here in 2015 is set for a retouch.

After tapping Mustang’s evergreen ever-growing fan base, Ford came up with a number of improvements, bringing the international sports car to the people.

Sleeker design

The Ford Mustang facelift gets a tweaked design, front and rear, to give a meaner leaner look, and refined aerodynamics.

The bonnet and grille have been remodelled, the bonnet vent is in a new position, all-LED front lights (including signature lighting, indicators, low and high beams, and fog lamps).

The unmistakable triple-stripe Mustang taillights get revised LED, while other changes at the rear are a new bumper, fascia and available performance spoiler.

The interior touch points have been improved, along with visual cues for a more premium look&feel.  The centre console adds a hand-stitched wrap with contrast stitching, and padded knee bolsters.  

Your way, MyMode

Technology upgrades include a new 12-inch all-digital LCD screen in the dashboard, which you can customise “your way”.  This new instrument cluster can be personalised to give 3 separate views, with displays customisable for normal, Sport and Track modes.

The MyMode memory function which can recall your driving setting preferences, including suspension and steering preferences.

Driver assist

New driver assist features include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, distance alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and the Driver Alert System.

Ford SYNC Connect with FordPass becomes available on Mustang – the smartphone app can start, lock, unlock and locate their Mustang, for ultimate convenience.

Meaner + 10-speed

The engines get power/torque upgrades for meaner performance delivery. 

The 2.3-litre 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine continues as the no-V8-added entry-level model.  Transient overboost technology brings increased torque for wide-open throttle acceleration.

The 5.0 V8 has been reworked.  More power, higher revs.

An optional active-valve exhaust affords auditory control for the Mustang GT (the proper V8 one) letting the engine roar… or not.  The 4-cyl gets a dual-tip exhaust, while the V8 can be visually told apart by a quad-tip.

Either the EcoBoost or V8 can now be bolted to the new 10-speed automatic tranny (transmission).  10 gears allow quicker shift times, wide-ratio span… all for optimised performance and fuel economy.

Under-the-skin

Other under-the-skin mechanical changes are new shock absorbers for better ride control, a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension which leads to increased lateral stiffness, and new stabiliser bars for sharper response and handling.

MagneRide variable damping suspension becomes available with the Mustang Performance Package, to offer optimum handling.

New paints, wheels

Customers have a wider choice of 3 additional paint colours, and there are now a dozen distinct wheel choices.

Exact timing and pricing have not been announced by Ford SA, though as the Mustang is imported, it is just a matter of time (a shorter wait, this time) before the new-look ‘Stang arrives locally.

Current Ford Mustang pricing ranges from R 713 900 for the 2.3T EcoBoost fastback coupé manual to R 935 900 for the 5.0 GT convertible auto.