Ford Mustang Review

By Farzana Chaumoo

Read about the Ford Mustang's engines, pricing, safety features and more.

Styling

The Mustang can be had in one of ten exterior colours with an option between 3 19-inch alloy wheel designs. 

The iconic pony car received a midlife update to its styling by means of a sharply drawn visual attitude, a lower bonnet, and also received a reduction of aerodynamic lift at the front axle for better high-speed stability. You will also notice the difference in the front and rear bumpers and the addition of twin vents on the bonnet. 

Its cabin was also known to have some scratchy b plastics previously. With the update, Ford added some soft-touch materials on the door panels and centre console and one or two higher-quality fittings feature here and there. 

The Mustang also received some digital instruments but it can’t be compared to the lustrous likes of Audi or Mercedes-Benz.

The Drive

On the highway, the 2.3-litre Mustang felt pliant and comfortable. In terms of handling, it doesn’t have the accuracy of a BMW but on the line, it will leave the 420i for dead. The Mustang has rather large proportions, being a little wider and longer than the 420, but the MagneRide dampers do a respectable job of controlling lateral roll on bends.

We have yet to drive the 5.0-litre GT but it’s safe to say that you don’t need the V8 for the full Mustang experience.

You can toggle between four Drive Modes: Normal, Sport+, Track or Snow/Wet. Each mode activates predefined powertrain and chassis calibrations suited to that particular driving situation.

Performance

The V8 has played an indispensable role in establishing the Mustang’s identity but that hasn’t kept the American automaker from offering the iconic car with a 2.3-litre, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. While the engine may also lack the grunt of its V8 sibling, the 233 kW/430 Nm power plant is closely related to the engine found in the Focus RS. This engine has been available in the Mustang since the sixth-generation Mustang came back on sale in 2015.

Despite its inability to match the V8’s 4.8 seconds 0-100 km/h sprint time, the 2.3 doesn’t feel slow in the least. The  2.3 EcoBoost Fastback Manual will achieve a 0-100 km/h sprint time in 5.8 seconds.

The 5.0‑litre V8 engine makes use of sequential multiport electronic fuel injection and variable camshaft timing to produce a sturdy 306 kW of power and 530 Nm of torque. The 5.0 V8 GT Fastback Manual is the most powerful and fastest-accelerating Ford ever sold in South Africa.

Both the V8 and the Ecoboost engines can be paired with either a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission in Fastback guise, or the option of the six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission (Fastback and Convertible). Race car-inspired paddle-shifters on the steering wheel can also be found on the automatic gearbox.

Space and Comfort

The Mustang’s width and advanced rear suspension contribute to decent shoulder and hip room for passengers. It also has a practical-sized boot sufficient for everyday use. The boot can accommodate two golf bags.

Safety

This is a list of standard safety and security features on the Mustang:

• Active glovebox knee airbag (front passenger)
• Curtain airbags
• Driver and passenger side impact airbags
• Driver's knee airbag
• Dual front airbags
• Driver and front passenger belt reminder system
• Dynamic Stability Control® (DSC)
• Illuminated entry
• ISOFIX child seat anchorage points
• MyKey®
• Perimeter alarm
• Rear-view camera
• Passive Anti-Theft (PATS) immobiliser
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Fuel Consumption

Despite the 2.3 Mustang’s dynamic potential, the EcoBoost engine has a claimed fuel consumption of 8.0 L/100 km on a combined cycle. In the V8 you can expect to see fuel figures in the region of 13.6 L/100 km.

Price

The Retail price of a Mustang ranges between R728,500 and R955,800.

Models in the range:

2.3 EcoBoost Manual Fastback

2.3 EcoBoost Automatic Convertible

2.3 EcoBoost Automatic Fastback

5.0 V8 GT Manual Fastback

5.0 V8 GT Automatic Convertible

5.0 V8 GT Automatic Fastback

All models are sold with a 4-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, 5-year/100 000km service plan, 3-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 20 000km.

The Verdict

The  entry-level Mustang is relatively quick, it has distractingly good looks and offers handling that you can enjoy on a twisty road. If you have the extra money to spend, then splurge on the extra character you get with the V8.