First Drive: Mustang
- Colin Cumming
- Apr 15, 2018
- 3 min read
Mustang; the name synonymous with all-American muscle, unleashes another wild horse, with its new 2018 model.
With an impressive lineage, the hugely iconic Ford Mustang is perhaps best known for being driven by Steve McQueen, in the classic 1968 movie "Bullitt" - with its famous car chase through the streets of San Francisco.
Having out-sold Porsche for sports cars in Europe last year, Ford, are taking aim well and truly at the competition, with this big, stylish, muscle car.
Under the hood, the Fastback Coupe and Convertible models offer something for every car enthusiast, with a choice of two powertrains.
A 145mph, 290PS, 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol, averaging 0-62mph in 5.5secs, combined 31mpg, delivering 200g/km - and the range topping 155mph, 450PS, 5.0-litre V8 petrol, 0-62mph in 4.5secs, combined 22.5mpg, delivering 279g/km.
The sweeping bonnet with incorporated air vents add a sleek contemporary look to the original. New LED lights, along with an optional boot lip spoiler, keep the theme of stylish American muscle; and with eleven body colours and four different types of 19-inch alloys to choose from, you'll be sure to find the perfect match.
With the loud, growling murmur from the exhaust, you'll hear the car before you see it!
And, it's more practical than you might think.
There's plenty space up-front for even the tallest of drivers but despite the Mustang's size, the two rear seats are cramped for adults. It offers 408 litres of boot space, which is more than some rivals.
With comfortable leather six-way electric adjustable seating - with optional racing seats, driving the Mustang is a joy. Visibility is good - although the rear sloping roofline, does require some extra care.
With good road holding and sharp brakes, the large American muscle car doesn't have to be reigned in too much. Road noise in both models is surprisingly quiet, and it's responsive and nimble in town and on motorways.
One thing to bear in mind, is its width - the Mustang is a wide car!
Inside, you get a well laid out dashboard, if a little cheap-feeling with plastic. There's an impressive all-new 12-inch customised digital instrument cluster, along with retro style switches, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard; as are keyless entry/start, adaptive cruise control, dual climate control and a rear-parking camera, though sat-nav is extra.
All-new safety features, including a collision avoidance system, help improve EuroNCAP rating.
Offered in both a six-speed manual and all-new smooth ten-speed automatic (with steering wheel mounted paddles), on the road, the Mustang excels, and the V8 is a beast!
The Mustang has six driving modes, including 'Drag Strip' mode - which combines launch control with maximum acceleration. There's even a 'quiet' mode to tone down the bombastic exhaust, so you don't wake the neighbours on those quiet mornings!
There's an optional Magneride suspension system - with its magnetic liquid helping improve ride and handling.
If you want noise and serious power, then the V8 is for you. If it's more for a daily commute, then the EcoBoost might be better suited.
With some serious road presence, Ford, have unashamedly produced an American muscle car that delivers a fast, gas-guzzling, fun drive.
With prices starting at £35,995, the Mustang offers bang for your buck against its competitors.
Later this year, a more powerful 50th 'Bullitt' anniversary edition will be made available.
If you want to be free-roaming on the open road, then the Mustang is for you.
The Mustang feature as published in the national press.
To view the published article, click this link:-
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