Geraldine Herbert with the Ford Mustang. Pic by Kyran O’Brien
Does the right-hand drive version of the 60s icon, the Ford Mustang, live up to its status, asks Geraldine Herbert
What is it? It is the quintessential muscle car and one of the most recognisable in the world. It has featured in a host of films, been driven by none other than Steve McQueen and become an icon of modern culture but until very recently you couldn’t actually buy a Ford Mustang in Ireland. It has taken more than 50 years for the Mustang to be available in right hand drive, so has it been worth the wait?
Who is it aimed at? From the moment you set eyes on it is clear this is a Mustang for the 21st century, modern yet still paying homage to its heritage. It will taunt you from your driveway and beg to be driven.
Styling? It also casts a spell over anyone who sees it, complete strangers ask you to rev it just so they can hear the engine sound, others want to use it as a backdrop for their selfies and a trip to the service station (and trust me that’s a journey you will make frequently) turns into a Q & A session about what’s powering this iconic “Pony” Car.
Under the Bonnet? There is a choice between a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder and the 5.0-litre V8. They are almost identical save for the “5.0” badge on the V8’s front fenders and the “GT” badge on the tail; the EcoBoost version gets a Mustang logo on the rear instead.
What about inside? Inside, it is cosy and comfortable but while it’s all well appointed it is all a little too familiar Ford and lacks the excitement of the exterior. Some of the fittings are not quite as durable as you might expect but the instruments are clear and front seats are extremely comfortable making it easy to find the perfect driving position. Storage is not a selling point and while the back seats are not huge and are probably best reserved for nimble friends or children there were no grumbles from my two about the lack of legroom on the way to school. The boot is a generous size but it’s usefulness is a little limited by the narrow opening.
On the Road? The Mustang is rear-wheel with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. On the road the steering is sharp and accurate as you are slung so low to the ground it feels more like a muscular Mazda MX-5. The suspension has been adapted for European conditions and it works so well making the Mustang more than capable through twisty back roads. However the Mustang is a big, wide and pretty heavy car but despite this it corners well and there is not nearly as much body roll as you would expect. There is also a very impressive V8 grunt from the engine.
Three levels of steering systems, Comfort, Normal and Sport can be selected along with four drive mode settings for Snow/Wet, Normal, Sport and Track. Each can be independently selected so there is a host of configurations depending on road surface or weather.
And Safety? All the safety boxes are ticked with a wide range of airbags including an inflatable airbag restraint design and a host of active and passive safety features.
Will it break the bank? The Mustang built a reputation by offering style, performance and affordability and the 2.3 Ecoboost priced at €49,000 does just that, even the fuel economy is an impressive 8 litres per 100km or 35mpg. At €65,000, the V8 is all together much more expensive proposition and a thirsty one , according to Ford it returns 13.5 litres per 100km or 20.9mpg. However when compared to rivals, that offer similar power such BMW M4 Coupe or the Lexus RC F both are priced over the €100,000 mark.
Verdict? In its first year of global availability, Ford Mustang became the world’s best-selling sports coupe and it’s really no surprise. It sounds fantastic and it drives really well but it is thirsty and it feels a little cheap on the inside so yes there are more sensible ways you could spend €65,000 but none would be nearly as cool. It may have taken more than 50 years to find out but it seems Mustangers really do have more fun
Why you’ll buy one? Looks; Driving Dynamics; Heritage
Why you won’t? Thirsty; Dull interior
Rivals
Lexus RC F -priced from €106,950
BMW M4 -priced from €100,760
Watch our video review below (Video Filming by Kyran O’Brien)
Ford Mustang Fastback 5.0 V8 GT
Engine: 4951cc, 416bhp@6500rpm, 530Nm/4250 rpm
Max speed: 250km/h
0-100 kph: 4.8seconds
Emissions (Motor Tax) : 299g/km (Band g €2,350)
Model price range: €49,000 (Test Car €67,800)
No of Doors: 3 doors
Euro NCAP : Not tested
Fuel type: Petrol
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 13.5 l/100km, 20.9mpg
Boot Capacity Seats up: 408 litres
Car Seats: 2 Isofix fittings in the rear
Length: 4784mm
Width: 1916mm
Height: 1381mm
Wheelbase: 2720mm
For more information on the new Ford Mustang check out Ford.ie, the Ford Ireland Facebook page or follow them on twitter here
Geraldine Herbert
23rd June, 2016
