The new Ford Mustang arrived as a more advanced pony and is polished for sportier handling than its predecessors. Two variants of the iconic muscle car are on sale SA: the base 5.0 GT tested here costing R1,320,000, and the sportier but 6kW stronger Mustang Dark Horse we've previously tested, which costs R203,000 more.
The base 5.0 GT is fast and loud, but is it worth a look ahead of its racier cousin or European rivals?
Ford markets the Mustang as the most affordable performance coupe with a V8 that money can buy. This is true. For roughly the same amount German rivals will reply with force-fed four and six-cylinder alternatives, and the Mustang is among the more ample-sized offerings with a 4,794mm length.
It’s closely matched for price, size and practicality with the Audi S5 TFSI and Mercedes-Benz CLE.
The most basic choice has none of the showy aero of the Dark Horse, such as dark alloys, a prominent boot spoiler and aggressive front and rear valances. Though styling is entirely down to personal preference, the Atlas blue GT of the test car looks sensational, with its shiny alloy wheels, four-port exhaust system and the legendary long-nosed Mustang silhouette, but any talk about a Mustang without rushing to the engine will mean nothing.
On start-up, and whether using the red starter button or remotely via the key fob, the 5.0l Coyote V8 gently rocks the car side to side. It produces 334kW and 540Nm and is paired with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Performance is rated at 4.9 seconds from 0-100km/h with a 250km/h top speed, and it has a list of drive modes, including for track, drag racing and slippery surfaces.
Sequential manual changes are possible via steering wheel paddles, though they aren’t the sharpest or most intuitive. Previous generation special models such as the Bullitt could be had with a six-speed manual, and the chunky steering wheel can be adjusted for light, normal and sport responses. The digital dials can be shuffled to reflect driving moods and it comes with an electronic motorsport-style handbrake lever.
Driven in anger, the Mustang will tear up the tarmac. The suspension is compliant and well controlled to measured throttle inputs, especially on curves, but you get the sense it is straining on its traction management leash. Erratic behaviour with the right pedal will have it bucking sideways with intent.
The handling impressed, including when it was used as a pace car on the twisty mountain pass roads of Lesotho at the launch of the Dark Horse. The braking power is also good and effortlessly brings the 1,836kg coupe to a safe halt.
When your right foot isn’t making every effort to elicit the intoxicating engine howl, the Mustang GT is an accomplished cruiser. The ride quality is never harsh, even in its firmest setting, while the sport exhaust system can be muted through a button. It’s impressively civilised when you want it to be, returning 13.2l/100km in urban settings, though it can quickly empty the contents of the 60l fuel tank if you take liberties.
The entry and egress into the racy cabin is easy, and the 2+2 configuration isn’t claustrophobic but remains unusable for adult rear passengers. The seats are comfy and the ergonomics and build quality has improved over the predecessor model, though it’s not up to German finish standards.
It’s loaded with luxuries that include a steering wheel warmer, dual-zone climate control, smartphone integration, heated, ventilated and leather-clad electric seats plus a comprehensive list of function apps accessed via a touchscreen main display.
With eight-cylinder sports cars becoming rare in the era of engine downsizing, Ford’s old recipe of raw power and dramatic muscle car looks will be a pleasing tonic to a section of enthusiasts.
It’s sold as standard with a four-year/120,000km warranty and optional six-years/90,000km service plan.
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