Having been in continued production for over 50 years and with sales topping nine million, the Mustang needs no introduction, adorning bedroom and office walls alike since its inception in 1964. How can we forget Eleanor, the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback Shelby GT500 from the movie Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000) or Steve McQueen's 1968 Ford Mustang GT in the cult classic Bullitt (1968).
Time certainly has moved on, for both the Mustang and good old fashioned car movies. The car you see here originally unveiled in the U.S. on 17 April 2014 to mark the Mustang's 50th anniversary and following the commencement of right-hand drive production at the Flat Rock plant in Michigan, it is finally available in South Africa.
In the U.S. it's common place to see Ford Mustang's in various body styles, both vintage and brand new, with new models quite attainable for middle-class America. In South Africa though, a Mustang sighting is akin to spotting an MP not travelling in a blue-light cavalcade, with youngsters and old-timers bumping shoulders, camera phones at the ready, to get a glimpse and snapshot of the American classic.
It's a curious decision then, that Ford South Africa decided to import both the 5.0-litre V8 GT and 2.3-litre EcoBoost with 'only' R120 000 dividing the two models, which let's be honest, have significantly different personalities. In short, one has all the bragging rights, and one has none.
I'd imagine that if you're a South African, in the market for a brand new Mustang, that you'd most likely bite the R120k bullet and go for the V8 GT model. Is a Mustang a Mustang if it doesn't have a V8? In my head no, but, in the words of another American icon, The Times They Are a Changing.
By now you will have made up your mind whether aesthetically you're in love with this modern interpretation of the classic Mustang shape. Personally, if I had the option, a mint vintage model would get my money, every single time. But, it is immediately recognisable as a Mustang, if completely reimagined for the modern world. Classically, it is an evolution of that iconic design first penned by John Najjar and Philip T. Clark but whereas Americans have been exposed to 50 years of design evolution, we South Africans only really have the 60s and 70s models as reference.
So, let's get down to it, the model which (hopefully) every prospective Mustang owner will buy, the 5.0-litre V8 GT. Maximum is power is a thunderous 306kW backed up with mountainous 430Nm of torque. Enabling a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 4.8 seconds.
Thankfully you can spec a 6-speed manual to deploy all that torque through the back wheels and onto the road. If you must, a 6-speed automatic gearbox is available, but, like the EcoBoost option, no, just no. Don't do it!
Speaking of EcoBoost, the 2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine is actually quite impressive. With peak power and torque pegged at 233kW and 430Nm respectively, the lesser Mustang can reach the tonne just one second slower than the full-fat V8 model. Not bad.
Available in Fastback (coupe) and Convertible styles in any combination of V8/EcoBoost/Manual/Auto, all models heading to South Africa feature a high-performance brake and 19-inch alloy wheel combination as part of the Performance Pack with 5.0-litre GT models benefit from six-piston Brembo stopping power on the front axle.
For those hoping to clinch robot-to-robot bragging rights, 5.0-litre V8 models with manual transmissions are fitted standard with Launch Control as part of the Tracks Apps feature. The system allows drivers to complete multiple 'full bore' standing starts. Simply, keep your right foot nailed to the footwell - the electronic systems will keep engine revs in a sweet-spot between 3 000 - 4 500r/min - release the clutch and let the car do the rest as it maximises torque delivery to the rear wheels as well as minimising slip and loss of traction. Of course, managed gear changes is the drivers responsibility.
Displayed via a colour TFT screen in the instrument panel, Track Apps also features an accelerometer and displays information such as acceleration time and brake performance.
By way of standard specification, the new Mustang comes fairly well stocked as standard, with all models receiving more or less the same kit. Leather upholstery is standard across the range, so too are heated and cooled seats with the drivers seat featuring 8-way power adjustment.
Other standard specs standard across the range include: Hill Launch Assist, smart keyless entry, daytime running lights, auto headlights, rain sensing wipers, radio/CD with 9 speakers and amplifier with an 8-inch central touchscreen, Ford SYNC®2 with Bluetooth and Voice Control, Aux-in, SD Card Slot and 2 USB ports, and multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Safety wise the Mustang comes standard with front driver & passenger, side, and curtain (excluded from convertible models) airbags as well as ABS, EBA and ESP with traction control.
Pricing:
| 2.3 EcoBoost Fastback Manual | R699,900.00 |
| 2.3 EcoBoost Fastback Auto | R719,900.00 |
| 2.3 EcoBoost Convertible Auto | R779,900.00 |
| 5.0 GT Fastback Manual | R819,900.00 |
| 5.0 GT Fastback Auto | R839,900.00 |
| 5.0 GT Convertible Auto | R899,900.00 |
Included in the purchase price is a 4year/120 000km warranty and a 5 year/100 00km service plan with service intervals pegged at 20 000km. as well 3 year/unlimited km roadside assistance and a 5 year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.
