By: Jason Woosey
Ford's pony car has finally galloped into South Africa and there are many reasons to sit up and take notice of this new Mustang. These are ours:
1. It stopped playing hard to get
Most of us grew up watching this iconic American muscle car in movie car chases but this is the first time it's officially for sale in this country, in right hand drive form. Some left-hand-drive Mustangs have trickled into SA through private importers and some even underwent expensive and laborious RHD conversions, but the Mustang has never been 'available' in the same way that it is now.
It's like that hottie that suddenly stopped playing hard to get.
Well almost. There is a growing waiting list, but Ford is at least offering 15 customers the chance to skip to the front of the queue through a Lottery sweepstakes draw taking place in Feb next year.
2. This one's made for the world
Because North American roads don't really have corners, earlier Mustangs didn't have to turn properly, so they didn't; but since the new one is engineered for global markets it has a far more sophisticated chassis than its predecessors, particularly the new integral-link fully-independent rear suspension. Appealing to some discerning markets, such as those in Europe, also inspired designers to craft a rather classy interior.
3. Ford got the engine mix right
If you're a dyed-in-the-wool petrol-head, then no self-respecting Mustang can come without a V8 engine and the new Mustang doesn't miss a beat here with its spine-tingling 5-litre V8 that pushes 306kW and 530Nm. That, says Ford, will get it from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds, making it the quickest Ford ever sold in South Africa, or at least second to that oke at the pub's souped-up Cortina.
Yet if you're a greenie or you can't stretch to the V8 model's R819 900 starting price, Ford is also offering a more economical 2.3-litre, four-cylinder engine in the Mustang and it's a bit easier to afford at R699 900. But before you laugh, consider that this advanced new engine is turbocharged and rather potent with its outputs of 233kW and 430Nm. What's more, its breathing advantage means it'll produce most of its power at Joburg altitudes, unlike the normally aspirated V8. Ford claims a 5.8s 0-100 time.
Regardless of the engine you choose, power goes through the back wheels through either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic gearbox, and this rear-driven combination means that:
4. You can drift and do burn-outs
undefinedDisclaimer: Just don't be an idiot on public roads, there are tracks and skidpans for those kinds of thrills, and instructors if you're a bit rusty.
5. It's an automotive icon
The first-generation Mustang hit the scene, Stateside, all the way back in 1964 and soon became the blue jeans of the sports car world with its unbeatable combination of affordable performance and style. Naturally it became quite a hit in Hollywood too, the Mustang having made over 9000 appearances on TV as well as in music videos and games. Who could ever forget Steve McQueen's antics in Bullitt?
6. But it's kept up with the times
The latest 'Stang has at least left the '60s behind when it comes to technology and like any good modern car, this all-new iteration comes with a glut of gadgets. Toggle switches on the centre console allow you to set the engine response, steering and gearbox to your liking and if you end up on a circuit there are a few Track Apps to keep closer tabs on your car's performance and launch control for bullet-style take-offs.
The cabin toys don't stop there, with new Mustang offering push-button start, an eight-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Sync2 smart-phone pairing and voice control and eight-way-adjustable electric front seats.
TIME TO START SAVING:
Fastback
2.3 Ecoboost 233kW - R699 900
2.3 Ecoboost 233kW AT - R719 900
5.0 V8 GT 306kW - R819 900
5.0 V8 GT 306kW AT - R839 900
Convertible
2.3 Ecoboost AT - R779 900
One last lap?