Saddle up and take a ride with the new Mustang
It is the best-selling sports coupe ever made. It is also the topic of songs, movies, and dreams. It is the Ford Mustang. The Mustang has been an icon since its inception in the mid-1960s. It is one of the few cars that need very little in terms of an introduction. It is also one of the few cars that appeal to a wide audience regardless of their affliction towards motorcars. However, the world has changed and so too has the automotive landscape, does the new Mustang still cut it?
The latest version seems to have what it takes. Ford engineers have injected a host of modern features into the car which has brought it into line with what German has to offer. The new Mustang is sleeker, faster, and more technologically advanced. It also features more athletic styling, sophisticated engine, and suspension enhancements, as well as advanced driver assistance features.
Available in Fastback and Convertible body styles with a choice of uprated 2.3 EcoBoost and 5.0 V8 engines matched to Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, the instantly-recognizable, powerful Mustang profile now features more refined aerodynamics and is enhanced with LED lighting technology and a choice of nine bold exterior colours.
As mentioned, the exterior of the new Ford Mustang delivers a sleeker, more athletic appearance while retaining the instantly-recognizable character honed through more than 50 years of production. The bonnet profile is now lower with integrated air vents, combined with a revised lower grille design to give the Mustang a sharper, more aggressive face while improving aerodynamics. New 19-inch alloy wheels are offered in multiple finishes depending on the model, along with 19”x9” Luster Nickel-painted Forged Aluminium versions that are available as an option.
The interior features a retro design with styling elements paying homage to the original. There are some modern touches though, like the fully customisable, all-digital, 12-inch LCD instrument cluster which delivers information displays optimised to match the selected Drive Mode – similar to the Ford GT supercar – helping drivers get the most from every driving experience. The cluster configuration will automatically change depending on Drive Mode, and can be programmed by the driver to display a range of gauges in one of seven colours.
Power is taken care of ‘the one you want’ V8 in the form of a 5.0-litre unit. Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 engine has been further developed to deliver more power and a higher rev-limit than ever before. Peak power climbs from 309kW on the previous model to 331kW, with an accompanying torque peak of 529Nm supported by the introduction of Ford’s new high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection system which improves low-end torque.
The more fuel-efficient 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine delivers 213kW and 441Nm of torque – an increase of 11Nm. The revised engine offers a more responsive and engaging driving experience thanks to a transient overboost function for the turbocharger – triggered under heavy acceleration to provide an extra burst of boost following each up-shift.
It is however the new 10-speed automatic gearbox that completely elevated the driving experience. It makes the car feel a lot more modern and gear changes are smooth and fast compared to the previous model which offered somewhat slow and jerky shifts.
The new Mustang also features an electronically controlled system that enables settings that optimise performance for Drive Modes. Real-time adaptive shift-scheduling allows the transmission to adapt to changing conditions and select the right gear in any situation. Steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters give drivers maximum control.
New Active Valve Performance Exhaust technology means drivers can for the first time adjust the intensity of the Mustang’s exhaust note to suit their mood and the driving scenario. The innovative Good Neighbour Mode can be programmed to automatically limit the exhaust’s noise output at pre-programmed times of the day to avoid disturbing neighbours, not least when firing up the legendary 5.0-litre V8 early in the morning.
Also worth a look: the Ford Transit Custom and the Ford Escort Mk1 RS Returns as 800kg Track Weapon.
FAQ
Q: What does the Ford Mustang cost in South Africa?
The Ford Mustang EcoBoost 2.3T Fastback starts at around R899,900, while the V8 GT Fastback will set you back approximately R1,299,900, and the V8 GT Convertible tops out at around R1,399,900 in South Africa.
Q: Is the Ford Mustang worth buying in 2024?
The Ford Mustang is absolutely worth buying if you want genuine American muscle car thrills with modern reliability, but only if you can stomach the fuel costs and don't need practical rear seats for adults.
Q: What engine options are available in the new Ford Mustang?
The new Ford Mustang comes with two engine choices: a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder producing 231kW, and a 5.0-litre V8 that churns out 331kW of pure American thunder.
Q: How fast is the new Ford Mustang GT V8?
The Ford Mustang GT V8 rockets from 0-100kph in just 4.3 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph, making it properly quick by South African standards.
Q: What's the fuel consumption like on the Ford Mustang?
The EcoBoost 2.3T returns around 9.4 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, while the thirsty V8 GT gulps down approximately 12.2 litres per 100km, so budget accordingly for those petrol station visits.
Should You Buy It?
The Ford Mustang is a definite yes if you've got the budget and the passion for proper motoring theatre. Starting at R899,900 for the EcoBoost, it's the most affordable way to get genuine American muscle car thrills in South Africa. The V8 GT at R1,299,900 is where the real magic happens though, delivering 331kW of spine-tingling performance that'll make every drive feel like a Hollywood movie. Sure, it's not the most practical choice for daily duties, and the fuel bills will make your wallet weep, but few cars deliver this level of emotional engagement and street presence. The best sports car under R1,400,000 in SA is undoubtedly the Mustang GT Convertible, offering open-air V8 theatrics that German rivals simply can't match for the price.
