It’s one of the most famous name tags in motoring and still the fastest-selling car ever made. But more importantly it’s now being sold in the UK in right-hand-drive.
A new Ford Mustang is news in itself, as it is one of the most iconic sports cars ever made and has a loyal following on both sides of the pond. But this sixth-generation model is more than that, because it has been designed to work in Europe – and the UK – too.
The platform is new and the whole car is more sophisticated than before, while there’s a choice of a 5.0-litre V8 as well as a 21st Century option in the shape of a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo offering.
With a choice of coupe and convertible from the outset, the whole car attempts to mix classic Mustang cues with modern sophistication.
The manner in which the 2015 Mustang manages to evoke memories of the 1965 original, but without slavishly copying it, is impressive.
It has great stance and impact on the road – whether it’s parked or driving past, it’s hard not to turn and look.
The same goes for the inside, where the classic twin-cowl dashboard and toggle switches are present, although happily the retro theme isn’t overdone.
The Mustang has one of the strongest images of any performance car and is still seen by many as the original low-cost, high-fun piece of escapism, and the latest version ticks all the right boxes to keep fans happy.
The Mustang is a relatively big car but with the focus on looks and performance, practicality inevitably takes a back seat.
Up front the space on offer is decent, and taller drivers will be able to get comfortable – the standard sports seats are excellent.
In the back it’s more compromised, and only short adults and children will be able to get comfortable as headroom is limited. The boot, however, is roomy, with 408 litres of space on offer.
The original Mustang was fast, cheap and relatively simple, and while things have certainly moved on, the 2015 version isn’t a million miles away.
Anyone buying one who is looking for the last word in Nurburgring-honed handling might be disappointed, but if it’s fun you’re after, it’s spot on.
The 5.0-litre V8 is responsive, pushing it along with real purpose and venom when pressed, and the noise is good too.
There are three different steering modes as well as driving modes, and with everything at its sharpest, the Mustang will happily play the hooligan.
In fact it even has a Line-Lock mode, borrowed directly from the dragstrip, where the front brakes can be locked on so you can smoke the rear tyres.
It sums up everything you need to know about this car and how it is the complete opposite of ultra-techy German rivals.
Value for money is where the Mustang scores particularly well. As well as an excellent standard specification, it is the bare bones that really drive the point home.
A 2+2 coupe with a V8 engine and a 0-62mph time of five seconds or less doesn’t come cheap – there isn’t a rival under £50,000. There are rivals that are close on price and specification, but they can’t compete with the Mustang’s personality.
You could use the Mustang every day if you can handle the fuel bills, but really it is a car to be enjoyed by everyone. Young or old, man or woman, the Mustang ethos is something that anyone can buy in to, and with such competitive pricing it’s hard not to be enticed.
Clearly lots of other people think so, as the 2015 UK allocation is already sold out and if you want one, you’re looking at April 2016. You never know, it might even make a decent investment.
Facts & figures
Model: Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT
Price: £33,005
Engine: 5.0-litre petrol unit producing 412bhp and 387lb/ft of torque
Performance: Top speed 155mph, 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds
Economy: 20.9mpg combined
CO2 rating: 299g/km