By Staff Reporter

Ford has found incredible local success with the Mustang and a new model has landed to add to the outstanding performance of the outgoing model. The Mustang largely keeps the winning looks of the previous model.

Exterior design

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.

The Mustang’s rear-end design is further enhanced with a re-modelled bumper and diffuser element, accommodating standard quad-tailpipes for the 5.0-litre GT.

The Mustang’s headlights, daytime running lights, indicators and three-dimensional tri-bar tail lights now all feature LED technology as standard, combined with LED foglights. The front headlight bezels have also been restyled to reflect the trapezoidal shape of the upper grille.

Three new metallic paint colours are available – Kona Blue, Orange Fury and Velocity Blue. New 19-inch alloy wheels are offered in multiple finishes depending on model, along with 19″x9″ Luster Nickel-painted Forged Aluminium versions that are available as an option.

Interior

The new Mustang interior has been reworked to deliver a more premium feel. Soft touch materials now feature for the door linings and the door handles are finished in aluminium.

Leather-trimmed, heated and cooled seats are provided in conjunction with six-way electric adjustment for maximum comfort.

Power and Performance

Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 engine has been further developed to deliver more power and a higher rev-limit. 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.

Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission is standard across the range – except for the Mustang Bullitt – and uses an electronic control system which enables settings that optimise performance for Drive Modes.

Smart tech for safety and convenience

The New Mustang is offered with a comprehensive range of driver assistance technologies including Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid.

A customisable, all-digital, 12-inch LCD instrument cluster delivers information displays optimised to match the selected Drive Mode – similar to the Ford GT car. 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.

The new Mustang also features Ford’s SYNC® 3 communications and entertainment system, which allows drivers to control their connected smartphones, audio, and climate functions with conversational voice commands, and by using pinch and swipe gestures on the central 8-inch touch screen. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android AutoT. Embedded navigation is also standard on the Mustang range.

Ford Mustang – Recommended Retail Prices:

Mustang 2.3 Fastback 10AT                                      R768,000

Mustang 2.3 Convertible 10AT                                  R831,000

Mustang 5.0 GT Fastback 10AT                               R915,800

Mustang 5.0 GT Convertible 10AT                            R978,400

Mustang Bullitt 5.0 V8 GT Fastback 6MT                  R995,400

All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120,000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90,000km service plan is included.