The Mustang is an American classic and the world’s best-selling sports car – and in its latest incarnation, it looks and performs better than ever. It comes with a complete tech overhaul too, including significant connectivity upgrades. Also, for the first time, it’s available in drop-down form, allowing you to enjoy blistering acceleration while feeling closer to nature. What’s more, the all-new Dark Horse trim turns the Mustang’s pace and power up to 11.
Whether you choose a coupé or convertible model, the new Ford Mustang possesses a finely honed design and commanding aura. Muscularity is the Mk. VII Mustang’s signature design theme. You can see it in the vehicle’s assertive bonnet and well-defined rear haunches, and in a newly minted front spoiler and aerodynamically enhanced side skirts.
With the roof down, the Mustang convertible closely resembles its hard-top counterpart, which means it positively exudes coupé sophistication and strength. It features a fully lined and insulated soft-top too, one that keeps you warm and watertight while minimising exterior noises, including those made by the car’s own engine.
When the weather is set fair, simply pull a lever, push a button, and the roof opens in just eight seconds. After which time, you’re free to enjoy blue-sky motoring to your heart’s content – and that of your lucky co-travellers.
The new Ford Mustang’s sporty exterior is reflected on the inside with a fighter jet-like cockpit that’s dominated by twin displays: a 12.4-inch instrument panel and a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. Both are angled towards you, and each is powered by Unreal Engine software that produces animated graphics and a wide range of colour options. Furthermore, operation of the larger display simply requires touch-and-swipe gesturing.
Unlike some coupés/convertibles, there’s room inside for a couple of extra passengers. Certainly, if you have a young family, children will find that there’s more than sufficient space in the rear compartment. There’s also space for a 408-litre boot which can be opened by pressing a button on your key fob.
The latest generation Mustang is powered by a new 5.0-litre engine which is supported by an equally new air intake system. The latter enables the engine to breathe more freely, thus ensuring more rapid response times. Also included is Active Valve Exhaust System which has four settings: Quiet, Normal, Sport and Track. This enables you to temper the car’s considerable engine roar in built-up areas – or let it rip on the racetrack.
As standard, the new Ford Mustang’s V8 powertrain is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox (optional 10-speed automatic transmission is also available). This produces 440hp and 540Nm of torque, enabling 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds (automatic coupé model). If you want faster acceleration, the Dark Horse trim’s sports-tuned engine outputs 447bhp, facilitating a 0-62mph sprint in just 4.4 seconds (automatic variant).
This is the most technologically advanced Mustang yet. It’s fitted with Ford’s SYNC 4 multimedia system (including a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system) which features voice recognition, cloud connectivity and enhanced navigation; it also uses over-the-air updates. Moreover, you can now enjoy wireless Android and Apple smartphone integration, and 5G connectivity that enables audio streaming, among other things.
The vehicle is equipped with an array of protective tech, including automatic high-beam LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers. Other driver assist features include Blind-spot Information System (BLIS) which comprises Cross-traffic Alert (CTA), which has radar sensors positioned on both flanks, close to the rear of the Mustang. BLIS is able to detect blind spots and alert you to the presence of other vehicles via an indicator light incorporated in your side-view mirror. CTA uses radar technology too and warns you of encroaching vehicles whenever you back out of a driveway or parking space.
