Ford Mustang review

MAJESTIC MUSTANG

Ford Mustang

What is it?

You know what, I think I’ll skip this bit as I’m fairly confident everyone knows what a Mustang is. Having said that, there maybe a little confusion as to what a Mustang is doing within the pages of a magazine that brings you the best and latest in 4x4s.

Well, let’s be real for a moment, I’m a petrol head, and when I’m offered a V8 muscle car for a week with a free tank of fuel, I’m hardly going to refuse, am I? So let’s get cracking…

On the road

My first jaunt was around 40 miles or so. I took my Dad out and we chatted about random stuff. There were a

couple of occasions were I was able to unleash the V8’s might and we didn’t talk at all, we just nodded to each other and grinned. The rest of the route was full of average speed cameras set at either 40 or 50mph on roads that used to be 60mph.

When you simply plod along in a V8 Mustang, it does this strange thing and becomes a ‘normal’ car. There aren’t any intrusive growls or spits, it simply rumbles along taking care of business, along with the miles. Ok, it may not cosset you in limousine-like comfort, that’s because it’s a Mustang, but neither is it Aston Martin or F-Type harsh, it’s simply really, really nice.

5.0ltr V8 GT Fastback

As I get older I’m getting quite a penchant for automatics, but when I was given the option from the PR team at Ford, I opted for the 6-speed manual as I wanted to have proper control of this rear wheel drive 5.0ltr V8 monster, and I wasn’t disappointed.

The 6-speed manual gearbox has a delightful short throw and is a pleasure to use. When I’ve driven the manual Jaguar F-Type or the Subaru WRX for example, 1st gears are almost pointless, especially when making a quick getaway, but the Mustang is much more usable.

Because the car is so quiet and that V8 is so laid back, a

couple of times on the motorway I found myself in 4th gear instead of 6th!

Around corners, and twisty roads the steering is not quite as quick as I would have liked and body-lean around the fastest corners is evident, but it never feels cumbersome for such a big car, and I never had a problem with grip!

Off road

Well, it certainly handled the grass covered carpark on Lindisfarne with ease, but don’t take it anywhere near soft sand, it’s awful! Yes, there’s a story there. No, I’m not going to tell you!

Interior

Sport cars are fun, but I like them to be practical too. Last year I had the awesome F-Type Jag, it was the coupe version, and although it had a boot it was taken up with the spare tyre and there was just enough space for my camera bag and a coat.

The Mustang on the other hand is far more practical. As an example, on the above mentioned 8 hour round trip to Lindisfarne, we filled the boot with 2 camp chairs, a camping table, couple of BBQs, bottles of gas, a large box containing associated cooking gear, my Peli camera case and other bits and bobs. The boot is vast. And, if you want more space, the rear seats fold down too. Told you it was practical.

Up front is a comfortable place to be. The buckets seats suit my 6ft2”, 19 stone frame with ease, much comfier than the F-Type, though Muddy Madam wasn’t overly keen - I can’t remember why. I loved looking out over the rounded bonnet whilst sat at traffic lights after a spirited drive as my vision would be thwarted slightly by the heat haze that’s omitted from the 2 bonnet scoops.

The rear seats aren’t at all practical, unless you’re an incredibly small person. They look comfy enough, but lack both leg and head room.

I suppose at some point I need to be negative, so here goes; the electric front seats take an age to move forward if a small person wants to sit in the back. If you like your coffee in the morning whilst on the commute, don’t buy the manual as you won’t be able to change gear because the only 2 cup holders are where your forearm rests in front of the gearstick.

And that’s it, my only two moans.

Engine ’n’ transmission

It’s a big, lazy, throbbing V8 with 410bhp and to buy the Mustang without it is just silly. To be fair, a lot of people have told me that the 2.3ltr EcoBoost engine that also powers the Focus RS is also a cracking engine, and can achieve over 35mpg, but no, just no.

I was asked numerous times what I was getting to the gallon, I never looked if I’m being honest, I didn’t care either, but I suspect around 20mpg, though official figures quote 23.9mpg.

Conclusion

I adore this car, it’s as simple as that. If I had the money I would buy one right away, and I’m not the only person, there’s a reason why it’s the worlds best selling coupé for three years in a row. Would I go for the manual again? Perhaps not, if it was my money I think I’d opt for the 10-speed automatic, though the new Bullitt version, which is simply stunning, only comes with the manual.

At some point in my life I must own a V8 Mustang, it’s as simple as that. I crave for the authenticity of a simple rear wheel drive

car with a stonking great V8 up front.

I was sat at a set of traffic lights not far from home when a large BMW pulled up beside me. Both near side windows slowly wound down and a bunch of excited 20 year olds peered out and asked me to rev it. I did. They became more excited. They then asked me to pull away as slowly as possible whilst giving it some revs just so they could hear and record the deep V8 rumble. I lost count how many times passengers in cars at lights got their mobiles out and started recording, it’s like driving a celebrity!

Prices start at from £37,645 for the 2.3ltr and £42,745 for the V8. If you want the Bullitt version then expect to shell out £48,145 or so.