By Ian Strachan.
Most cars that I’ve road tested over the last couple of years have been electric or hybrid. So the unashamedly noisy performance and sheer petrol-guzzling theatre of the iconic Mustang GT came as an enjoyable change.
Of course electric and hybrid cars have a lot to recommend them if you’re wedded to the principles of net zero. But there’s something primeval about sitting behind the wheel of a gutsy no-nonsense sports car with a huge V8 engine in front of you.
I test drove the Mustang GT 5.0 litre V8 Fastback, with a six-speed manual gearbox. On start-up you get that thrilling Mustang roar through the quadruple tailpipes. But this high-powered monster isn’t all about grunt. It may be about as sophisticated as a chilli dog, growling out a massive 446 brake horsepower, but on the road it is composed and nicely-balanced, and that manual box is fun to use.
The Mustang isn’t just fast – it also handles superbly. Even with all that power being delivered to the rear driving wheels you never feel in less than total control. Steering is quick and responsive.
Don’t expect great fuel economy with the 5.0 litre V8 Mustang. If you’re careful you’ll get around 23 miles to the gallon. But then again you don’t buy a car with an engine like this you’re worried about fuel consumption. And C02 emissions of 274 g/km will mean a hefty road tax bill. Everything has its price.
Naturally, performance is exceptional with a 0-60 mph speed of just over five seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. The noise will wake the neighbours at low speeds, but it is surprisingly quiet for motorway cruising.
The Mustang is exceptionally comfortable for driver and front seat passengers, with big leather sculpted electrically adjustable sports seats. Miy test car had the Recaro seat option at £2,000. Rear seat passengers are inevitably a bit cramped for space unless the front seats are well forward. Controls are clear and well laid out – a pleasing mixture of electronic on-screen touch buttons and old fashioned knobs.
Navigation, in-car entertainment and some air conditioning controls are on a central 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration.
The Mustang’s appearance is enhanced with huge multi-spoke 19-inch alloys and skinny tyres, as well as GT bodykit with black door frame mouldings and a smart front grille. The iconic Mustang logo adorns the grille and is repeated in light projection puddle lamps.
Equipment levels are high. Standard equipment includes selectable driving modes, adaptive cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, lane departure warning with lane-keeping aid, pedestrian and cyclist detection, powered folding door mirrors with blind spot warning, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps, rear parking camera with sensors, 12-soeaker Bang & Olufsen surround sound audio system, electric automatic temperature control and heated steering wheel.
All this power and specification comes at an on the road price of £52,900 which, to be frank, is less than I expected. As well as Recaro seats my car came with extras including premium Vapour Blue paint treatment (£1,150), a suspension damping system with pothole mitigation (£1,750) and bronze trim details (£750).
Ed Miliband may have something to say about it, but if you want to put the excitement back into motoring this is the car for you!
