Review
Ford Mustang Convertible
More than nine million Mustangs have been sold since its launch in 1964 and after more than 50 years of waiting, the Mustang is also coming to the European market. The European-spec Ford Mustang made its debut at the Paris Motor Show. We were introduced to this stallion through a test drive with the Ford Mustang Convertible 2.3 EcoBoost.
Models
The Ford Mustang is available in two body styles. The Fastback is available from 37,000 euros and the convertible from 41,000 euros. You also have the choice of two models, the GT and the EcoBoost. The GT is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine with a power of 418 hp and a torque of 524 Nm of torque. The EcoBoost has a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with direct injection, a turbocharger and variable valve timing to deliver more power. This four-cylinder produces a power of 317 hp and a torque of 434 Nm for the European market. The EcoBoost sprints from 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and the top speed is 233 km/h. The 5.0 V8 can produce even better figures. You can reach 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h. In terms of transmission, with both the GT and the EcoBoost you can choose from an automatic or a manual transmission with six gears each.
Appearance
The design of the new Ford Mustang has been chosen for recognisability. At the front, the Mustang grille stands out with its characteristic trapezoid shape. At the rear we find three-dimensional tri-bar taillights and in profile we see sloping front and rear windows. In addition, the low roof and the wide body are also noticeable.
Inside, the Mustang resembles the cockpit of an airplane. The controls with aircraft-style switches and analog dials are certainly a nice touch.
SYNC 2
The new Mustang is one of the first cars in Europe to be equipped with SYNC 2. This system consists of a touch screen with voice control. This allows you to make hands-free calls, select music, regulate the temperature, use the navigation system, etc. The voice commands you can use are simple. For example, if you say “I’m hungry” via voice control, a list of nearby restaurants will appear where the navigation system can take you.
Driving modes
You can adapt the Mustang to different driving conditions via the different driving modes. You can choose from Normal, Sport, Track and Snow/Wet and depending on the selected program, the settings for the throttle response, steering effort, stability control and shift points change in the case of the automatic transmission.
Convertible
In addition to the Fastback, you can also choose the Mustang as a convertible. This is a soft top with a fabric roof consisting of several layers for better sound comfort inside. You can open the roof by manually unlocking the roof via a lever. Then you can operate the roof electronically while driving. You can open the roof in less than ten seconds. There’s something special about driving with the top down in a Mustang. The car not only looks sleek without a roof, but also drives very pleasantly. There was some wind during our test drive. If you drive with the windows up, you will experience virtually no disturbing turbulence.
New suspension system
The new Mustang has a brand new independent suspension system for the front and rear wheels. This has anti-bending, anti-lift and anti-dive features, making the Mustang more stable when you accelerate quickly or brake hard. The geometry, springs, shock absorbers and bearings have all been specifically adapted and tuned for European roads and high speeds.
Conclusion
If, after so many years, a Ford Mustang with European specifications is now available, expectations among enthusiasts are high. “You only get one chance to make a first impression,” they say at Ford. We had already become acquainted with a Mustang a few years ago during a road trip along Route 66. We have only positive memories of this thoroughbred horse with pedigree and can also say that the European Mustang is also a real Mustang true to its roots. Good looks, ditto performance and an iconic appearance. However, the sound of a four-cylinder is of course not that exciting. But then you just choose the V8.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
