Ford Mustang – can this pony outstrip the herd?

Well, this is something special isn't it? Ford's Mustang is probably the most iconic thing that's ever come out of America – besides their penchant for a good 'ol war. Its massive success hinged off the fact that it was an aspirational product that the everyday man (or woman) could afford – and that's not something that comes about very often.

Original sales forecasts projected less than 100,000 units for the first year. This mark was surpassed just three months after it first hit showroom floors. Another 318,000 would be sold during the model year and in its first eighteen months, more than one million Mustangs were built.

Ford's subsequent attempts to recreate the hype were however largely unsuccessful. The 1973 oil crisis and wayward design approach meant the market and the car itself just weren't in the right place.

Now there's a new one on the block and it looks much more promising. So I hopped on a plane headed for Cape Town to find out if the new pony can outstrip the herd.

So, the headline details are this:

1. This one goes round corners

Yes, that's right. Ford has designed the new Mustang as a global car – and unlike the US of A we have these bendy roads that require the steering wheel to actually direct the car, not just act as something the driver hangs on to.

In fact Ford were so set on this idea that a majority of the Mustang's development happened over in Europe. There's independent rear suspension, limited slip differentials, massive brakes and fancy lightweight materials that all aim to make this a proper driver's car.

2. Model line-up

There are two headed for our sunny South African shores, each of which is also available as a rag-top. A 2.3 litre turbo charged unit good for 233kW and 430 torques. The other is of course a big V8, five litres to be precise. This one has 306kW and 530 torques. Both come with the option of a 6 speed manual, or automatic 'box. Sounds promising.

The Mustang performance pack is standard on all local models, which adds some neat wheels and a bunch of performance bits that make your 'Stang a bit more special. The V8 gets a few extra goodies under the 'track apps' feature, undoubtedly the best of which is something called 'line lock'. It helps execute the perfect burn-out – just watch this:

https://youtu.be/BuBZlt4ZWQI

3. That Mustang feel

Despite the fact that the original Mustang is widely regarded as being rubbish from the driver's seat, everyone still wants the experience. That's because the Mustang was so much more than a mere car. So after chatting with a few of the older generation, those that had actually experienced the original, there was little doubt that the new kid hits all the same notes.

4. Behind the wheel

Right, so, what did I actually think of the experience? Well there's no doubting the Mustang's presence – and best of all is that there are quite distinct throw backs on offer, inside and out. It's unmistakable. And turns heads. Tick.

Firing up the 2.3 litre turbo unit does leave you feeling sorry there isn't a big, lumpy V8 lurking beneath the long hood. But burying your right foot deep in the carpet quickly changes that. It's an immensely impressive powertrain, although a small amount of turbo lag limits throttle response. It's a big car, but the harder you push the smaller it feels, to the point that I called it nimble. Now there's a change for you. That said I think the rear suspension could still do with some work; rougher stretches of road revealed it to be a little jittery, skipping rather than keeping the tyres stuck to the tarmac.

The V8 on the other hand feels much more like a muscle car should. The heavier block means it's a little less sharp in the bendy stuff. The auto 'box is that bit more delayed. It's much more point and squirt. Rather disappointingly I found it lacking a proper V8 bellow, but I'm sure that can be rectified with some exhaust fettling.

I'd love a go in a manual V8 with a bit more open road, if not a race track, to really see how it performs. But for now my pick would most likely be the 2.3 turbo with stick shift (once I'd overcome the sense of wrong-doing that comes with the idea of a Mustang without a V8).

5. Pricing

It's pretty good, as you can see here:

Fastback

2.3 Ecoboost 233kW – R699 900

2.3 Ecoboost 233kW AT – R719 900

5.0 V8 GT 306kW – R819 900

5.0 V8 GT 306kW AT – R839 900

Convertible

2.3 Ecoboost AT – R779 900

5.0 V8 GT AT – R899 900

You can, for similar-ish money, pick up something German – like a 435i BMW. It's got less power, but is fractionally quicker than the 2.3 'Stang. It won't come as well kitted though. But most importantly has nowhere near the same presence. And for not-a-lot more you can have a V8. Makes the Ford look rather appealing, doesn't it?