When Ford added a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the Mustang and replaced its ancient solid-axle rear suspension with an independent multilink design, the company effectively provided its quinquagenarian pony car with the equivalent of a heart transplant and a hip replacement. What does any of that mean? Strong power with decent fuel economy, handling more planted than skittish and a spryness belying its years.
The redesign's rakish silhouette also provided a sleeker, sportier appearance. The look is modern, yet true to the Mustang's Americana roots. Interior quality and ambiance are improved immensely as well.
Coupe and convertible versions are available. We tested two coupes; a GT V8 with a six-speed manual and a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic. The turbo is a stylish, mildly sporty boulevardier; the GT is a tire-smoking brute capable of summoning summon your inner teenager.
With a snappy 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds, the turbo version absolutely lives up to the image of its sheetmetal. Power comes on quickly, but the sound is raspy and gritty. Plus, 25 mpg overall fuel economy is more akin to a midsized sedan, than a performance car. As for handling, the turbo Mustang brings an appropriately sporty demeanor, while leaving your molars intact on bumpier roads.
With its throaty 5.0-liter V8, the GT is more high-strung thoroughbred than easy-going draft horse. Pumping out 435 hp, our GT roared from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The six-speed manual has smooth, low-effort action and the clutch is light enough to avoid left leg fatigue in traffic. That's a rare feat in a car with this much torque.
With the optional Performance package, we got stiffer springs, Brembo brakes, and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential. So equipped, the GT felt ready to race. But be aware the Pirelli P Zero tires take forever to heat up for optimum grip, so we recommend performance all-season tires for real-world driving.
All Mustangs have improved interiors, with soft-touch materials offsetting some hard plastic surfaces here and there. A row of toggle switches in the center stack lends a cool, retro-racer flair.
Unlike many sporty cars and coupes, the Mustang can serve as a daily driver without severely compromising visibility, ease of access, or drivability. The front seats are superbly supportive, though they lack a power recline feature. As for the rear seats, there's room for groceries but little else. It is, after all, a coupe.
A standard rear camera is helpful. We'd also select the optional blind-spot monitoring.