Ford Mustang - strong entry
The legend of American roads has reached Europe. The sixth generation Mustang hits the market in bold style. Spectacular body, decent interior, excellent engines and well-tuned suspension are combined with a profitable price. For the basic version, you need to prepare PLN 148!
The Mustang is officially available for the first time on Ford's European network. The sale was entrusted to selected dealers. There are six Ford Store outlets in Poland. Buyers can choose between Fastback (coupe) and Convertible (convertible) versions. The top version - Mustang GT Convertible 5.0 V8 with automatic transmission - costs PLN 195.
Not only attractive prices made the Mustang warmly received. With modern lines and slimmer than before, the bodywork attracts many curious glances and gives other drivers the thumbs up. Mustang celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. A great reason to refer to the founder of the saga when designing a car body. Ford's stylists have managed to maintain a distinctive silhouette, a pronounced hood with pronounced creases, bulging edges of the front fenders, a trapezoidal grille and a minimalist rear apron with triple lamps and a round logo.
The interior also contained references to the past. The climate is created by sensors covered with tubes, traditional switches in the lower part of the center console or round nozzles built into the metal strip. Users of the new Fords will quickly find themselves in the Mustang. The athlete received - known from popular models - a layout of buttons on the steering wheel, an on-board computer and even a light switch. The regular multimedia system SYNC2 made it possible to "clear" the cockpit from the buttons. The touch screen is used, among other things, to control the direction of the air flow. The quality of finishing materials is different. Ford reached for soft and hard materials, as well as plastic that pretended to be metal. These are not solutions aimed at premium brands, but overall they make a good impression. Those who believe that American cars are raw will experience a positive disappointment.
There is plenty of space in the front row, and a wide range of seat and steering column adjustments make it easy to find the optimal position. The rear seats are suitable for carrying shopping or not too grown up children. The biggest problem is the limited space under the steeply sloping roofline. The trunk deserves a good mark - of course, in the rating scale for sports cars, where a high loading threshold or uneven sidewall surfaces blind your eyes. The coupe can hold 408 liters and the convertible 332 liters regardless of the position of the roof. Plus for a large loading opening and the ability to fold backrests in a compartment.
There were also gadgets on board. The instrument panel illumination color can be changed. In the on-board computer menu you will find the Track Apps tab - a red inscription reminds you that its components should only be used on the track. The app can measure g-forces and acceleration times of 1/4 mile, 0-100 and 0-200 km/h, etc. The five-liter Mustang GT with manual transmission has Launch Control and Line Lock functions. The first one optimizes wheel slip during abrupt starts. The speed (3000-4500 rpm) from which the car will start can be adjusted depending on the type of road surface and type of tires. Once the start procedure is activated, the driver's role is limited to pressing the gas to the floor and quickly releasing the clutch. Before a difficult starting procedure, Line Lock locks the front wheel brakes for 15 seconds. During this time, the rear can turn freely. The function is to make it easier for the tires to warm up before 1/4 mile races. It can also be successfully used to "burn rubber". The clutch will be loaded significantly less than when the brake burns out.
Fans of American classics will definitely choose the Mustang GT with its mighty 5.0 Ti-VCT V8. Incredibly atmospheric engine completely out of keeping with the downsizing era. It develops 421 hp. at 6500 rpm and 524 Nm at 4250 rpm. Dry numbers don't lie. The V8 loves to spin. A strong reverse kick when gas is applied can be counted on when the tachometer shows at least 4000 rpm. The higher the rpm, the better the five-liter V8 sounds. Those who counted on the gurgling of low revs known from American films and a shrill growl in the ignition cutoff region will be disappointed. The Mustang is one of the most modified cars in the world, so finding extra mufflers or a complete exhaust is no problem. Prices? $600 and up.
Mustang GT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,8 seconds. In the same sprint, the base version 2.3 EcoBoost loses around a second, which is also an excellent result. Landing under the hood of a 2.3 four-cylinder engine can be considered a partial return to basics. Engines of the same displacement were offered on the second and third generation Mustangs. Because of their poor performance, fans of the American icon would like to forget about them. Poor 2.3 is a thing of the past. The EcoBoost of the modern Mustang is bursting with power. It offers 317 hp. at 5500 rpm and 434 Nm at 3000 rpm. The attackers say the four-cylinder engine is a nod to European buyers who will opt for a weaker Mustang to avoid high carbon taxes. Serious money is at stake. For example, in the UK, version 2.3 EcoBoost will cost £350 a year to run, while version 5.0 V8 will cut your bill by as much as £1100.
It is worth asking for a weaker version, not only for tax reasons. During dynamic driving outside the city, the Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost consumed an average of about 9-10 l / 100 km. 5.0 V8 will drink 13-15 l / 100km. In the urban cycle, the differences are even more stratified. Ford officially claims 10,1 and 20,1 l/100 km. Four cylinders is not half the fun of driving. Who gets into the Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost for the first time, may wonder if there is a V6 or V8 under the hood. The twin-scroll turbocharger provides good throttle response even at low revs, the engine's zeal to work does not decrease even around the red box on the tachometer, and the electronics improve the sounds penetrating the cabin. The 2.3 EcoBoost variant is the most balanced Mustang ever, with only 52% of the weight coming from the front axle. Combined with a weight that's 65kg less than the 5.0 V8, this results in a car that turns and responds well to commands. Before placing an order, it is worth arranging a test drive and assessing whether it is really worth paying extra for a V8.
Americans don't like manual transmissions. "Automatic machines" are an integral part of equipping even the smallest cars. The rule does not apply to sports cars. In the case of the Mustang 5.0 V8, as many as 60% of buyers opt for a manual transmission. Nothing unusual. Ford offered one of the best transmissions on the market. Lever travel and drag is exactly what we expect from a sports coupe. The clutch, though geared to deliver massive amounts of torque, is light and smooth.
The electric power steering has a three-stage characteristic adjustment (Normal, Comfort and Sport). Regardless of this, the gas response can be fine-tuned. Normal, Sport+, Track and Snow/Wet modes are available. ESP has a two stage switch. A short press on the button puts the traction control system into sleep mode and shifts the electronic intervention threshold. After holding for five seconds, the driver has to rely on his own skills. Predictable drift is ensured by independent rear wheel suspension (for the first time), a long wheelbase (2720 mm) and a mechanical differential lock, standard for both engines.
The European Mustang gets a Performance Pack as standard, with revised damper, spring and anti-roll characteristics, a lower front suspension strut, beefed up brakes and larger wheels. Such a complete car scrupulously follows the chosen route, is sociable, does not heel when cornering, but at the same time effectively dampens bumps. The most noticeable are short surface faults. It is worth emphasizing that the Mustang is not a polite car. It can run on gas, and if handled too harshly, it will quickly teach the driver a lesson in humility.
Those who love dynamic driving should choose Fastback. The Mustang convertible weighs just 60kg more. For European athletes, the difference between open and closed often exceeds 200 kg. A moderate amount of reinforcements does not interfere with driving with the roof closed. When the metal-framed tarpaulin is lowered, the unevenness can cause a noticeable vibration to the vehicle body. The Mustang convertible roof is one of the fastest on the market. After unlocking the windshield frame, it is enough to hold the switch next to it for eight seconds. The roof closing is just as smooth. Too bad the windshot wasn't on the options list. The mesh behind the front seatbacks will reduce air turbulence in the cabin when driving fast.
The 2012 Toyota GT86 proved that you can build a rear-wheel drive coupe for the right price. Ford goes much further. For PLN 148 it offers a beautiful and well-handling car that does not suffer from a chronic lack of torque. It's hard to argue with the standard equipment, which includes dual-zone air conditioning, SYNC800, xenon headlights, cruise control, a rearview camera, a photochromic mirror, 2-inch wheels and even leather upholstery. From the list of options, we recommend Recaro Ebony seats. “Buckets” for PLN 19-7700 with built-in headrests look much better than standard seats, they support the body better in turns, and their seats can be positioned closer to the ground. Another taste is a special Triple Yellow varnish for zlotys. It's worth it. The Yellow Mustang looks great and makes any body sculpting more visible.
Long lines line up for the sixth generation of the legendary Mustang. Also in Poland. Ford planned to sell one hundred units by the end of this year. All found owners before the appearance of cars in showrooms! Everything indicates that demand will exceed supply for a long time to come. Ford has created a great car that is fun to drive and affordable. Competition must take the lead!
