2021 Ford Mustang Review: GT Fastback Car

Sometimes it pays to sit down and think about things we thought would never happen. I mean good things, not pandemics and a series of presidential elections around the world that are more like giving up sanity than actually electing smart, sane people to important positions.

For most of my automotive life, I'd bet good money on the Ford Mustang, which was never built in right-hand drive or offered around the world, despite the obvious money-printing possibilities. I also didn't think that when it did arrive, it would corner with reasonable flair and have an EcoBoost four-cylinder engine option. 

And that it will never have an automatic transmission. With 10 whole electronic brain gears to choose from. It was a little frustrating from the start because even Lexus couldn't bring itself to work. I've only driven a 10-speed Mustang with a four-cylinder engine and it didn't impress me. 

With the recent release of the MY21, Ford kindly invited me to spend a week in an automatic V8. I was hoping that different engine specs and a bit more experience with the 10 speed since its launch would yield better results.

Ford Mustang 2021: GT 5.0 V8
Safety Rating
engine's type	5.0L
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	13l / 100km
Landing	4 Places
Price from	$51,200

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10

Starting at $67,390 for the GT Fastback, you get a proper Mustang. The four-cylinder engine is fine, I think, but it lacks that all-important emotional V8 sound that honestly hurt that body's original 2015 release (when it cost under $50,000). This car had an optional automatic transmission that costs $3000.

In 2021, that money gets you 19-inch alloy wheels, a 12-speaker stereo system, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, a rearview camera, active cruise control, heated and ventilated front seats, satellite navigation, automatic LED headlights with active high beams, partially leather seats (although the steering wheel and shifter are leather), a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster, heated and folding rear-view mirrors, automatic wipers and a tire repair kit.

Ford's SYNC3 features an 8.0-inch in-dash touchscreen and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as 12 speakers that fill the cozy cabin with sound/try to overcome the beautiful rumble of the V8.

The 8.0-inch touchscreen is equipped with Ford SYNC3, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Our car was loaded with $650 stripes, a $750 high-rise spoiler, $3000 Recaro seats (which don't have heating and cooling), and a $650 bright yellow complementary color that I still see when I close my eyes. Eight of the 10 available colors cost an additional $650. You can also opt for Magneride suspension ($2750) and lightweight forged wheels ($2500).

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

After the MY19 update, which improved the exterior design, Ford designers were sent off to do other things rather than keep messing around. The first tinker turned out to be very successful, so there is no need to break it. It's a well-proportioned car that combines all the features of a muscle car with a long, low hood, a rear-mounted cab, and large wheels and tires. I can't recommend this yellow unless you have regular power outages and need a free light source. 

The appearance of the Mustang has undergone careful processing.

The interior is also largely unchanged from 2019. Thankfully, this was a big improvement over the 2015 car, which was full of cheap plastic, cheap switchgear, and the distinct smell of cost cutting. We're getting what's known as an "expert" interior, which is probably a misspelling of "export" because international markets aren't as tolerant of crappy interiors as American buyers. 

The interior has not changed much since 2019.

The digital instrument cluster is a highlight, with its various customizable layouts to suit just about any preference.

How practical is the interior space? 6/10

Starting in the back, you have a 408-litre trunk with a 50/50 split for longer loads, which is pretty good for a sports coupe. There aren't many cars with this kind of bearing that can actually take you and your stuff on a trip. Or even a weekly store will do.

The rear seats are pathetic in that you have to be very low, very patient and happy indoors to agree to spend time there. I think they're good for driving around the block, but most Mustang rivals (as far as they are) wisely forgo rear seats.

The rear seats are only good for driving around the block.

Up front, you have comfortable seats that aren't as soft as they were in 2015, or an optional Recaro like in my car. Since the last time I rode one, I've become addicted to fitness and have subsequently found these seats less comfortable than before. I'm not skinny like the kids say, but the slight increase in shoulder width made the seat back too narrow. I repeat - I'm not big, so these seats are for very narrow people. Tall people will enjoy plenty of space in the Mustang, especially with the standard heated and cooled seats.

Optional Recaro seats cost an additional $3000.

A small bottle will fit in each of the long doors, and a few small items will fit in a tiny box in the center console.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10

Ford continues to install the fine Coyote V8 engine. From its 5.0 liters you get 339 kW at 7000 rpm and 556 Nm at 4600 rpm.

This car had a 10-speed automatic driving the rear wheels.

The 5.0-litre V8 engine delivers 339 kW/556 Nm.

There is nothing complicated about it, it is a classic Ford V8.

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How much fuel does it consume? 6/10

Ford says you'll get 12.7L/100km on 98 RON Premium through official combined cycle tests. I rarely went too far, and there was a bit more than usual road running this week. I got a claimed 11.7L/100km during my week with it, which is why I mention higher than usual highway usage. So 12.7 seems right if you're not too ambitious.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 5/10

You may remember something like blue a few years ago when ANCAP gave the Mustang just two stars and later upgraded it to three when Ford added some extra safety features. This happened in 2018 and this rating remains valid. The list is still rather sparse when compared to Ford vehicles of European and even Thai origin, and remains a subject of controversy to this day.

The Mustang comes with eight airbags (including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger), ABS, stability and traction control systems, AEB with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist.

AEB works at high and low speeds, while pedestrian detection works in low light conditions and at speeds from 5 km/h to 80 km/h.

For child seats, there are two top tether anchorages and two ISOFIX points.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10

Ford offers a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and limited-price service, with the first four every 12 months or 15,000 km.

Each of the first four services costs only $299 and includes a renewal of membership in the state automobile organization for up to seven years for roadside assistance. You can also order a car on credit for free. All this together is unusual, unless you own a Lexus or Genesis.

What is it like to drive? 7/10

There are many things that are fun about the V8 Mustang. First, it makes a lot of noise when starting up. People love looking at it and I know a lot of people love it. And many people will look at you when it is so yellow.

The V8 is an engine cracker, ramping up power smoothly all the way to the redline and briskly ending up there with a long press of the gas pedal. 

I never really liked the steering. It seems a little filtered or even fluffy and quite heavy. But the big handlebar is part of the Mustang's DNA, and it feels right, at least a little, due to the fact that it's heavy. Step out of the Mustang and into, say, the Focus and the difference is quite dramatic, with much more effort required for steering, brakes and throttle.

I have to deal with this, this is the long and short of it. If you're just traveling it's very easy, but when you want to have fun, part of the fun is having to put your back into it. Again, very muscle car.

There are a lot of funny things about the V8 Mustang.

Not very muscular car is a 10-speed automatic transmission. I chatted about it with a friend and he compared it to a buffet all at once, hesitantly. The poor old 10-speed that wasn't great in a four-cylinder turbo still isn't great in a V8. This is no worse, but the problems are exacerbated by different power supply.

The automatic loves to skip gears, and you'll be in an absurdly high gear long before you need it. You can use the paddles to get the gear you want, but you may need to drop - and I'm not kidding - six or seven gears. The reaction to the oars is also a little belated. This is absolutely not suitable for a manual, which by itself could work with a different set of gear ratios.

If you are not interested in entertainment and just want to ride, the machine will suit you. However, ten gears is redundant and doesn't really provide the astonishing improvement in economy that one would expect from four extra gears over manual control. I think I'm telling you not to expect miracles, but that an automatic Mustang is good for cruising.

At highway speeds, the ride is amazing and it's a very comfortable traveler. I remember telling my wife while bombing the Blue Mountains from Sydney that the V8 climbed hills in eighth gear with no drama and was flawless in 10th gear in the M4. You could hear the V8 all the way, and that's integral - even necessary - to the experience. Luckily, if it matters, the car does lose 0.3 seconds from 0-100 km/h time, but it's not that surprising for you to notice.

Verdict

Once I got over the fact that it wasn't as fun as the manual, I enjoyed the slower pace of this car and just kept driving. The Mustang's rating suffered a lot due to the safety rating, the lack of more advanced features, and I had to lower it on the machine, because it is simply not worthy of the Mustang. Driving in a ZF for an eight-speed can cost a few extra bucks.

It still needs a better interior and the back seat is what it is. However, it looks great and the naturally aspirated bellows is outperformed by very, very few. A V8 car isn't my choice, but if you want a bit of muscle car noise and style without the classic annoyances of an ancient Ford or Holden, this car is still on. And luckily, if you're ready, the guide is much better.