The iconic Australian muscle car takes on a modern feel
The Ford Mustang GT convertible combines power and style in a modern take on an iconic car.
Motoring
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring. Followed categories will be added to My News.
I’ve never been beeped and whistled at so much in my life. Maybe it’s because I’m a woman driving a red-hot V8 Mustang convertible or maybe it was that Melbourne couldn’t handle a roof-down muscle car cruising through the city streets on a dreary day.
Either way, the Mustang GT Convertible made one thing clear. This is a car that turns heads.
This is a car that has kept true to its identity. The Ford Mustang still has it.
Value
Despite the modern technology and design updates, the new Mustang Convertible still feels like a Mustang - it hasn’t changed too much.
It still has that muscular stance and the roar of a V8 engine.
But the seventh generation model does feel sharper, more sophisticated and smoother than ever.
Whether it’s driving through the city streets or windy coastal roads, the Mustang is a good choice for buyers seeking a blend of modern technology and performance.
Despite the price increase (more than $12,000) over outgoing generations, the Mustang GT convertible remains well priced and is a standout compared to rivals.
With an estimated drive away price of $98,017, it’s a good option for those looking for a convertible under $100,000.
Comfort
I’ve always been a big fan of the Mustang’s comfort. The seats offer excellent bolstering, giving the driver a snug and connected feel with the road.
If you’re small like me, then surprisingly there’s plenty of space in the front and rear but for the average passenger, they’ll find the space tight, especially the rear.
The boot size is generous and offers ample space for you and your passengers.
The interior cabin has had the biggest update with a new 13.2 inch infotainment system and a 12.4 inch digital cluster replacing the ‘double brow’ design.
Personally, I think the new design appeals to a younger demographic and is sleek, responsive and easy to use.
The new digital infotainment system also enhances the vehicle without taking away from the traditional features of the Mustang.
You’ll also find heated and ventilated seats, a new leather-wrapped steering wheel design, metal pedals and colour adjustable ambient lighting.
Safety
The Mustang offers a suite of safety features including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot assist, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic assist and post-collision braking.
It also features a reverse camera and rear parking sensors.
The Mustang comes with a five year unlimited kilometre warranty and capped price servicing that totals just over $1500 for four years.
Driving
Under the bonnet, the Mustang convertible still boasts the 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine and offers 347kW and 550Nm of torque.
Buyers still have a choice between a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard.
Driving through the city streets and urban areas, the Mustang handling and steering is impressive, even with the roof down the Mustang feels like it’s glued to the road.
The moment I hit the freeway, the Mustang does exactly what you ask of it. The roar of the V8 is bound to make you smile.
In true Melbourne spirit, it started hailing while I was driving, but even in terrible condition, the Mustang handled itself remarkably well.
Alternatives
Mazda MX-5 - known for its lightweight and engaging driving experience, the MX-5 is a great option but you’ll have to compromise on space and power. But it wins on price with the roadster starting at $46,190 plus ORCs or the RF version starting at approximately $51,117 plus ORCs.
BMW 4 Series convertible - The BMW 4 series offers more luxury with a sophisticated interior but less grunt with 180kW of power. Pricing starts from around $118,438 plus ORCs.
Verdict
The Ford Mustang seventh-generation has stayed true to its car roots but embraced technology to keep up with the modern expectations from buyers.
It’s a bloody beautiful car to drive, even for someone like me who isn’t phased about having a V8 engine under the hood.
It’s easy to see why this vehicle is iconic, if you’re after a rumbling V8 engine, with a tech-savvy cabin, then this is the convertible for you.
4 out of 5
Originally published as The iconic Australian muscle car takes on a modern feel
Tesla loses $600 million in Australia
While Elon Musk continues to rake in billions, Tesla sales down under are in the slow lane.
This Tesla rival is anything but bland
A bold approach to design separates this intriguing electric vehicle from the herd.