Ford unleashed its latest version in the Philippines this 2018. This iconic sports car from the Blue Oval brand now comes with subtle exterior changes, a refreshed interior, and four new variants. Although it has the same silhouette, the ‘Stang has a sleeker set of fog lamps and a new layout for its front DRLs that matches its taillights. Inside, this coupe gets a refreshed cabin with new materials for its trims.
Of course, what's a Mustang without a big V8 under the hood. Although it's still a 5.0L like in the old 'Stang, this engine is heavily revised with bigger valves, camshafts, stiffer valve springs, new cylinder head, forged con rods, and a rebalanced forged crankshaft to name a few. There’s also the 2.3L 4-cylinder EcoBoost with a huge power output of 310 hp and 434 Nm of torque, thanks to its turbocharger. These powerful mills are paired to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and, finally, a 6-speed manual gearbox (available for the Mustang Convertible only). Opting for the range-topping Mustang Shelby GT500 will give the fastback boosted power figure all thanks to the larger 5.2-liter V8 engine.
Launch
The Ford Mustang was launched in the year 2015 to the Philippine market. After a while, Ford unleashed the facelifted model to the country in April 5, 2018, in the Manila International Auto Show. The model came with several improvements over its predecessor, namely the active exhaust system, Magneride suspension, and the addition of a convertible model.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The current-generation Mustang goes under the S550 internal code from Ford. The suspension system is radically changed from past incarnations of the American pony car. The rear suspension is now a multi-link setup instead of the live-axle rear that was found in the S197 generation prior. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut, making all four corners of the coupe fully independent. For the GT and Convertible variants, the Front brakes are produced by Brembo, and they fit nicely in the 19-inch alloy wheels which come in a multi-spoke design for V8 models and a split 5-spoke shape for the EcoBoost variants.
The engine options in the Ford Mustang include the 2.3L 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine which produces 310 hp and 475 Nm of torque, quite potent on its own, but not as lauded as the 5.0 L Coyote V8 that produces 460 hp and 420 Nm of torque. The range-topping engine, on the other hand, is a 5.2-liter V8 gasoline motor that churns out a mighty 760 hp and 847 Nm of torque. All power mills produce enough torque to produce tire smoke, and the 10-speed automatic transmission is new for the facelifted model, handles the power well. A manual transmission is also available, and it features 6 gears and can only be found in the Convertible model. While the its Shelby form is mated to a 7-speed Tremec dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Driving Performance
Driving Ford's flagship pony car is made joyous thanks to the available power and torque that comes from its engines. The V8 motor that is used in the coupe and convertible is especially potent and features a transmission that features quick up and downshifts. Also impressive is the multiple modes that Ford includes in the package. Steering can be light or heavy depending on the driver's preference. Several drive modes also allow the user to set adjust the behavior of the engine and transmission, which only adds to the already exciting experience. Cornering in the Mustang is planted. Lane changes and mountain roads are easily handled by the two-door and it feels agreeable in turns thanks to the driver aids and traction control.
Technology Features
Ford has equipped the Mustang with an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity options. Users can interface their smartphones with this particular unit as well through the use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and audio is output to a 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen setup. The seats feature a bottom-end that moves electronically and can either be heated or cooled. The new model features adaptive cruise control which allows the vehicle to brake autonomously when it senses an object in front of it. Perhaps the most notable inclusion in terms of tech is the 12-inch fully-digital gauge cluster that is paired with Ford's enhancements like the active exhaust and the Magne-ride suspension. Other than that, the unit comes with front and rear parking sensors, as well as a backup camera.
Exterior
After the facelift, the Mustang looked less wide-eyed and more intense. Minor revisions were made to the front of the car which includes a new bumper and headlight shape. Still retained are the pony car's good looks, which include a fastback side profile. The long hood swoops up to meet the rear trunk which is only a fraction of the size, giving the design the impression of speed even when sitting still. Retained are the iconic three-bar taillights that allow onlookers to recognize the car from afar.
Owners can pick between several colors for the Ford Mustang. These options include Black, Competition Orange, Magnetic Metallic, Oxford White, Red Race, and Tripple Yellow Tri-Coat.
Interior
The interior of the Ford Mustang is crafted from leather, plastic, and metal. Soft-touch plastics are all around the cabin, while leather and metal are placed around key touchpoints such as the switch hardware, steering wheel, and armrests. The seats are otherwise clad in leather. The dashboard is designed with the model's heritage in mind, opting to keep elements that are retro-inspired with a more updated design. The entire cabin is generously outfitted with technology features and has a good amount of storage space for most everyday items. Seating for the coupe is a 2+2 setup. with a latch on the back of both the driver and passenger seat allowing for easy access to the rear area.
Safety
As one of Ford's mainline offerings, the Mustang comes equipped with a whole arsenal of airbags to protect the driver in the event of an accident. A total of 7 bags can be found throughout the cabin, protecting the driver and passengers. These units include dual front, side, curtain, as well as a knee airbag for the driver. Other safety systems include ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and AdvanceTrac stability and traction control. Bundled in with the adaptive cruise feature is the pre-collision mitigation system, which allows for autonomous braking, and a lane-departure system aids in merging onto the highway or small roads.
Pros & Cons
The first liked feature comes in the form of the 12-inch gauge cluster, which is legible, clear and reconfigurable in a multitude of ways. This screen is a high-resolution piece of kit that is a pleasure to use no matter what mode you find yourself in. Through this panel, you can also control the active exhaust, which is another facet to like about the Mustang. It allows the driver to change between a quiet and loud exhaust sound whenever needed. The Magne-ride suspension is also another big factor that makes this coupe a joy to drive. Finally, the transmission is very quick to respond and shift, making the driving experience engaging even without a clutch pedal.
The Ford Mustang is quite wide, so a blind-spot monitoring system would have come in handy. We like electronically adjusted seats, but the recline in the Mustang is of the manual variety, but the greatest omission of all is the lack of speed-sensing door locks, which should be a must for the price consumers pay for this vehicle.
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Our Verified Buyer Reviews come from confirmed customers that have had their purchase registered on the AutoDeal platform.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer
Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Premium SelectShift AT Fastback
Purchased from Ford, EDSA Greenhills
3.8/5
March 11, 2021
Misuari Guialudin
Verified Buyer
Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Premium SelectShift AT Fastback
Purchased from Ford, Alabang
4.7/5
September 24, 2020
Fuel economy for V8 engine is normally runs for 5-6kpl for city driving and 9-10kpl for highway.. I'm satisfied for the consumption of my mustang because for V8 engine it gives you......
Fuel economy for V8 engine is normally runs for 5-6kpl for city driving and 9-10kpl for highway.. I'm satisfied for the consumption of my mustang because for V8 engine it gives you the power you want, and i really enjoy it...
