Motoring: There's a Mustang for everyone

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: NAUMAN FAROOQ
Newly improved 2015 Mustang gets the stamp of approval from our motoring expert. But it does drink a lot of gas.

What’s a more perfect time to report on a sleek, rear-wheel drive, sports coupe like the 2015 Ford than the middle of winter?

This is a car I have been eager to get behind the wheel of, so when Ford offered it to me to take the car, I said yes. Thankfully, Ford had bothered to fit its press tester with proper winter tires, and I would be taking home the least potent version of the new Mustang, the base V6 model.

Just because the V6 model is the base model doesn’t mean it is not powerful or fast, because it is. Under the hood lies a 3.7-litre, six-cylinder motor that produces 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. That is enough grunt to get you from 0 to 100 km/h in about 6.0 seconds, while it’s top speed will certainly land you in jail.

Power, as in every Mustang since the birth of the model in 1964, goes to the rear wheels only. However, unlike most models in its history, you get a six-speed transmission, regardless of whether you pick the manual or the automatic version. The tester had a manual gearbox, and it was simply a joy to use. I have driven far more expensive cars with manual gearboxes that don’t even come close to the precision and feel of the manual in the base Mustang.

You did good Ford – real good.

Ford also did really well with the suspension setup. The 2015 Mustang might not be the first Mustang in history to feature independent rear suspension, but this is the first time every Mustang model from the basic to the most hardcore to feature this layout. The payoff is much-improved handling and road manners. I always felt that over mid-corners bumps and cracks, the old Mustang behaved like a bucking bronco, the new car does a great job of soaking up most of the road’s imperfections.

Ford also did a good job with the interior of the new Mustang. Not only has the quality improved, but the ergonomics, fit and finish have also improved. Depending on your budget, you can have a clever and modern infotainment system, but even the base car is decently well equipped. There is also a decent amount of occupant space, and the seats are wonderful – even on long drives.

Speaking of long, the view out for the driver is that of a long hood featuring bulges, which actually help place the car. They also look cool.

The new Mustang looks good, even in base trim. While in the past, the basic versions looked cheap, the new ones don’t. If you want even more aggressiveness from the styling, not to worry, Ford has plenty of performance models lined up for the Mustang, and the look just keeps getting leaner and meaner.

You will find a Mustang that suits your taste.

Any gripes? It is thirsty. I averaged just 12.3 litres/100km, which is not good. However, the cold weather and winter tires must have played a part, so in the summer you should get that number down into the 10’s.

All in all, the 2015 Mustang V6 is a great sports coupe – or convertible (a drop-top is also available). With prices starting at just $24,999 it will surely be a hit this year.