The world famous Ford Mustang is about as American as it gets – right up there with stars and stripes, hot dogs, obesity and baseball. And, for the first time in its 50+ year history, it’s arriving on UK shores. This significant step by Ford is welcome news to UK fans – and with the Ford Mustang UK release date having elapsed earlier this year, it won’t be long before this legendary muscle car becomes a familiar sight on our streets.
- History of the Mustang
- UK Ford Mustang Review
- Which model to choose?
- Buying a Ford Mustang in the UK
In today’s review, we’re taking an in-depth look at the Ford Mustang 2015 UK model, covering everything from the Mustang’s history to its performance figures and the reasons you need one on your driveway immediately. Ready? 3, 2, 1, floor it!
History of the Mustang
For those of you unfamiliar with the Mustang’s heritage, let’s take a moment to get you up to speed. Take a seat.
Let’s travel back in time to the 1960s, in the height of the American muscle car movement. As with most things American, building big, cheap and powerful was the aim of the game in this particularly popular sector of the market. However, as oversized and sluggish muscle cars began to lose popularity, Ford jumped on the growing trend for mid-size cars with supersized engines – designing and releasing the first Mustang in 1964.
The Ford Mustang offered the perfect balance of performance, style and affordability – striking a chord with the masses. Small by USA standards, this popular new sports car quickly became the hottest ticket in town – with Ford selling over 1 million Mustangs in its first few years rolling off the production line.
The Mustang’s somewhat simplistic design, easily sourced Ford parts and rapidly growing aftermarket accessory line made it incredibly popular with tuners and petrol (or ‘gas’) heads over the years – with Ford essentially responsible for carving out what remains the only surviving muscle car format today. Fast-forward 50 years or so, and the Ford Mustang is still one of the most popular performance cars in America – often imitated, never duplicated.
What took it so long to come to the UK?
While demand for a Ford Mustang right hand drive model has been high for a long time, with many ambitious modders resorting to importing Mustangs and putting them through a brutal steering wheel conversion, Ford has certainly taken their time to bring the Mustang across the Atlantic – 51 years to be exact.
Although there were undoubtedly many factors in play in the Mustang’s late arrival, it’s important to understand that the UK and European car markets are inherently different to that of the USA. Our smaller roads, stronger environmental values, higher fuel prices and stricter emissions laws make the prospect of a Ford Mustang on UK roads seem laughable. Even incredibly popular UK models like the Ford Fiesta are different in America, with Ford stretching the micro-hatchback into a full blown sedan for the American market.
But good old Ford has made the leap – and boy, have they nailed it. The 2015 Ford Mustang UK model has arrived, and it’s glorious.
Ford Mustang UK Review
Whether you’re a muscle car enthusiast or you’re already breaking into your piggy bank and looking up local Ford Mustang UK dealers, today’s review won’t disappoint for fans of the Fastback.
Design
As expected, from a country of excess, the new Ford Mustang 2015 UK model is anything but subtle. While it’s come a long way since its glory days, the Mustang’s design retains much of its retro appeal. Its long, ballooning bonnet is an unfamiliar sight on UK roads – hiding its colossal power plant and giving the Mustang a distinctively aggressive and powerful stance.
It might be considered mid-size in America, but the Mustang certainly stands out on UK roads, with a wide and chunky aesthetic. Classic Mustang touches remain on the UK model, with the iconic pony emblem adorning the Ford’s sharp and intimidating front grille. Redesigned front and rear lights give the 2015 Mustang a modern streak, resulting in an incredibly attractive car that’s sure to make an appearance on the walls of teenage bedrooms across the country.
The latest version to join the lineup is the ever popular Convertible Mustang, offering open-air thrills in exchange for a slightly spongier chassis due to a loss in structural rigidity. That being said, the Convertible model is a dazzler and its electronically controlled folding roof mechanism tucks away neatly behind the rear seats – making it the perfect choice for a summer roadtrip.
Step inside the Mustang and you’ll be presented with clean, functional and comfortable surroundings. The bench like dashboard and aluminum accents are a clear nod to classic Mustang interiors of days gone by. And while the leather upholstery is no match for its more refined German rivals, they can’t compete on price. Leatherwork aside, the Mustang’s interior feels premium and plush and doesn’t disappoint.
Performance
Now for the bit you’ve all been waiting for. Let’s talk performance figures.
Ford has released the 2015 Mustang in two trim levels in the UK, with some very different powerplants – the more economical Ford Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost and the petrol guzzling powerhouse that is the 5.0 V8 GT model.
Ford’s EcoBoost engines have been out for a few years now, receiving much critical acclaim in the industry – and these engines are designed to deliver performance for the modern age. As increasingly strict emissions laws and climbing petrol prices continue to shift and shape the UK’s car market, manufacturers have been given a much-needed kick in the backside to invest in developing cleaner and greener engine technologies that don’t compromise on performance. Ford’s efficient EcoBoost engines use a high performance turbocharger to squeeze maximum power out of a smaller engine block, resulting in lower fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions.
Don’t let the word ‘Eco’ fool you into thinking this is a Prius in a fancy frock. The EcoBoost UK Mustang features a 4-cylinder 2.3 litre direct injection petrol engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger, pumping out a hefty 310bhp. This translates to a 0-62mph time of just 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 145mph! While nobody buys a Mustang for its fuel economy, the EcoBoost model is surprisingly frugal considering where it’s from and how fast it goes. Drivers can expect to see fuel figures of 35mpg and CO2 emissions of 184g/km – not great by UK standards, but remember that this is no Fiesta.
Perhaps the more exciting model, however, is 5.0 V8 GT Mustang. Ford Mustangs and big block V8 engines go together like peas and carrots, with Ford’s legendary V8 powerplant largely responsible for the Mustang’s popularity as a muscle car over the years. Under the bonnet of the GT Ford Mustang 2015 UK model, you’ll find a mammoth 5.0 litre V8 petrol engine – delivering a staggering 412 bhp and bags of torque to the wheels. As you’d expect, performance figures are a step up from the Ford Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost model – but when your compare their running costs, is the power boost enough to warrant the extra trips to the petrol pump?
Lucky owners of the 5.0 V8 GT Mustang can expect to hit 62mph in just 4.8 seconds from a standstill, as well as a marginally higher top speed of 155mph. With all that power at the wheels, Ford has even introduced a launch control feature on the manual version of the V8 GT model – delivering maximum power to the wheels with minimum loss in grip when you put your foot down. As expected, you’ll have to fork out a pretty penny on your fuel and road tax bills – with the GT Mustang only achieving a meagre 20mpg and emitting more smog than a power station at 299g/km of CO2.
Handling
If you’re not used to driving American cars, the Mustang may feel a little alien to UK drivers. Its wide stance can feel a little imposing on UK roads (not to mention UK parking spaces!) and its heavy and solid chassis can take some getting used to. That being said, the introduction of independent front and rear suspension of the Ford Mustang 2015 UK model is a welcome addition – and once you get used to its bulk, it’s a fun and powerful car to drive.
Features
Gadgets and features are where the Mustang really shines, with Ford delivering plenty of bang for your buck.
Inside the kitted out cabin, you’ll find Ford’s SYNC 2 infotainment system – featuring an 8 inch full colour touchscreen, displaying plenty of useful driver information. From here, you’ll be able to utilise the Mustang’s DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and there’s even an option for built-in satellite navigation.
One nifty function in the Ford Mustang UK model is the addition of electronically selectable driving modes. This allows you to optimise your driving experience for everything from blasting around the race track to staying safe in the snow.
Other notable features include Ford’s Hill Start Assist system – preventing you rolling backwards on awkward hill starts – as well as electronically folding door mirrors, a rear view parking camera and keyless entry and engine starting.
If you opt for the slightly more expensive 5.0 V8 GT model, you’ll get additional features, such as high performance Brembo brakes to help you tame the beast under the bonnet, a launch control system (on the manual version) and GT badging to ensure your neighbours know you forked out for the big daddy. One controversial addition is Ford’s decision to install an induction sound tube – amplifying the roar of the Mustang’s V8 with fake but impressive engine noises.
Which model should I choose?
2.3 EcoBoost vs. 5.0 V8 GT
While the thirst is undoubtedly real for the 5.0 litre V8 GT Mustang, Ford’s new 2.3 EcoBoost model is the main reason the Mustang has become a viable option for the European market. With strict emissions laws and high fuel costs, Ford’s game-changing EcoBoost technology has made it all possible for the UK Mustang – and the EcoBoost option is undoubtedly going to be the more popular of the two models for most UK buyers.
Having said that, nobody buys a muscle car for its fuel economy – and if you can afford the running costs of the 5.0 litre V8 GT model, it offers nothing short of an authentic Mustang experience.
The choice really depends how deep your pockets are. Our vote is for the 2.3 EcoBoost Mustang, offering plenty of muscle car thrills, while staying on the sensible side of the running costs spectrum.
Ford Mustang 2015 Price
Aside from its iconic muscle car design, one of the main reasons behind the Mustang’s popularity is Ford’s mission to deliver high performance at an affordable price. And while tensions were high prior to its UK release regarding its price, Ford has worked hard to keep its promise – with the Ford Mustang UK model staying surprisingly affordable.
The 2.3 EcoBoost Mustang will only set you back £29,995, making it a total steal considering its iconic status and blistering performance figures. Better yet, the 5.0 V8 GT model is only a pinch more at £33,995 – making for unbeatable value for money.
Buy your Ford Mustang today
Thirsty for some American muscle? All you need to do is find a Ford Mustang for sale; UK drivers will envy everything from your daily commute to your car’s curb appeal. Despite the long waiting list, if you’ve dreamed of driving the original Fastback, The Car Loan Warehouse are about to make your day. With competitive Ford finance deals and flexible options on everything from bad credit car finance to no deposit car finance, our Ford finance experts can transform your American dream into a UK reality.
Whether you’ve found the car you want or are still deciding, apply online today for a free no obligation decision with an hour – allowing you to relax, calm in the knowledge that the cash is up for grabs. If you’re still questioning whether you can afford to buy a Mustang of your own, why not try our quick and easy car finance calculator to get an instant estimate on how much you’ll need to repay?
