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A Mustang is actually first and foremost a free-roaming horse of the American West that originates from Spain. But that's not what comes to mind when one utters the word, Mustang. Instead, our minds flash with references from a variety of movies, where we've seen a myriad of brightly coloured coupes or convertible Fords, named Mustang. 

 

Driven by the cool kids, the Mustangs of the Silver Screen growled in and out of a host of memorable scenes with a V8 snarl. I recall my first visual encounter with a Mustang. As I'm a James Bond fundi, the movie was Thunderball, the fourth Bond film released in 1965. Enter the vixen villainess, Fiona Volpe, a gorgeous redhead who works for Bonds adversary, Emilio Largo. Set in the heat of summer in the Bahamas, Bond finds his way out of the ocean at night and onto the road. A speeding light blue Mustang slams on the brakes, stops and picks up Bond. Coincidentally, Bond is going to the same hotel as the devilish siren. The scene builds with intensity as Fiona drives at a pace. The needle rises - 60, 80, 100 and on to 120 mph. The two converse flirtatiously, when suddenly they arrive at the hotel. Fiona slams on the brakes and bids Bond a farewell. It's an intense scene, highlighted by the newly launched "it car" of the time: the original Mustang. Introduced on April 17, 1964; thus dubbed as a "1964½" by Mustang fans. The 1965 Mustang was the automaker's most successful launch since the Model A.

  

Six generations later, each Mustang has buried its powerful presence in hundreds of movies and millions of minds over the last 50 years. It's an icon. An American icon. Like apple pie and Coca-Cola... it's all Americana. 

 

Luckily for us - right-hand driving South Africans, Ford's sixth Mustang, code-named S 550, is the first right-hand drive version of the Pony Car. This version, launched locally late last year, is offered with two engines: A Mustang mainstay - the 5.0-liter V8 or a modern 2.3-liter EcoBoost. Either as a Coupe or Convertible; mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. 

 

I reviewed a bristling red convertible version accented with a black canvas roof, 18' mags and a faux leather interior trim. Its lines bold. Its stance strong. Contoured with a muscular physique, the Mustang oozes character. Robot to robot, driving drew attention like bread crumbs sprinkled over a hungry fish tank - eyes ogled, necks turned, fingers pointed and smiles ensued. It's a unique sensation to experience. I've driven other attention-seeking sports cars that received many admiring glances, but not with such a volume of intensity. It's a sensation I'd like to celebrity status - like a pop sensation hit the road and the crowds cheered. 

 

History and character aside, the Mustang is a Pony car: an affordable sports car. Judged on this criteria, the gushing levels of excitement meet with the sensible mind. The conclusions are somewhat in juxtaposition. We know the good: history, good looks, character and iconic status. Now, the not so good: average build quality, average handling and expensive to purchase. Priced similarly to BMW's 4-Series, Mercedes-Benz's C-Class Coupè, Audi's A5 and the Lexus RC, this makes them competition.  

 

These above-mentioned cars are all very good, with some models within their range even being outstanding vehicles. Unfortunately, there is nothing outstanding about the Mustang’s engineering. 

 

All Mustangs are fast - darting from zero to whoopie between 4.8 to 5.8 seconds. The problem is the Mustang isn't so good through a corner. Its rear end is quick to 'come off the rails' making for some entertaining fun but leaving the average, less experienced driver feeling cautious of its mischievous character. The history of a Mustang sounds ominous because of its V8 growl. Luckily for the V8 (303kW and 530Nm), this remains the same, albeit the powerful (233kW and 430Nm) 2.3-liter EcoBoost's note is muted by its four-cylinders. 

 

Interior accommodation is ample for four adults with the rear seats reserved for shorter trips. The convertible roof, which is semi-automatic, requires manual unlatching: quick to operate, but rudimentary in its operation by comparison to its rivals, which can be likened to watching origami ballet in motion. 

 

It's a heart vs. head decision. Do you go with your dreams that began while watching a movie or get your head in check and buy a perfected German grand cruiser? It's your decision. I know mine! 

 

Likes

Presence 

Character 

Looks

Quick  

 

Dislikes

Expensive

Cheap feel of cabin and its materials

Dynamically average 

Basic equipment levels

 

Competition 

BMW 4-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupè, Audi A5 and the Lexus RC. 

 

Pricing 

Mustang Fastback manual 2.3 R713 900.

Mustang Convertible manual 2.3 R734 900.

Mustang Convertible automatic 2.3 R795 900.

 

Mustang Fastback manual 5.0 V8 R852 900.

Mustang Fastback automatic 5.0 V8 R873 900.

Mustang Convertible automatic 5.0 V8 R935 900.

 

Service and warranty 

The Ford Mustang is sold with a 5-year 100 000 km maintenance plan. 

 

My choice

Mustang Fastback manual 5.0 V8 R873 900.

www.ford.co.za/cars/mustang

 

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