Road test Ford Mustang GT Fastback: the legend is more alive than ever

It was an ordinary Monday and I was on my way home for lunch and to get my chores done. Suddenly my phone screen lit up along with the characteristic vibration of incoming calls. It was my colleague and friend Diego. A slight smile quickly spread across my face, since his calls usually aim to wrap up some test or decide who will attend a presentation. After a few seconds of casual chat, Diego let me know that I would have to pick up an Ford Edge a couple of weeks later but, to my surprise, it turned out my meeting would not be with the American brand’s SUV.

On 28 May I gathered my belongings and set off for the Spanish capital to meet that supposed Edge. In the days before a test I always try to do my homework and find out about the car itself: engines, technical specifications, and so on. But something told me that all that data gathering on the Ford SUV was going to be in vain.

As soon as I landed at Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez airport, Diego called me again. A change of plans was coming: my colleague had spoken with the brand and they had told him the Edge could not be handed over, that an unknown vehicle would replace it. I became even more alert. I took public transport to reach the Ford headquarters and, along the way, a barrage of doubts, nerves and questions began to fill my head, all of which were about to be dispelled.

“Good morning, I come from Highmotor to pick up a press car,” I said to the Ford receptionist with a slightly trembling tone. A few minutes later one of the people from the brand’s press department came down to the lobby to receive me. “Are you ready? What a car you’re getting” he said, showing me a set of keys with a galloping horse drawn on them. “It can’t be…” I thought to myself. “Come on, follow me, it’s on level -2,” he said, gesturing toward the elevator.

It was the longest elevator ride in history. My mind kept repeating: “It can’t be, I’m going to test one of my favourite cars, the Ford Mustang.” Finally we reached the blessed level -2 and I quickly spotted a German-registered Bullitt, a dark navy unit, but suddenly a beam of light revealed the one who would be my companion on this adventure for the coming week: a Ford Mustang GT Fastback finished in the eye-catching Orange Fury colour, with Ford Performance parts and two imposing black stripes running the full length of its bodywork. My chariot to happiness, thanks to this great surprise arranged in advance.

Now more aggressive and more sporty

Well, it’s time I set aside the clear sentimentality this car stirs in me and resort to impartiality to analyse the Ford Mustang. We must bear in mind that we are dealing with a restyle, so the changes the quintessential muscle car has undergone are few but more than enough to bring about a more aggressive and sporty look.

The front now boasts headlights governed by LED technology and a sharper design, which helps to settle that pure and hard essence characteristic of the Mustang. The front splitter performs this task perfectly: through a black plastic piece, it mimics fangs at the sides capable of benefiting the sports car’s aerodynamics.

Muscle, muscle and…more muscle! That is how the side of the Ford Mustang is defined, where wide wheel arches and sharp lines continue to show off its tough character. The long bonnet and short rear end create the same impression, a pairing very common in this type of vehicle that manages to soften the whole with high doses of sportiness.

The rear of the American sports car has also been modified and, frankly, it suits it really well. The rear lights, also fitted with LED technology, adopt a more curved shape than on the 2016 model, giving the Mustang a more modern and up-to-date appearance. The diffuser now houses a quad exhaust outlet on the GT variant, which at the same time conducts the muscle car’s orchestra of sound, and what an orchestra…

An cabin with better quality

If there is one thing the muscle car segment has been characterised by, it is a very aggressive look but a rather poor interior in terms of quality. This has changed with the Ford Mustang’s restyle. The brand of the oval has made sure to improve the finishes of its favourite son, something complemented by a technological display on a par with its main European rivals.

But what is behind the Mustang now having a better-finished interior? Mainly, the presence of soft materials in areas that are touched frequently. The first thing that catches our attention when we enter the cabin is a steering wheel of considerable dimensions that forgoes the fashion of a flat bottom, something we will appreciate when manoeuvring and attacking bends.

This leather-trimmed wheel feels very pleasant, but the truth is that the wide array of buttons surrounding it causes some confusion. Above it we find one of the main novelties of the restyle: a fully digital 12-inch instrument cluster. It features pleasant graphics and flawless fluidity, which will come into play when we change menus or driving modes. However, the large number of submenus means navigating through it requires a certain adaptation period to learn where everything is.

The dashboard has very pleasant leather trim, but hard plastic still makes its presence felt in the central area, where we also find the infotainment system, which works quickly and displays intuitive software. But it is on the doors where we really notice an improvement, as certain leather-trimmed coverings now provide a better sense of quality.

Sportiness is also present in the cabin of the Ford Mustang, something we are reminded of by the Recaro-branded bucket-type seats, the gear lever finished in carbon-fibre-look material, or the specific floor mats courtesy of Ford Performance. The seats hold you very well and, despite their shape, are not uncomfortable at all. However, I cannot say the same about the rear seats, which are rather designed for children or for people no taller than 1.80 m. These, however, are offset by a surprisingly large boot, with a capacity of 408 litres, although this is hampered by a high loading lip.

Behind the wheel of the Ford Mustang GT: a sports car that exudes personality

But the most anticipated moment has arrived: pressing the “Engine START” button and telling you what the Ford Mustang conveys when you take its controls. Before delving into this section, I must admit that the muscle car is not a car for setting lap times -although it can do that too- but one for sensations, since its character and personality will bring a smile to your face regardless of the type of driving you are doing.

Beneath its enormous bonnet lies the popular Coyote engine, one of those powerplants that are in danger of extinction and that we should save at all costs. It is a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 that delivers 450 CV at 7,000 rpm and 529 Nm of torque at 4,600, figures that arrive with force and without hesitation.

Starting the Ford Mustang GT every morning is the best of all antidepressants. Whatever kind of day you have had, believe me when I say it will cheer you up. Its rough, deep roar -also known as heavenly chant- can be modulated thanks to the different sound levels, but I must admit it was impossible for me to activate the silent mode. From here I apologise to my neighbours.

This sound is no accident, as the whole Mustang package lives up to its reputation as a car with character. This is made possible by a firm clutch and a gearbox with a simply delicious feel, whose short, precise throws will have us changing gear far more often than necessary. Its steering can also be adjusted alongside the driving modes -which I will tell you about shortly-, but overall it is heavy -something I personally appreciate-, precise but not very communicative.

The test unit did not have adaptive suspension, and as standard it has a somewhat firm and harsh calibration, but at no point did it seem uncomfortable to me. It contains body roll quite well -although this is unavoidable due to the weight- and at the same time does not prevent us from using the Ford Mustang GT every day. On the motorway its GT behaviour comes to the fore, allowing us to cover long distances with remarkable comfort and, despite the bravado of its engine, it is possible to achieve consumption of 8.5/9 litres per 100 km.

When we have to face the urban world we must be prepared to be the centre of all eyes, something accentuated by the colour combination of the press unit. In Normal mode, the exhaust mellows and the steering softens slightly, something we will appreciate when driving through town. However, its large dimensions -4.78 metres long, 1.91 wide and 1.38 high- mean that driving on certain streets can feel rather tight, along with its fairly small turning circle, but the truth is that this is partly offset by its good visibility and the various parking aids it offers. If the city is the arena, it is easy to see how the Mustang’s consumption climbs to 15/16 litres per 100 km.

But it is on open road that the American sports car gives its best. Its imposing engine shows some reluctance at low revs due to its naturally aspirated nature, but that is part of its charm. This forces us to play with the gearbox and to get even more involved in the driving. However, once past 4,000 rpm, the Ford Mustang delivers a surge that seems to have no end and will make you witness American power. This insatiable frenzy remains present practically until the rev limiter, creating a sensation of forceful acceleration.

Going through corners is quicker than one might imagine beforehand, but the 1,743 kilos it claims on the scales make themselves felt. Direction changes are quick if we know how to execute them correctly, but the weight will hamper the agility of the whole on certain occasions. However, the rear end, very playful and aggressive if we seek it out, helps round off the bends, providing a fairly well-balanced feel when we want to enjoy the controls of the Ford Mustang GT. In the Sport+ and Track modes the driving aids are more permissive and will let us enjoy the rear end, although we must stay alert, since when we do not provoke its sway, it will snap back at us angrily.

Getting on the throttle mid-corner can cause a few frights, but the Mustang has two faces: one more docile and friendly, and another far more spontaneous and angry. Once you have got through the adaptation period demanded by the second face of the American sports car, you can enjoy it like never before behind the wheel, which becomes possible by planting your right foot and letting the V8 flood the cabin with its charismatic roar. But all this bravado must be tamed, and that task is performed perfectly by the Brembo brakes fitted to the GT variant of the Mustang, which pull the car up when we need them to.

It is true that bends are not the terrain in which the Mustang feels most at home, unlike other models from the Old Continent, which stand out for their greater precision. But the personality of its engine, which even seems strange to the eyes of a European already accustomed to downsizing, ensures that any situation is enjoyable regardless of our intentions.

When we want to resort to that first face of the Mustang, it is possible thanks to the different driving modes. Although it is rough and aggressive by nature, we can ride the pony car with great carefreeness. Its engine, with a very wild surge in the mid-to-upper range of the rev counter, is willing to cooperate when our attitude at the wheel is rather calm. The response at low revs is relaxed, as I have already mentioned, but more than sufficient to get around comfortably.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the Ford Mustang has become a true myth and icon of the automotive world. The history that precedes it makes it the best-selling sports car in the world, something also made possible by the value for money it offers. It is true that the Ford muscle car is not the fastest, but it does not seek to be, nor does it need to be.

Its character and charisma mean we forgive any shortcoming, as does its muscular styling, which will make you turn around to look at it again when you park it. Its cabin features the latest technology and materials that are more than adequate despite the presence of some hard plastic. On the other hand, driving aids such as lane-departure warning and emergency braking help make the whole package even more rounded.

With a starting price of 49,850 euros, it is hard to find a rival for the Ford Mustang. Models such as the BMW M4 or the Mercedes-AMG C 63 fall drastically short of the 57,442 euros reached by the test unit. On this premise, we are facing a sports car that is tough to beat in many respects and, although it falters in some, its balanced yet passionate whole will make us consider the Ford Mustang GT Fastback a very serious option.

Technical specifications of this car

CoupeFord Mustang6 versions · from 62,405 €