Ford Mustang

The seventh-generation Ford Mustang comes with an upgraded interior that blends advanced technology with classic design elements. The cabin has a driver-focused layout featuring two digital display units. The use of soft-touch materials and quality trim throughout the interior reflects a commitment to a more upscale feel, aligning with the Mustang's sporty heritage. The angular, aggressive lines on the dashboard and door panels reinforce the Mustang’s athletic personality. Carbon-fiber and aluminum trim options are available for the higher model.

The seats provide ample support to occupants. The 5.0L GT Premium V8 gets leather upholstery with optional Micro-Suede vinyl inserts and color-accented stitching. Recaro front seats are available for those seeking enhanced lateral support during spirited driving, Additional comfort features include heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustments for both driver and front passenger. The flat-bottomed, multifunction steering wheel facilitates easier entry and exit. The Mustang retains a 2+2 coupe setup. Space on the rear seat is tight and it’s best for small children.

The new Ford Mustang gets customizable ambient lighting that allows drivers to tailor the cabin atmosphere to their preferences. 

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Premium interior

Cons: Rear-seat not suitable for adults

Features and Technology

The new Ford Mustang takes a huge leap in technology, courtesy the fully digital cockpit inspired by modern fighter jets. The car comes with a fully customizable 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster that allow drivers to switch between various display themes, including a classic Fox Body Mustang layout. The drive modes come with unique gauge layouts and animations.

The car gets a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system connected to a multi-speaker audio system. It runs on the SYNC 4 system. The high-resolution, tablet-style touchscreen dominates the central console. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. Over-the-air (OTA) updates ensure the system remains updated. The climate and vehicle settings are integrated into the touchscreen.

Pros and cons:

Pros: Customizable instrument cluster

Cons: No physical buttons 

Boot Space and Storage

The Ford Mustang comes with approximately 382 liters of trunk space, which is pretty decent for a sports car. A couple of large suitcases, two backpacks, and additional smaller items can easily be stored in the boot. 

The cabin gets a number of functional storage spaces. The central console houses twin cup holders, a wireless charging pad, and space to keep for small items. The door panels can hold smaller items like wallets or mobile phones.​ 

The Ford Mustang’s rear seat doesn’t have much option to accommodate storage because of limited legroom and headroom.

Pro: Decent boot

Con: Limited rear-seat storage options

The Ford Mustang measures 4,811mm in length, 2,097mm in width, and 1,407mm in height. The car has a wheelbase of 2,719mm. The seventh-generation Ford Mustang retains the long hood and wide stance. The GT’s grille is larger and more squared-off, featuring horizontal slats. It also includes functional airflow enhancements. The front bumper is sculpted with bold creases and large lower air intakes. The GT model has additional cooling ducts. 

The Ford Mustang now comes with a new tri-bar headlight design. It pays homage to the triple-bar lighting signature found on previous models. The angular shape of the headlights gives the car a sharper, more aggressive expression. The car gets all-around LED lighting. The Ford Mustang’s side profile sports sharper, more defined creases compared to the previous S550 generation. A deep contour line runs along the lower doors. The roofline is sleek and aerodynamic to aid performance. It slopes down seamlessly and merges with the trunk. The rear haunches are pronounced. The 2.3L EcoBoost model runs on 19-inch alloy wheels.

The revised three-bar taillights are canted inward. It lends the car a more dynamic and three-dimensional appearance. The rear bumper is more sculpted than before, with integrated aerodynamic elements and a more pronounced lower diffuser. On the GT model, the quad-tip exhaust and functional air vents add to the performance aesthetic.

The Ford Mustang is available in Oxford White, Shadow Black, Race Red, Vapor Blue, and Iconic Silver colour options.

Pros and cons:

Pros: Muscular styling 

Cons: Polarising front-end design

The Ford Mustang, like all muscle-cars, isn’t exactly fuel-efficient. The EcoBoost 2.3L returns a mileage of 9.35kmpl in the city and 14.03kmpl on highways. The higher GT 5.0L model produces approximately 6.80kmpl in urban conditions and 10.20kmpl on highways. The EcoBoost offers a commendable balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for those seeking spirited driving without significant fuel consumption.

Pros and cons: 

Pro: EcoBoost offers decent efficiency

Con: The GT 5.0L is a petrol guzzler

The EcoBoost model comes with an independent rear suspension, providing a much smoother ride compared to older solid-axle Mustangs. The car absorbs most of the bumps and thuds, making it comfortable for daily driving. The GT model gets a stiffer suspension to handle the extra power. The ride is firmer but remains composed, particularly with the optional MagneRide adaptive dampers. These dampers automatically adjust based on road conditions, softening for highway comfort and firming up for spirited driving. 

The cabin of the Ford Mustang is well-insulated. The EcoBoost model remains relatively quiet at highway speeds. The GT trim gets a performance exhaust system that produces a deep, aggressive rumble. While exhilarating for enthusiasts, it may be loud for those seeking a quieter ride. 

The steering is responsive and nicely balanced. While not as razor-sharp as some European sports cars, the Mustang’s steering is accurate and well-weighted, offering good road feel. The near 50:50 weight distribution helps the car stay planted in corners.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Well-balanced ride

Cons: Noticeable road noise

The entry-level model of the Ford Mustang is equipped with a liquid-cooled, turbocharged, four-cylinder, 2.3-liter EcoBoost petrol engine that produces 315PS/475Nm. The motor is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission (AT). The top-end trim is equipped with a liquid-cooled, turbocharged, eight-cylinder, 5.0-liter petrol engine that produces 486PS/567Nm. The motor is paired with a 10-speed AT.

The EcoBoost model propels the Mustang from 0 to 96kmph in 4.5 seconds, showcasing impressive acceleration. The 10-speed AT does have a tendency to upshift eagerly, and sometimes reminds of a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Handling is a strong point of the Mustang. The car exhibits stellar dynamics. The Ford Mustang comes with Normal, Sport, Track, and Drag Strip drive modes.

Pros and cons:

Pros: Choice of powerful engines

Cons: AT is sometimes aggressive

The Mustang comes equipped with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 technology that comprises a full suite of driver-assist features. These include speed sign recognition, intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-go function, lane centering assist, evasive steer assist, and reverse brake assist. An innovative electronic drift brake that comes with the optional Performance Pack allows drivers to explore the vehicle's dynamic capabilities safely. The car gets a rear-view camera and parking sensors that helps in manoeuvring and parking in tight spaces. 

The Ford Mustang is equipped with a sophisticated airbag deployment system. External sensors detect potential collisions, allowing the system to deploy front-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger, side-impact airbags for all seats, and overhead and knee airbags to protect occupants' heads. 

Pros and cons:

Pros: Exhaustive safety systems

Cons: No front parking sensors

Competitor Comparison

The Ford Mustang’s closest competitor in the Philippines market is the BMW 4-Series Coupe. The Mustang gets optional 5.0L V8 and 2.3L turbocharged petrol engine options emphasizing raw power and American muscle. It has an aggressive design, a tech-rich interior, and track-ready trims. The BMW 4- Series prioritizes refinement, featuring a 2.0L turbocharged or a 3.0L I6 engine with a premium cabin and precise handling. The Mustang is better for enthusiasts, while the 4-Series excels in comfort, technology, and daily usability. 

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The 2024 Ford Mustang retains its legendary roots while embracing modern advancements, delivering an exhilarating driving experience with cutting-edge technology. Whether it’s the thrilling roar of the eight-cylinder powertrain or the precision of the EcoBoost, the Mustang offers a blend of power, style, and innovation that few rivals can match. With a refreshed design, a driver-focused cockpit, and enhanced performance, it continues to be the quintessential American muscle car. The Mustang is a perfect car for enthusiasts seeking excitement and everyday drivability.