First drive: 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost in the UAE
Some say it’s blasphemous to have a Ford Mustang with anything less than a V8. And yet, most of the Mustangs running around the UAE are of the V6 variety. True, the V6 used to be a joke, but it has held its own in the performance stakes for a good while now, easily matching up with older V8 versions of the Mustang. And now, with 2015 bringing us an all-new “modern” Mustang, there is a 4-cylinder offering as well, and it even costs more than the V6. Blasphemy!
It’s pricier for a reason. The 4-cylinder variant packs a 2.3-litre turbocharged “EcoBoost” engine, and at 325 hp with 428 Nm of torque, offers a slightly bigger punch than the base V6. The more important advantage is said to be the lower fuel consumption.
The new Mustang itself is new-from-the-ground up. Apparently longer, wider and taller than before, we weren’t fans of the softer new styling direction, but we have to admit, it looks good in this test car’s colour combo. There are intricate details, such as the sharp chin spoiler and the chrome trim around the tail lamps, that don’t come off clearly in photos. There’s also no way to tell that we weren’t rocking a “5.0”, unless you look for badges.
The interior is hugely improved from the hard-plastic tub of the old model, with generous use of well-padded leatherette and chunks of metal dash trim. With pretty gauges, a big LCD touchscreen and metal toggle switches for certain functions, the premium ambience is miles ahead of the plasticky Chevy Camaro, aside from having better outward visibility and general airiness as well. Even the boot is bigger, although the rear seats are still not fit for adults.
It drives very well. Instant responses to inputs from the steering and brakes, as well as a willing 6-speed automatic gearbox in ‘sport’ mode, make it a pleasure to pilot without having to worry about the laggy dual-clutch crap or the grabby brakes that afflict several European sports cars.
The moderately-weighted steering is direct and offers some feedback, while the brakes are strong and behave linearly. There’s also tons of grip around corners, with minimal body roll and neutral behaviour. About the only issue we noticed was a slight floatiness over certain road imperfections, likely a side-effect of a more compliant ride.
Indeed, the new Mustang rides softer and quieter than any before it. Mind you, it’s no Rolls-Royce, as those low-profile do pick up some of the harsher bumps, but it’s a car you can easily commute in now.
As for the engine, there’s more than enough power to be entertaining, but we were expecting more of a kick from the turbo engine, to be honest. There’s a moderate push at low revs and then power builds gradually rather than relentlessly. It also sounds like a Toyota Corolla at low revs, but then there’s a nice grunt as the revs build up, although we don’t know how much of that is a faux tune played via the speakers — something that BMW pioneered with their latest M5.
That said, the 4-cylinder Mustang is a wonderful car. As actual owners of all sorts of Eurasian sports cars, we wouldn’t mind owning an EcoBoost at all, given how refined it is now. And historically, a 4-cylinder Mustang has precedence — the 1984-1986 Mustang SVO had a turbo-4 and was the fastest pony available at the time. Today however, the Mustang EcoBoost’s biggest rival happens to be the 435 hp Mustang GT. Offering over a hundred horses more, the 5.0 GT costs not a whole lot more than the EcoBoost. In terms of pricing, it needs to hit the sweet spot right between the V6 and the V8.
For prices and specs, visit the Ford buyer guide.
Comments
Manulal Inasu
Thank you for the first drive report. I couldn’t wait for it though! Eagerly waiting for my race red pony. 🙂
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Which engine did you buy?
marc
given your color choice, i strongly hope it is for your wife!!
otherwise, i guess the jeer is all yours.. 🙂
Manulal Inasu
@Mash, it’s a V6. Though V8 would be real fun, the extra 60K I have to shell out for it was a psychological barrier, especially when you know with the V6 price here you can get a GT in the States.
@Marc, my color choice was black with black interior. Unfortunately, only two black V6 are gonna be shipped this year. That too in October and both of them are already booked. Even if one of the customers backs out because of the long waiting period, their interiors are white! (They call it ceramic and it’s the last interior color I want in a Mustang). So my color choice is not exactly a “choice” as when you don’t have options, it’s not a choice right? 🙂
marc
understand, mate!
in any case, you will drive a fantastic car there! enjoy and let us know how you go with it
Wheelman
Ford did a great job with this new Mustang. Good way to mark 50 year run by targeting wider audience, just like how the original pony car did back in 60’s
Only issue is that pricing of Ecoboost which is way far from V6 and too close to V8. In here, with cheaper fuel costs, that is not a way to push futuristic turbo engines I’m afraid
Rajesh NG
Good review Mash.
No doubt this is an awesome car. Did u feel any difference because of the new independent rear suspension. heard it improves cornering apparently. Have ordered my GT premium in race red. Expecting by June. Cant wait to take this beauty to town.
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Improves the ride, and there’s no hop on mid-corner bumps.
Manulal Inasu
I test drove it twice. Shock absorbency on bumps is almost the same as previous model I would say. What has been a huge improvement is the body roll. 2015 model stays flat around corners (relatively speaking of course) unlike the previous model. Another great improvement is the reduced noise ingress. Once inside, it’s much more quiet than the previous model.
Abdullah Hussain
Can I fit a 10 year old boy in the back seat ?
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Depends on your own seating position. Mostly no.
thiru
You can easily seat guys who are just 5 ft and below.
Mitch
I love this new Mustang! It’s got an amazing new design and looks the part. Im tempted to sell my old G35 and get one next year!
Rajesh NG
Just did the test drive couple of week ago. The power of the V8 is just unbelievable. This machine just loves to pull. Can’t wait for mine to arrive. I also heard 13may is a free for all test drive day for mustang. so anyone who is interested, can head to Al Tayer at Shk zyd road to take her out for a spin.
a.p.l
how much price of mustang eco boost in uae?
Manulal Inasu
AED 180K