Ford Mustang V8 Sports Car 2018 review | Mat Watson Reviews

TL;DR

The Ford Mustang V8 offers great performance but lacks practicality.

Transcript

The Ford Mustang. Now, this is as American as the Big Mac. Can someone take this away from me, please? I thought I ordered the Halumi burger. Come on. Anyway, yes, there's no doubting this is a product of the good old US of A. Ironically, though, is actually designed by a Brit. You see, the old Anglo-American partnership, it still works. So, if you... Read More

Key Insights

• The Ford Mustang is an iconic American sports car, known for its striking design and powerful performance, offering great value for money despite some interior quality issues.
• The interior of the Mustang, while sporty, lacks the quality feel of some of its competitors, with materials that are not as premium as they could be.
• Rear seat space in the Mustang is very limited, making it uncomfortable for passengers, especially those who are taller, and not ideal for fitting child seats.
• The Mustang's boot offers reasonable volume, but the awkward shape of the opening can make loading and unloading items a challenge.
• The Mustang now features independent rear suspension, greatly improving its handling and making it more enjoyable to drive on twisty roads.
• The V8 engine option provides exceptional performance with 421 horsepower, but fuel consumption is high, averaging around 18 miles per gallon.
• The Mustang's large size and limited visibility can make it difficult to navigate narrow roads, a common issue in the UK.
• Despite some drawbacks, the Mustang includes several fun features like line lock, launch control, and track apps, enhancing its appeal as a performance car.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main design features of the Ford Mustang?

The Ford Mustang is known for its iconic and striking design, embodying the classic American sports car look. It features a bold front grille, muscular stance, and sleek lines that make it stand out on the road. The car's design is both aggressive and stylish, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate its heritage and modern aesthetics.

Q: How does the interior quality of the Mustang compare to its competitors?

The interior quality of the Ford Mustang is somewhat lacking compared to its competitors. While it has a sporty design with toggle switches and nods to the Mustang's heritage, the materials used are not as premium. The interior feels less refined, with materials comparable to basic packaging, which may disappoint those looking for a more luxurious feel.

Q: What are the seating and space limitations in the Mustang?

The Ford Mustang has significant seating and space limitations, particularly in the rear seats. The back seats are cramped and uncomfortable, especially for taller passengers. This makes it challenging to accommodate adults or fit child seats. The limited rear space is a common issue in sporty coupes, focusing more on performance than practicality.

Q: How does the Mustang's boot space affect practicality?

The Mustang's boot space offers reasonable volume, but its practicality is hindered by the awkward shape of the boot opening. This makes loading and unloading items a challenge, as the opening does not accommodate larger or irregularly shaped objects easily. Despite the ability to fold down the rear seats for longer items, the boot's design limits its overall practicality.

Q: What improvements have been made to the Mustang's handling?

The Ford Mustang has seen significant improvements in handling with the introduction of independent rear suspension. This change has enhanced the car's driving dynamics, allowing it to handle corners more effectively and providing a more enjoyable driving experience. The improved suspension system makes the Mustang more competitive with European sports cars, known for their refined handling.

Q: What are the performance capabilities of the Mustang's V8 engine?

The Mustang's V8 engine delivers impressive performance, with 421 horsepower and a 0-62 mph time of just 4.8 seconds. The engine provides a thrilling driving experience with its powerful acceleration and distinctive sound. However, this performance comes at the cost of fuel efficiency, with an average consumption of around 18 miles per gallon, making it less economical for everyday use.

Q: How does the Mustang's size impact its usability in the UK?

The Ford Mustang's large size can impact its usability on narrow UK roads. Its dimensions make it challenging to navigate tight spaces, and the limited visibility can add to the difficulty. This can be a drawback for those who frequently drive in urban or congested areas where maneuverability is essential. Despite this, the Mustang's performance and style may outweigh these concerns for some drivers.

Q: What unique features does the Mustang offer to enhance driving enjoyment?

The Ford Mustang includes several unique features designed to enhance driving enjoyment. These include line lock, which allows for controlled burnouts, launch control for optimal acceleration, and various track apps to monitor performance metrics. Additionally, the car has a distinctive exhaust note and the ability to disable electronic stability control, offering a more engaging and customizable driving experience for enthusiasts.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Ford Mustang V8 is a classic American sports car, offering impressive performance and striking looks. However, it has some practicality issues, including limited rear seat space and an awkward boot shape.

• While the Mustang's interior has a sporty aesthetic, the quality of materials used does not match that of its competitors. The car's driving dynamics have improved significantly with the addition of independent rear suspension.

• The Mustang's V8 engine delivers exhilarating performance, but its size and fuel consumption may be drawbacks for some. Despite these issues, the car's fun features and overall value make it a compelling choice.