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Autocar (UK) "If the arrival of the V8's singing voice at about 4000rpm
doesn't get you, the sustained shove will. A likeable motor this, - oodles
of torque everywhere, despite the high peak. That 320lbft never seems to
fade. The car rockets out of tight bends on a breath of throttle;
the fusion of big-lunged potency and that responsive auto make driving quickly
seem ridiculously easy at times. And if you think a live-axled chassis might spoil the fun,
up to a point it doesn't - Ford has performed something of a minor miracle here.
The new mustang has loads of grip and progressive, transient manners and damping
control. Pushing the tail wide with the throttle if you switch the
traction control off doesn't reveal any nasty surprises. The steering is
direct and deftly weighted, too, if not exactly bubbling with feedback. As
a result, the Stang feels sharp and agile. But, ultimately the live axle does draw attention to
itself, making the ride chronically fidgety and sapping confidence when you
really start to push on. The softening of the brake pedal after hard use
chimes another alarm. Are we worried? Are we hell. The Stang is back.
Rejoyce!" - David Vivian Styling **** The best bits of Mustangs past distilled for 2005. A
real head turner. Engine **** Classic Small block V8 punch and engine note. Huge
spread of torque, and very enjoyable. Handling/Ride *** Fast and wieldy on good smooth roads, good grip and balance.
Restless ride. Brakes *** Effective, and deliver powerful retardation. Pedal
softens with repeated hard use. Cabin Quality *** Retro feel very appealing, especially wheel, instruments and
gear lever. Practicailty *** Rear seats cramped for 6-footers but there's good space
up-front, and the boot is large. Value for Money ***** Hard to think where else you could get this much grunt, style
and envy for £25k. Verdict: bringing back the
Mustang people love is a masterstroke. Both much better than the car it
replaces and a throwback to the muscle car's glory days. |
