WASHINGTON — The Mustang was redesigned last year with a new look and a choice of three engines — the base V6, the optional EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and the V8. That said, there is a Mustang for just about every budget and performance need.
The redesigned Mustang has been a boon for Ford, which had a year’s head start on chief rival Camaro.
If you choose the mid-power level Mustang with the optional 310 horsepower, 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine, you get a sportier Mustang than the V6 version that includes a sport mode allowing a more aggressive throttle response. And it’s needed to get this car motivated — it makes nice power down low in the rev range and seems to run out of steam higher in the rev range.
When in Sport or Track mode, the car is focused and willing to charge, but the automatic is a few gears down on the new Camaro, and the paddle shifters don’t always switch gear when you command them. Still, the Mustang’s handling is pretty good, and it seems lighter and quicker to turn. The independent rear suspension means no more scary moments of turns and bumps upsetting the car.
You need to use premium fuel if you want all the horsepower. My fuel economy was 23.3 mpg over 210 miles of mixed driving, a bit under the 25 mpg the sticker says.
The big news for the 2016 Mustang is the addition of Sync 3 and saying goodbye to the My Ford touch system, which wasn’t the easiest to use. The new Sync 3 better understands the driver’s voice — a vast difference on the voice controls of the past. The system seems faster and Bluetooth hookup was very quick. The optional $1,795 Shaker audio system has a serious punch, with 12 speakers, but it’s a bit pricey.
The rest of the interior is nicer than a few years ago, with some soft touch materials and heated and cooled leather seats that do OK in the comfort department. The vision isn’t the best, so the rear camera and the optional rear park assist is worth the $295 for peace of mind and a dent- and scratch -free bumper.
The look of the Mustang is aggressive — not as retro as before. This look might be what’s needed to bring in a first-time Ford buyer. Even though it has an updated look, it still says Mustang and has the traditional high hood line and low-slung coupe profile, not to mention the signature taillights.
This four-cylinder model still has the dual exhaust and 18-inch wheels, which help give it a muscle car look, even if there is something other than a V8 hiding under the hood. It’s the first time in a while that I’ve really dug a Mustang’s styling. Well done, Ford, on making a car that stands out.
The Mustang is no longer just a muscle car, but a well-rounded sports car with good handling and a more refined interior. With a more efficient yet powerful four-cylinder engine, this is no base model, but a solid sporty coupe ready for fun.
Editor’s Note: Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
