Thanks to this update, Ford's Mustang will be with us a little longer. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

This seventh generation Mustang isn't really designed for the future. Instead, it mainly references the past, carrying over its engine and platform from the previous model. Ford wants to give its best-selling sports car a final stay of execution before this model goes the way of all combustion things - hence the sharper exterior and more modern cabin. So it's still authentic and if you loved it before, you'll love it now.

Background

So here we are at the end of an era. This seventh generation Ford Mustang will almost certainly be the last in this iconic model line of hairy-chested muscle-bound US sports coupes and convertibles, which dates back to 1964. Not to be confused with the all-electric Mustang Mach-E electric hatch, which stands for everything most 'Stang owners would abjectly hate. "Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles" said Ford CEO Jim Farley at this MK7 model's Autumn 2022 launch. Except that this isn't really another generation of Mustang; more a far-reaching facelift of the previous coupe and convertible. The engines and suspension are basically the same as those of the previous Fastback and cabrio models, which were launched back in 2015, as is the 'S-550' platform. So just how different is this MK7 Mustang from what went before? Let's take a look.

Driving Experience

Ford says that this is the 'most authentic and confidence-inspiring Mustang to drive yet'. That seems a contradiction in terms because an 'authentic' slightly unwieldy heavy-set Mustang experience hasn't been in the past been one to deliver much confidence - at least not on damp tarmac. But there's promise here because all models have a torsen limited-slip differential and the contents of Ford's 'Performance Pack', which gives you magneride adaptive dampers; big Brembo six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers; and sticky tyres, the rears being 20mm wider 275-section items. This time round, Ford is only offering this Mustang with its 5.0-litre 'Coyote' V8, which has a new dual cold air intake but puts out a similar level of power to before - 446PS in standard form and 453PS in 'Dark Horse' guise. Both variants put out 540Nm of torque and usually work with a lightly updated version of the previous 10-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, via which the car gets to 62mph in 4.9s in standard form or 4.4s in 'Dark Horse' guise. Both models can still be ordered with an 'authentic' manual gearbox, but that pushes up those times to 5.3s (standard) or 5.2s ('Dark Horse'). Top speed across the range is restricted to 155mph. As before, the auto has been configured to work with a selectable 'Drag Strip' driving mode which irons out the torque and power drop-off you'd normally get between gear shifts, so it's just one seamless burst of acceleration. Other markets still get the base 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost 290PS unit, which has been updated with a fresh bore and stroke design and a new turbo. It makes 62mph in 5.8s en route to 145mph.

Design and Build

Ford describes the look of this MK7 Mustang as 'more edgy' and that's about right. As before, there are Fastback Coupe and soft-top Convertible versions offered, each providing a distinct design evolution. Slim LED headlights are hooded by an aggressive bonnet and there are dual air intakes in the front grille and dynamic 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels fitted out with the Brembo brakes that come as part of the 'Performance Pack' - standard-fit for our market. The rear is subtly different too, with an extended deck that features re-styled light clusters with the Mustang's unique 3-bar signature. It's inside though, that the changes you'll most notice prominently feature. Inevitably, this involves screen tech; a little disappointingly in a Mustang, analogue dials are no more, replaced by a 12.4-inch digital display (though you can configure it to show 'classic dials'). That's paired with a customisable 13.2-inch SYNC4 central infotainment monitor which of course can do a lot more than was possible with the previous generation screen and houses the optional 12-speaker B&O audio system upgrade that most customers will want. Arguably more significant than all of this is the improvement in cabin quality, though you still wouldn't mistake this for the interior of a premium German-branded rival. But maybe that's part of its appeal. Ford says the cockpit is more driver-focused and there's a thicker-rimmed flat-bottomed steering wheel and grippy sports seats. Everything else is as before. Cramped space in the back and (in the Coupe) a reasonable 408-litre boot. Ford reckons even the Convertible's 332-litre trunk will take a couple of golf bags.

Market and Model

Pricing starts at around £56,000 this time round, for the Fastback manual 446PS V8 model, with an extra £2,000 to find if you want the 10-speed auto. There's £3,500 to find in either case if you want the Convertible body shape. If you're happy with the Fastback, Ford offers a slightly faster 'Dark Horse' model (again in manual or auto forms) with 453PS at prices starting from around £68,000. The Mustang now offers 12 colour options including three new shades - eye-catching Blue Ember, Vapor Blue and Yellow Splash. Customers can also choose from Black or Red Brembo brake calliper colour options, plus a choice of two new 19-inch alloy wheel designs. As for drive assistance technology, well there are the expected next-generation Ford driver assistance features, like Speed Sign Recognition, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality, Lane Centring Assist, Evasive Steer Assist and Reverse Brake Assist. Another key feature is Active Pothole Mitigation, which continually monitors suspension, body, steering and braking input and adjusts suspension response accordingly. 'Stolen Vehicle Services' - a 'FordPass' function providing 24-hour support in the event of theft - is also new to Mustang. Owners can stay connected with their Mustang via the FordPass app in other ways, utilising remote features such as remote vehicle start and stop, door locking and unlocking, scheduling a start time, locating the vehicle, and vehicle health and status checks. 

Cost of Ownership

Take a deep breath here because as expected with a V8 Mustang, you're going to have to pay for your pleasures. The combination of nearly 1.8-tonnes of kerb weight and a normally aspirated 5.0-litre engine couldn't really deliver any other kind of end result. The efficiency figures aren't much different from those quoted with the previous MK6 model. This time round, they see the Fastback V8 manual coupe manage 28mpg on the combined cycle and 230g/km of CO2 - inevitably, it's fractionally worse than that if you go for the Convertible (27.4mpg and 234g/km). For the 'Dark Horse' coupe model, the readings are 26.9mpg and 241g/km for the manual version and 27.4mpg and 235g/km for the auto. It doesn't have to be like this: Mercedes, for example, has proved that an equally powerful V8 can produce returns up to 50% better than that. For the time being, Ford is no longer offering the alternative turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four cylinder engine option, which is supposed to deliver 50% better returns. This powerplant works with an 'Active Grille Shutter' that reduces aerodynamic drag at the front end.

Summary

For 'Stang enthusiasts, there's both joy and sorrow here. Joy that against the current zeitgeist, Ford has seen fit to extend the life of its iconic sports car. And sorrow that this is almost certainly its final curtain call - in combustion form anyway. If Ford had been serious about continuing this model line with the kind of feel and blood line an enthusiast would recognise, it would have created a properly new design for it; the brand's latest 'CD6' architecture that underpins the current US-spec Ford Explorer was ready and waiting for just such a thing. But what brand could commit to that in a market turning to Hybrids and EVs? Yes, even in this Mustang's segment; one of its nearest rivals, the Mercedes-AMG C 63, is now a Plug-in Hybrid. Ford might well have ended Mustang Coupe and Convertible production completely, but didn't want to quite yet because the old post-2015-era sixth generation version sold so well, garnering that series Mustang the title of 'the world's best-selling sports car'. So it is that we've got the facelift which you may or may not think does enough to deserve it's claimed 'MK 7' status. But at least we have it. At least you can still buy a proper Mustang. And at least the 'Pony Car' story will have one last chapter.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Automatic rain sensing wipers

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Electronic Stability Programme

Pre-collision assist with AEB and pedestrian and cyclist detection

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with three settings

Performance brake system with brembo 6 piston front callipers and electronic brake prefill

Electronic Line Lock

Chassis/Suspension

Magneride damping system with pothole mitigation

Magneride adaptive suspension system with unique Dark Horse calibration and pothole mitigation

Communication

Apple car play/Android Auto

Bluetooth connectivity with voice control

Wireless charging and USB charging port

Driver Aids

Lane keeping aid with lane keeping assist

Adaptive cruise control with adjustable speed limiter

Selectable driving modes - normal, mymode, snow/wet, sport+, track and drag mode

Rear view camera with rear parking sensors

Electric power steering

Driver Convenience

Emergency services call system

12" digital LCD instrument cluster

Driver Information

Ford pass connect embedded modem

SYNC Emergency assistance

Track apps with accelerometer technology

Trip computer

Service interval indicator

Fully customisable 13.2" Touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, FordPass connect & connected navigation

Oil pressure gauge

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Body colour door mirrors

Power-folding door mirrors including blind spot informaion system and mustang logo projection puddle lamps

Entertainment

Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker surround sound audio system

USB connection

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Rear boot

Dark Horse specific bodykit with exclusive aerodynamic enhancements

Active exhaust system with quad tailpipes

Body colour bumpers

Dark Horse front grille with dark pony badge, Dark Horse extrior badging and quad tailpipes in black

Bonnet air intake

Exterior Lights

Dark Triple-LED headlamps with welcome / farewell animation

3rd brake light

LED rear lights with sequential indicators and welcome / farewell animations

Auto high beam

LED daytime running lights

Automatic headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Electronic automatic temperature control (EATC)

Interior Features

Cup holders

Heated leather flat bottom steering wheel with blue stitching and Dark Horse badging

Leather gearknob

Reach and rake adjustable leather steering wheel with integrated controls

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting

Illuminated entry system

Safety

Drivers knee airbag

Front side airbags

4 seatbelts

Dual front airbags

Side curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitor

Seats

6 way power adjustable front seats

Individually folding 2 rear seats in 2nd row

Isofix system on outer rear seats

Single front passenger seat

Front headrests

Rear head restraints

Security

Thatcham Category 1 alarm

Ford key free system with power starter button and keyless entry

Immobiliser

Transmission

Limited slip differential

Wheels - Alloy

19" Unique aluminium wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 476

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 282

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 235

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders: 8

Number of Valves: 32

Gears: 10 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: DIRECT INJECTION

Camshaft: DOHC

Cylinder Layout: V8

CC: 5038

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.7

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 93

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 13.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 12.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 23.3

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 20.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 27.4

General

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 46E

Service Interval Mileage: 12500

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Badge Power: 453

Badge Engine CC: 5.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 7

Coin Series: Dark Horse

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Coin Description: V8

Performance

Engine Power - KW: 334

Engine Torque - MKG: 55.1

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 398

Engine Power - BHP: 453

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - NM: 540

Engine Torque - RPM: 5100

Top Speed: 155

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.4

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 255/40 R19

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Tyre Size Rear: 275/40 R19

Wheel Style: UNIQUE

Vehicle Dimensions

Width (including mirrors): 2097

Length: 4819

Width: 1917

Wheelbase: 2719

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1413

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2170

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

No. of Seats: 4

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 61

Max. Loading Weight: 333

Minimum Kerbweight: 1837

Exterior Body Features

Exclusive paint

Additional Exclusive paint

Additional premium paint

Premium paint

Packs

Dark Horse appearance package without black roof - Mustang

Dark Horse appearance package - Mustang

Paint - Solid

Solid - Oxford White

Paint - Special

Exclusive paint - Vapour blue

Exclusive paint - Molten magenta

Premium paint - Carbonised grey

Exclusive paint - Blue ember

Premium paint - Absolute Black

Exclusive paint - Grabber blue

Premium paint - Race red

Seats

Recaro seats

Trim - Part Leather

Dinamica/vinyl - Deep Indigo/Black vinyl bolster with suede inserts and blue stitching

Dark Horse appearance package - Deep Indigo/Blue vinyl bolster with suede inserts and blue stitching

Dark Horse appearance package without black roof - Deep Indigo/Blue vinyl bolster with suede inserts and blue stitching