Ford Mustang turns heads, but the bigger engine version is a real handful to drive

By Gerry Murphy

Young and old flocked around the Mustang that I was driving last week. Like wasps around a honey pot, they took selfies, videos and photos like no other car that I have driven – ever. That interest continued with loads of questions of what it was like, with most declaring that they would love to own one.

One of the world’s most-desired vehicles, the Mustang has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games. In the words of Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland, “its look harks back to the heritage of Mustang’s unique identity that has inspired Ford customers for generations”.

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of driving the 2.3-litre EcoBoost version; this time I got behind the wheel of a bright yellow 5.0-lite V8 GT fastback model that could gobble up the miles and the fuel in equal measure if that was what you want.

Others have reported that the car was using about 11.5L/100km and, believe me, it could be a lot more if one decided to play around with the power (421bhp) and took the car to the edge.

However, being more conservative, I managed to keep it under 10L/100km for the most part, although that crept up to 10.5L/100km following a full week and 1,000 kilometres later. That is not such a frightening figure for this beast, and there are many cars that will fail to do the same. But, I must admit, I was diligently minding my zero penalty-points record and rarely pushed it beyond the speed limit.

The Mustang was first produced for the American market in 1964. Manufacturers, Ford decided that it could be a success in Europe too and for the first time, the car has been produced in right-hand drive for the Irish market. They will sell a fair share of the smaller engine, but probably will only shift a handful of the bigger-engined version.

It certainly lives up to the traditional image of the famous name. Looking every bit the movie-famed car, it is casts an imposing stance and is beautifully sculptured. The long bonnet, big front grille and powerful looking hips over the rear wheel adds to the overall look and makes for a stunning looking coupe.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.