Ford Mustang Review | Muscle Car | Specs | Price Australia

Few cars stir the soul like the Ford Mustang. From its first appearance in the 1960s to its modern reinvention, the Mustang has always been synonymous with freedom, performance, and raw driving emotion. In Australia, it continues to stand as one of the few remaining muscle cars you can buy brand-new — a powerful alternative in a world moving rapidly toward electrification.

The current generation Mustang keeps the spirit alive with bold styling, thrilling V8 power, and advanced tech that makes it suitable for both spirited weekend drives and comfortable daily cruising.

This review dives deep into the Ford Mustang’s Australian lineup, specs, pricing, features, and real-world performance — exploring why it continues to dominate the sports car scene down under.

Design: Modern Muscle with Classic Roots

The Ford Mustang’s design evolution perfectly balances heritage and innovation. The latest model retains its unmistakable long-bonnet, short-deck proportions, and aggressive stance.

Exterior Highlights

• Iconic Front End: The wide grille, flanked by signature tri-bar LED headlights, pays homage to the original Mustang.
• Sculpted Bonnet Lines: Power bulges hint at the muscle beneath, while aerodynamic improvements enhance stability at high speeds.
• Fastback Silhouette: The swooping roofline and bold rear haunches give it that unmistakable Mustang posture.
• Quad Exhaust Tips: The GT variant’s quad pipes deliver both looks and a symphonic V8 soundtrack.
• Wheel Options: From 18-inch alloys on base models to larger 19- or 20-inch performance wheels, every Mustang looks ready to run.

Colour choices like Race Red, Oxford White, Velocity Blue, and Shadow Black highlight its bold personality, while new shades such as Cyber Orange add a modern twist.

Interior Craftsmanship

Inside, the Mustang blends retro-inspired design with modern materials.

• Driver-Focused Cockpit: Dual-cowl dash and low seating position create an immersive driving feel.
• Digital Innovation: The 12.4-inch customizable digital cluster and 13.2-inch SYNC 4 infotainment system offer a futuristic touch.
• Premium Touches: Optional Recaro sport seats, soft-touch trims, and ambient lighting elevate the cabin.
• Comfort Elements: Dual-zone climate control, heated and cooled seats, and a premium sound system make long drives enjoyable.

It’s a cabin that feels unmistakably “Mustang” — equal parts nostalgia and cutting-edge tech.

Performance: The Beating Heart of a Muscle Icon

No car review of the Mustang would be complete without diving into what matters most — power and performance.

Engine Line-Up

Australia gets two main engine options:

• 2.3-litre EcoBoost Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
  Produces around 236 kW and 448 Nm. It’s lighter, more efficient, and ideal for those seeking Mustang flair with lower running costs.
• 5.0-litre Coyote V8 (GT)
  The true Mustang spirit lies here. Pumping out up to 339 kW and 556 Nm, this naturally aspirated V8 is among the last of its kind. The soundtrack alone makes every drive memorable.

Both engines pair with either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission, allowing purists or modern enthusiasts to choose their weapon.

Performance Metrics

• 0–100 km/h: As low as 4.4 seconds in the GT automatic.
• Top Speed: Around 250 km/h (electronically limited).
• Fuel Economy: Ranges from 8.8 L/100km for the EcoBoost to 13 L/100km+ for the V8 GT — worth every drop for the experience.

Handling and Dynamics

Mustangs are no longer just straight-line heroes. The independent rear suspension and MagneRide adaptive dampers ensure agility and composure through corners. Steering precision and grip levels have significantly improved compared to earlier generations, making the car genuinely fun on winding Australian roads.

For those who want track-ready performance, the Mustang Mach 1 offers enhanced aerodynamics, improved cooling, and sharper chassis tuning — bridging the gap between the GT and the track-only Shelby.

Technology and Infotainment

Ford has modernized the Mustang’s tech suite to match today’s expectations while preserving its driver-focused ethos.

Infotainment

• 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• 12.4-inch Digital Instrument Cluster — fully configurable with multiple drive mode displays.
• Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker sound system delivers crisp audio, perfect for highway cruising.
• Voice Commands & Cloud Connectivity — enhanced responsiveness and real-time navigation updates.

Driver Assistance

While still a performance car at heart, the Mustang includes a robust list of driver aids:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind-Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Autonomous Emergency Braking

It’s a well-rounded blend of old-school muscle and new-age safety.

Variants and Pricing in Australia

The Ford Mustang range offers something for every enthusiast, with pricing structured across different trims.

Prices vary by region and on-road costs.

These figures place the Mustang competitively against European rivals like the BMW M240i and Audi TT, offering V8 performance for nearly half the price.

Driving Experience on Australian Roads

Driving a Mustang in Australia is more than just transportation — it’s an event.

City Cruising

In urban environments, the automatic gearbox and adaptive suspension make it manageable. The visibility isn’t perfect due to its coupe shape, but parking sensors and cameras help.

Open Road Thrills

On highways or scenic routes, the Mustang truly shines. The V8’s roar, coupled with quick acceleration, delivers pure adrenaline. The chassis feels composed even at higher speeds, and the steering feedback connects the driver to the road.

Track Days

For enthusiasts, the Mustang offers Track and Sport+ modes, adjusting throttle response, steering weight, and exhaust tone. The GT Performance Pack adds Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport tyres for superior grip and stopping power.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

While performance dominates the Mustang’s DNA, Ford hasn’t ignored everyday usability.

Cabin Space

Front occupants enjoy generous legroom and supportive seating. The rear seats are best suited for short trips or smaller passengers — typical for coupes in this segment.

Boot Capacity

The fastback offers around 408 litres of boot space, surprisingly practical for a sports car — enough for a weekend getaway or shopping run.

Materials and Build

Soft-touch surfaces, leather accents, and refined detailing enhance the premium feel. The convertible’s insulation has improved significantly, ensuring cabin quietness even with the top up.

Safety and Reliability

The Ford Mustang’s earlier models had mixed safety ratings, but newer versions have made significant strides.

Safety Enhancements

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Forward-collision alert
• Rear-view camera
• Front, side, and curtain airbags

While still more of a performance-oriented car, these updates help the Mustang meet Australian safety expectations.

Reliability

Ford’s modern engineering ensures strong reliability. Regular servicing and quality fuel are key to maintaining performance, especially for the V8 models. Parts availability and service network support across Australia are excellent.

Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs

Owning a Mustang isn’t about fuel frugality, but efficiency has improved.

• EcoBoost: Around 8.5–9.5 L/100km, depending on driving style.
• V8 GT: Around 13–15 L/100km, though highway cruising can be lower.

Servicing: Ford offers capped-price servicing programs in Australia, ensuring predictable maintenance costs.
Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kilometres.

Insurance costs are higher than average, reflecting the Mustang’s performance credentials, but resale values remain strong thanks to enduring demand.

How It Compares: Mustang vs Rivals

The Mustang stands out for offering unmatched power-per-dollar value and a true old-school muscle feel — something its rivals can’t replicate.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Legendary V8 performance and sound
• Eye-catching design
• Modern tech and improved handling
• Competitive pricing

Cons

• Rear seats are cramped
• High fuel consumption in V8 models
• Ride quality can be firm on rough roads

Verdict: The Spirit of Driving Freedom

The Ford Mustang is a celebration of everything enthusiasts love about cars — power, character, and individuality. In a market dominated by hybrids and crossovers, the Mustang remains a refreshing reminder of pure mechanical joy.

Whether you choose the EcoBoost for efficiency or the V8 GT for its raw emotion, you’re buying into a piece of motoring heritage that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.

For Australian drivers seeking a powerful, stylish, and emotionally engaging sports coupe, the Ford Mustang remains the benchmark in affordable performance.

Final Word

The Ford Mustang is not just a car — it’s a symbol of driving passion. It turns heads, stirs hearts, and connects with enthusiasts like few others. On Aussie roads, its combination of iconic looks, thunderous performance, and surprisingly livable comfort make it one of the best sports cars money can buy.