Ford Mustang 2.3 Ecoboost Convertible review

What is it?

THE most business car-friendly, 2.3-litre Ecoboost version of Ford’s iconic Mustang convertible – that after 50 years will finally be available officially in the UK from this October, in right-hand drive form.

What’s hot?

• It’s a Mustang
• Not only is it a Mustang, it’s a right-hand drive Mustang
• True, our Ford Mustang Convertible review car doesn’t come with a V8, but with 312bhp, the 2.3-litre Ecoboost petrol has enough power to justify its fitment in Ford’s pony convertible. In fact, in a different state of tune, this is the engine that will power the exciting forthcoming new five-door Focus RS. This engine is well-matched to the slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission here too.
• The Ecoboost might have the power and on paper with 62mph coming up in just 5.8 seconds dead, this is engine needs to be worked hard to deliver its best performance. Otherwise, with the Ecoboost engine, the Ford Mustang convertible makes a perfectly agreeable cruiser.
• Fully independent front and rear suspension injects real dynamism to the Mustang handling mix, but this is a big car and on smaller roads its bulk made it hard to place into corners to get the most satisfying lines. Still, there’s plenty of grip and like the rest of the range this Ford really handles.
• Can a Mustang make a sensible case as an SME company car? Well, with CO2 emissions of 184g/km, plus a combined fuel consumption figure of 34.4mpg, the big Ford drop-top falls into the 31% company car tax band for 2015/2016. So, ahem, with some rose-tinted maths, you could just about make a case for it. And if you’re the director of an SME, we’re sure you’ll make the maths work!
• Ecoboost or V8, Convertible or Fastback, whichever Mustang you choose, there’s no doubt that the latest Moray Callum exterior styling looks great, paying just the right amount of respect to the 60’s original, but looking modern enough to be exciting. With the blunt nose, gaping grille and those three-bar LED rear lights – it’s obviously retro but in no way cheesy, although we think that the Fastback Coupe is better looking than the Convertible.
• Inside, like the outside, the Mustang plays homage to the 60s original in terms of design. The piece of aluminium trim and aluminium ‘Mustang from 1964’badge, get things off to a great start. Then, there’s the centre console, which although dominated by the latest SYNC sat-nav system on our test car, still has room for the retro knobs on the climate control, plus a row of chrome-tipped toggle switches, which control the drive and steering modes. It all adds together to a special, feel-good feeling about the whole Mustang interior.
• There’s plenty of room in the front to get comfortable and the standard front seats are reasonably supportive, but the twin rear seats are really only for children, as legroom is tight. Still despite the power roof assembly, the boot is big enough for a couple of golf bags.