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Right Hand Drive Mustang Hotly Anticipated

Not many cars can match the heritage and aura associated with the Ford Mustang. It is quite simply a legendary model. In its homeland over 9 million have been sold since it was conceived in 1961, then hit the roads three years later in 1964. It provided the average man with power and looks that would cost many tens of thousands more with another manufacturer.

 

While personally not a massive fan of American muscle, you cannot deny the allure of the Mustang. So it comes as no surprise to learn that over 2000 British motorists have pre-orders placed for the first ever right hand drive model.

 

Will the reality of owning a ‘Stang live up to the hype? When I think Mustang, it is usually an image that features an ocean road and a red convertible, not a drizzly A38 and rush hour. If the new beast is well refined it may well be special enough to brighten up even the most overcast daily commute, but we’ll reserve judgement until we hear from the owners before we jump to any conclusions.

 

The new model comes with a choice of two engines. A 312bhp 2.3L four cylinder lump that will drag you to 62mph in 6 seconds. With emissions of 179g/km of CO2, this engine is the economical choice. The more traditional choice, and the only choice for a true petrol head, is a 5.0L V8 that packs 415bhp and knocks a further 1.2 seconds of the time needed to drag itself to 62mph. The American market also features a Shelby GT350, but unfortunately we’re not sure if it will ever see UK roads.

 

The biggest factor with any Mustang cannot be established with figures alone. These mere numbers will not tell you how it makes you feel. Early road tests seem to suggest that the limited slip differential and chassis provide a pretty sorted setup. Thankfully it still sounds like giving it a bit of welly will produce behaviour more consistent with what we would expect from an American muscle car.

 

A civilised driving experience is essential for it to sell in decent numbers on our little potholed island, but the importance of having a hooligan just nestling under the skin shouldn’t be underestimated. Although most people will drive sensibly 98% of the time, it is the other 2% that marks the difference between buying a Mustang and a Focus. Poke it with a stick and it should show some teeth. 

 

SOURCE: PGTIMES