Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible 2016 review
Everybody loves the Ford Mustang. Even the executive from a high-end European brand who called while we were on the Australian launch of the ‘Stang was excited about the thing and wanted to know what it was like. Of course it's never going to compete with the German V8 coupes – but that's what's great about the Mustang. It's fast, fun and affordable as the slogan goes. And the EcoBoost Convertible ticks all those boxes.
At $53,990 the EcoBoost Convertible sits at the top of the four-cylinder Mustang range. Yes, four cylinder. There is a V8 – it's called the GT and costs $63,990 for the drop top. It makes you wonder, is a four-cylinder Mustang as good as the V8? You can find out in detail in our full review, but for now these are the top three features we like about it.
#1 Incredible looks
Not all Mustangs have looked great. The two decades which stretched from the mid-70s to mid-90s saw some shockers. This sixth-generation car is a perfect tribute to 1968 Mustang from the Bullitt movie.
Those powerful rear haunches are accentuated even more in the convertible when the roof is off and it doesn't look like it's wearing a bad hat when the roof is on.
Muscle cars aren't always the quickest, best handling or luxurious things – they are a sculpture on wheels and the Ford has nailed it this time.
#2 Removable roof
Have you driven a convertible before? It's a sensory-overload experience. You can smell the moss on rock walls that you skim past, hear your engine singing and feel the air and look up (quickly) and there's the sky or stars or trees and hopefully not road. You are connected not sealed off from the world you are moving through.
Then there is the people watching factor – both for you and them. A car like this is draws people to it like nothing else and unlike some other sportscars the looks you get aren't envious, more happiness.
#3 Cult icon
This is a Mustang, not a Fiesta. You are becoming part of automotive history when you purchase one. Yes it's 'just a Ford', but the Mustang icon goes beyond the Ford brand. It's like how the song Happy Birthday belongs to everybody. Want more proof? Then show me where the Ford badge is? Stop looking. There isn't one.
Drawbacks
There's a few – but buyers will love the car faults and all. First there's a lot of cheap plastic used in the interior and the fit and finish of the cabin is average. Also the exhaust note from the four cylinder is nowhere near as seductive as the V8.
Mustang EcoBoost Convertible specifications
Price from: $53,990
Warranty: 3 years/100,000 km
Capped servicing: $925 over 3 years
Servicing interval: 12 months/15,000km
Safety: 5 stars, eight airbags
Engine: 2.3-litre turbo 4-cyl, 233kW/432Nm
Transimssion: 6-speed auto; RWD
Thirst: 9.4L/100km
Dimensions: 4784mm (L), 1916mm (W), 1381mm (H) , 2720mm (WB)
Weight: 1664kg
Spare: Inflator kit, but space saver may come later
0-100km/h: 6.2 secs
Read Richard's Mustang road test review here.
Find out more about the Mustang here.
See other convertibles here.
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