Ford ups Mustang pricing, performance

FORD has announced pricing for the updated Mustang sportscar ahead of its launch in the middle of this year, with the revised range copping price rises up to $8793 to start from $49,990 plus on-roads for the manual EcoBoost Fastback.

To offset the increase in cost, the refreshed Mustang gains a new ten-speed auto, updated styling and technology, and a boost in output for its two engine choices.

The entry-level EcoBoost Fastback manual has jumped by $4000, while automatic EcoBoost variants have been upped by $4500, to $52,990 for the Fastback and $59,490 for the Convertible.

V8-powered GT variants have increased by $5500 to $62,990 for the Fastback manual, $6269 to $66,259 for the Fastback automatic, and $8793 to $74,709 for the range-topping Convertible.

Ford boffins have tweaked the Mustang’s 5.0-litre Coyote V8 with new high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection for an increase of 33kW/26Nm, bringing total output to a healthy 339kW/556Nm.

The 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine has also seen a small 9Nm bump in torque to 441Nm, while power drops by 9kW, to 224kW.

Ford claims its new 10-speed automatic, which replaces the existing six-speed unit, improves responsiveness and performance, while the six-speed manual has been upgraded including a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel for V8 versions.

First shown over a year ago, the new Mustang has been given a number of styling changes, including a lower bonnet and grille, new all-LED front lights with tri-bar lighting and a new position for the bonnet air intakes.

At the rear, it gains revised LED tail-lights, a new bumper and fasica, with GT variants also scoring a black rear diffuser.

Two new colour choices will be available – Orange Fury, Kona Blue and Royal Crimson.

New technology features include a customisable 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster, an active-valve exhaust for GT versions, new shock absorbers and optional MagneRide adaptive dampers.

Ford’s Sync3 infotainment system comes as standard, projected onto an 8.0-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Driver assistnace systems on the 2018 Mustang include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, auto-levelling headlights and automatic high beam.

Options include the aforementioned MagneRide suspension, Recaro leather seats, a single-wing rear spoiler, 19-inch alloys and Over The Top exterior stripes packages.

The Mustang finished 2017 as the best-selling sportscar in Australia with 9165 sales, comfortably eclipsing rivals such as the Hyundai Veloster (1935), BMW 2 Series coupe and convertible (1750) and Toyota 86 (1619).

After the first month of 2018, it has continued the same trend with 440 sales ahead of the Veloster (144) and 2 Series (109), however its volume is down 24.5 per cent over January 2017.

2018 Ford Mustang pricing*

EcoBoost Fastback	$49,990
EcoBoost Fastback (a)	$52,990
EcoBoost Convertible (a)	$59,490
GT Fastback	$62,990
GT Fastback (a)	$66,259
GT Convertible (a)	$74,709

*Excludes on-road costs