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REVIEW: 50 years of Pony power

2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang — it's a significant milestone by any measure.

2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang — it's a significant milestone by any measure.

The automotive landscape has changed considerably since the original pony car made its debut, and 2015 brings the biggest change ever with the debut of the sixth generation version. The new Mustang is entering a market filled with tough competition. Both the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger offer modern interpretations of retro-inspired designs and are already making an impact, so this isn't the easiest time for Mustang to come back.

All-new for 2015, the Mustang is available as a fastback or convertible. Later this year, the Shelby GT350 will be offered.

The 2015 Mustang is the first to be designed for international markets - that fact is evident in some of the styling and engine choices.

Design

Thoroughly modern, this new pony car is unmistakably a Mustang. The familiar profile is more muscular and seductive.

Ford started the design process with a clean sheet. Key Mustang elements are obviously present — like the long, sculpted hood and short rear deck — but, this model has a lower, wider stance and a lower roof. Wider rear fenders are necessary to house the bigger track as well.

The signature blunt nose and trapezoidal grille have been tweaked to reflect Ford's contemporary styling. High-intensity discharge headlamps are standard, and have LED accents.

At the rear, there is certainly a more European feel, especially when looking at the lower diffuser. The three-bar taillights return but are now LED and three- dimensional - thankfully the turn signals are still sequential.

Standard models come with 17-inch wheels. EcoBoost Premium models wear 18s, while GTs are equipped with 19s. Performance versions come with Brembo brakes, among many other features.

The interior complements the exterior with a classic appearance. Material quality has been improved and comfort and space has increased due to clever packaging.

Performance

Mirroring the styling, the engine bay offers a mix of classic and contemporary design cues. The Mustang is available with three different engines.

The base model comes with a traditional V-6 layout; this unit is a 3.7-litre unit producing an even 300 horsepower If you prefer something different and something more "European," you can opt for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo inline-4. Using a twin-scroll turbo, this engine produces 310 h.p. and 320 foot-pounds of torque - although you can argue that it doesn't sound like a Mustang engine in a traditional sense. The GT models come with the classic Mustang 5.0-litre V-8. Thanks to tuned cylinder heads and valvetrain, it boasts an amazing level of muscle pumping out 435 h.p. and 400 foot-pounds of torque.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all engines. A six-speed automatic is an option on all models as well.

One feature old Mustangs didn't have that this new one does is selective drive modes. Switching modes adjusts steering effort, and engine and transmission response. Also, the stability control can be optimized for snow/wet, sport and track conditions. Speaking of track conditions, Track Apps are standard and accessible through the information screen between the instrument gauges. Launch Control helps you get off the line and GT models have line-lock for burnouts. The new Mustang also handles curves and roads much better than its predecessors. Independent rear suspension is now standard and makes the rear end a lot more stable. And, while it is more eager to corner fast, the updated suspension also soaks up bumps, making long distance drives a joy.

Environment

Ford raised the level of refinement inside the cabin to a whole new level. However, while the new Mustang has more interior space than before, it is still a sports coupe and therefore the space is limited obviously.

The double hump dash brings some nostalgia, and the high tech centre stack design and electronic aids provide a better overall driving experience. The slimmer lower dash creates more knee room, even with the added passenger side knee airbags.

The stock front seats are good, but the optional Recaro seats are highly recommended as they are excellent for spirted driving. The steering wheel is now smaller, but has several controls added to it.

The rear seats are small and only meant for short drives — especially considering the limited headroom on fastback models. Convertible Mustangs remove that issue and use a one-hand release latch for the power-operated soft top.

Cargo space is quite accommodating on the other hand. The opening is now larger and reveals 13.5 cubic feet in coupes and 11.4 in convertibles.

Ford's SYNC communication and entertainment system, which is still awkward to use, is standard. In base models, music comes out of a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary input.

Features

The Ford Mustang is available in eight trim levels with starting prices ranging from $24,068 to $43,591. Standard equipment includes a rearview camera, auto headlights and wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, keyless entry, and push-button start.

Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include heated and cooled front leather seats, memory driver seat, remote start, dual-zone climate control, heated exterior mirrors, ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, reversing sensors, adaptive cruise control, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, and a universal garage door opener.

Thumbs up

While the Mustang looks traditional, it boasts all the modern technologies found in any other cutting-edge car. The car drives beautifully and with increased comfort.

Thumbs down

If big horsepower is what you crave, the Mustang simply can't compete with the outrageous Challenger Hellcat's 707 h.p. The biggest question is ... does this Mustang provide enough distinction to make a dent in this marketplace?

The bottom line

The new Ford Mustang has all the style and presence of its pony car ancestors, while incorporating new creature comforts and technology.

Competitors

Chevrolet Camaro: The latest iteration of Chevy's classic muscle car brings with it a commanding presence. With its range of models - from economical V-6 to supercar-challenging ZL1 - the Camaro attracts a similarly large range of customers.

With its varied trim levels, starting prices for the Camaro range from $30,845 to $79,750.

Dodge Challenger: The Challenger not only has a great, classic muscle car look, but the Hellcat boasts the title of "most powerful American production car ever." Recent updates to the interior add Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system and a much-needed backup camera.

Available in eight trim levels, starting prices range from $29,995 to $71,890.

BMW 3 Series: If you're looking for a muscle car, you really only have three options. But, consider that for similar money you could own a BMW 3 Series — highly acclaimed, solid performance, a civilized ride for daily commutes, and a comfortable back seat. Starting prices range from $35,990 to $59,300 and include AWD models, a fuel-sipping diesel and a high-tech hybrid.

editor@automotivepress.com