The Ford Mustang might be an automotive icon with an enviable legacy dating back to the sixties but the current sixth-generation model is the first to be developed with the option of a right-hand drive (RHD) configuration. Sure enough, Ford has wasted no time in bringing the popular American muscle car to India.
Launched earlier today at the Buddh International Circuit near New Delhi with much fanfare, it’s the hard-top GT Fastback variant of the Mustang that has made it to our shores as speculated. At INR 65 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi, the Mustang GT isn’t cheap but given that its imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), the pricing is quite good. Problem is, this Ford will end up competing with luxury sedans and sport coupes from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and the likes.
If killer looks and eyeball-popping presence are what you require, the Mustang GT has them in droves. The Mustang's retro styling elements mixed with modern design touches look aggressive, sexy and undeniably distinct. The sharp nose, those wide shoulders, the raked roofline and the flared wheel arches impart a sense of muscularity to the Mustang that few rivals can match. Sleek headlights with triple LED slashes, classic triple-bar LED taillights and the mirror-mounted puddle lamps that project the Mustang 'pony' logo look dramatic and ups the style quotient further.
The Mustang might rival some German luxury cars on price but it isn’t a luxury car. Set the expectations accordingly and the cabin will appear reasonably plush and well-equipped with premium black leather upholstery sprinkled with chrome detailing. Standard features include dual zone climate control, cruise control, keyless entry with push button start, a 9-speaker sound system with an 8-inch touchscreen, SYNC 2 connectivity and Voice Control, 6-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, heated mirrors, automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.
A full suite of safety features including eight airbags, Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Pull Drift Compensation, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Hill Launch Assist complement Mustang’s much-loved handling capabilities.
If its gorgeous looks and feature-packed interiors aren't convincing enough, what's lying under that long and bulging hood of the Mustang GT will make you go weak on your knees. The 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 has been detuned for India but still churns out 396 bhp and a whopping 515 Nm of torque. A 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters transmits all that power and torque to the rear wheels.
Drivers can choose from four driving modes - Normal, Sport+, Track and Snow/Wet - each of which activates predefined powertrain and chassis calibrations, by tapping one of the many classy aviation-inspired toggle switches on the dashboard. The Mustang is also equipped with an electronic line lock that locks the front wheels while leaving the rear wheels free to spin, a tool that lets you perfect those crowd-stopping burnouts.
Since its launch in 1964, the Ford Mustang has sold more than 9 million units globally with the latest sixth-generation model emerging as the world's best-selling sports coupe last year.
With such credentials to go with its ballistic power, drop-dead gorgeous looks and fun-to-drive nature, the Mustang is the sort of car our dreams are made of. Its no wonder then the Mustang got such an arousing reception at the 2016 Auto Expo earlier this year. We won't be surprised if Ford manages to sell the first few hundred units allotted for India within the first few weeks.
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