The new 2015 Ford Mustang will be the first ever Mustang to be released globally. Previous generation Mustangs were only produced in left hand drive meaning markets such as the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand were left out. The only way these buyers in these countries could get a Mustang was to import one and then have it converted. Now Ford will sell you one that’s already right hand drive straight out of the factory.
To say this is a big deal would be an understatement. Few names in motoring can command the same love and respect as the Mustang. It’s a nameplate that’s been with us for half a century. And for the first time since the late 1990s NZ buyers will be able officially buy one new from a Ford dealer. The Mustang isn’t due to be released in NZ until later this year but the pricing and specs have been released.
Prices for the 2015 Mustang will start at $56,990 for the 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost Mustang. Essentially the same engine that’ll power the new Focus RS, it’ll pump out 316bhp/233kW and 432NM of torque. It’ll go from 0-100 in 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 250. The EcoBoost Mustang will only be available with a 6-speed automatic transmission. A convertible version is $5,000 more at $61,990.
Despite being the “entry level” Mustang the EcoBoost come well equipped. Standard equipment include Ford’s SYNC 2 infotainment system with satellite navigation, 6-way adjustable power driver’s seat with leather trim, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, many airbags, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, limited-slip differential, and a rear-view camera to name a few. The Mustang also gets independent suspension all round with MacPherson struts up front.
Those wanting the V8 Mustang experience will have to fork out $71,990 for the privilege. For that you get a Mustang Fastback with a Coyote 5.0-litre all-natural American V8. This produces 412bhp/303kW and 525NM of torque. 0-100 km/h is done in 4.6 second and the top speed is 260 km/h. The V8 Coupe is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed auto, both costing the same. A V8 Convertible is also available and will cost $76,990. It’ll only come with a 6-speed auto. Specs for the V8 Mustang are identical to the EcoBoost, except the brakes are slightly larger. 380mm discs up front and 330mm at the rear.
Prices like that make the Mustang a competitively priced and tempting performance option. Think about it, few cars offer the same level of history and “wow factor” the Mustang brings. Sure, it’s still a bit more expensive than US prices but it was always going to be. Ford will sell left hand drive Mustangs by the boatload as they’ve done in the past. But at least now they’ve given right hand drive markets the chance to experience some of the Mustang magic too. Even if they’re going to charge a premium for it.
Demand for the Mustang in NZ will be high, as many as 600 pre-orders have already been taken. Now it comes down to the question of how many of those are for the Mustang EcoBoost. I’m not entirely sold on the idea of a four-cylinder Mustang myself. It’ll be interesting to see how it performs on our roads too. Does the Mustang’s pricing and specs tempt you or would a European hot hatch make more sense for the money?
2015 Ford Mustang NZ Price List:
Mustang EcoBoost Fastback Automatic: $56,990
Mustang EcoBoost Convertible Automatic: $61,990
Mustang V8 GT Fastback Manual: $71,990
Mustang V8 GT Fastback Automatic: $71,990
Mustang V8 GT Convertible Automatic: $76,990
