Next generation Mustang has updated look, exciting vibe

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Ford Motor Co.’s 2024 Mustang Coupe.

I’ve always liked the Mustang.

America’s original pony car has been around since the ‘60s and is still popular. Even when the car relied on visuals more than performance, this car has always been iconic.

Now in steps the seventh generation Mustang. It’s not quite all-new – let’s call it mostly new – but this model continues to combine sharp looks and blistering performance for a not to bad price.

My first glance at the 2024 Mustang Coupe took me by surprise. I spied a bit of Chevy’s Camaro in the rear but as I continued to look it was more elongated body panels with much sharper creases. I like this look a lot. The grille is updated but instantly recognizable. The roof and the A-pillars are carried over. The platform and chassis are nearly the same as last year’s model but with a few tweaks.

Open the front door and you see a substantially different car. The interior is modern, despite some low-grade plastic use. The most noticeable change is the dash. The customizable digital cluster is different, offering a variety of information at your fingertips. The steering wheel has a flat bottom and there is a variety of functions that are duplicated to keep your eyes on the road.

To the right is a much larger touch screen that controls most of the car’s functions, including climate control. The screen is bright and exceptionally responsive. Finding certain functions takes a bit, like simply selecting a fan setting but for the most part this works well.

The interior feels comfy. I much prefer the standard seats to the Recaro seats. Even with a small weight loss I don’t fit well in them. The coupe’s seats are roomy, and I was able to find the right adjustments. The back seat will hold two people for short trips in relative comfort.

The Coupe is powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that makes 315 horsepower and 350 pounds-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that is a real jewel. It shifts crisply and never seems to hunt for the right gear. If you need to pass, it kicks down when you accelerate and off you go.

The Coupe is quick for an automatic. You can get to 60 miles an hour in 5.6 seconds, which is awfully quick for a turbo four-cylinder with an automatic. The power comes on smoothly. It’s certainly not the gurgling V8 but this is legitimate sports car stuff.

The handling is sharp but can be a bit tricky. I had the Mustang during cold weather and found that the least bit of frost on asphalt can cause the rear wheels to lose grip. This may have been driver error because it only happened once. The rest of my time in the Mustang was without drama.

The ride quality was surprisingly pleasant on all types of road surfaces. Really bumpy roads showed how tight the suspension is, but smooth pavement showed it to be just right in offering a comfortable ride. The Mustang Coupe is certainly civil enough to drive every day. You can also take it to a track or on some really twisty roads and have yourself a party.

All Mustangs come with Ford Co-Pilot360 which is a set of advanced driver’s aids that includes forward collision warning, blind-spot warning, lane keeping assist and rear parking sensors. Other standard features include a 10-speed automatic, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, keyless entry, dual exhaust, LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, digital instrument panel, keyless entry and six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat.

The base price for the Mustang coupe is $30,920. My vehicle had some extras, but it was also not for sale so I’m guessing if you could get one equipped like the one I drove the price would be till less than $35,000. I think.

Pros:

• All-new design

• Sleek styling

• Spunky EcoBoost engine

• Marvelous 10-speed transmission

• Excellent handling

• Good ride quality

• Sporty driving dynamics

• Abundant standard equipment

Cons:

• Tight back seat

• Tricky grip on moist surfaces

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