Ford Mustang 2006

By Benjamin Cyr

Even more fun

Since its introduction in 2005, the Mustang has been successful in both the United States and Canada. I realize that I’m one of a few who find the new Mustang’s look ordinary even though it’s related to the mythical models of the late sixties. Please! Don’t crucify me. Instead, let me give you my evaluation of the new version of the Mustang convertible. After all, taste is subjective!

Everything is retro...almost

When you gaze at the Mustang’s shape, you’re back in the sixties. Sure, the lines are more aerodynamic and the shape more modern but the resemblance is still there. Moreover, this newer version brings a nice touch to the car, especially with the hood down. On that score, Ford wins.

When you sit in this Mustang, it’s like a time machine taking you back forty years. The doors are long and heavy making closing them when seated rather difficult. Once ensconced, you notice that the comfort level of those seats is average and there’s a lack of lateral support. One expects more from a sports car; the seats should not move while the vehicle is turning. Okay, let’s continue the interior inspection.

The dashboard design reminds you of the Muscle Cars with its large round dials and big font. You can also have fun changing the various dial and gage colors, going from red to blue, green, yellow and a host of others. What an original idea! However, a lower end plastic is everywhere in the cockpit giving it a pedestrian feel. Also, assembly quality varies from one vehicle to the next.

Now let’s start the car. The sound of the 4 litres V6 is impressive but nowhere near what you hear in GT V8. Eight cylinder fans will love this! Now we engage first gear and let the clutch go. Things are still pretty firm save for the speed shifter travelling too much and lacking in precision. But a lot of this is forgiven once it accelerates.

Yesterday’s performance as well

Let’s start with the 400 horsepower 4.6 litre GT. It climbs to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds and covers the quarter mile in 13.9 seconds. These are the “good times” of the redoubtable Mustang Boss and the Mach 1 of days gone by. The motor accelerates in a jiffy and has excellent torque in low gear.

As to the V6 version, things are pretty good. Were talking about 100km/h in 7.2 seconds from a complete stop...not bad. In strait line performance, it’s a hit.