I have to be honest; I was a little disappointed to find a V6 beneath the power-dome hood of my Mustang Convertible tester. That “downer” soon turned to elation after dropping the top and releasing the clutch. Ford’s onto something here—something exhilarating.
Looking the part
Before addressing the mechanicals that make this V6-powered Stang so special, a word or two about its striking appearance is justified. Despite the laudable retro-ponies from Chevrolet and Dodge, I still find Ford’s execution of the Mustang to be the most desirable—inside and outside.
Since its arrival in 2005, the fifth-generation Mustang has improved in every way possible. In addition to the two latest powerplant iterations, the main standouts for me include refinements to the cabin and to the vehicle’s ride and handling dynamics.
The front leather-clad buckets in my tester were marvelously supportive, not to mention nice to look at. Plenty of legroom is supplied up front, but that quickly disappears when rear-seat occupants arrive. The rear seat is easily accessed and can seat a couple of adults in reasonable but cramped comfort.
Along with upgraded cabin materials, the last few years have brought improved switchgear, less plastic—although door panels are still so laden—and better ergonomics. Ah, but the steering wheel brings the greatest joy within the Stang’s inner confines.
I love the tri-spoke wheel—along with the large circular analogue tach and speedo—due to their classic 60s design. The satin metal trim on the steering wheel imparts a sense of precision and quality, which isn’t marred by the neatly inserted audio and cruise control buttons.
Plus, I don’t think there’s a steering wheel out there that incorporates an airbag more discreetly and attractively than the Stang does. And it’s from behind that outstanding wheel that I explored the potential of the Mustang’s latest V6 engine.
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| Despite the laudable retro-ponies from Chevrolet and Dodge, I still find Ford’s execution of the Mustang to be the most desirable—inside and outside. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Looking the part
Before addressing the mechanicals that make this V6-powered Stang so special, a word or two about its striking appearance is justified. Despite the laudable retro-ponies from Chevrolet and Dodge, I still find Ford’s execution of the Mustang to be the most desirable—inside and outside.
Since its arrival in 2005, the fifth-generation Mustang has improved in every way possible. In addition to the two latest powerplant iterations, the main standouts for me include refinements to the cabin and to the vehicle’s ride and handling dynamics.
The front leather-clad buckets in my tester were marvelously supportive, not to mention nice to look at. Plenty of legroom is supplied up front, but that quickly disappears when rear-seat occupants arrive. The rear seat is easily accessed and can seat a couple of adults in reasonable but cramped comfort.
Along with upgraded cabin materials, the last few years have brought improved switchgear, less plastic—although door panels are still so laden—and better ergonomics. Ah, but the steering wheel brings the greatest joy within the Stang’s inner confines.
I love the tri-spoke wheel—along with the large circular analogue tach and speedo—due to their classic 60s design. The satin metal trim on the steering wheel imparts a sense of precision and quality, which isn’t marred by the neatly inserted audio and cruise control buttons.
Plus, I don’t think there’s a steering wheel out there that incorporates an airbag more discreetly and attractively than the Stang does. And it’s from behind that outstanding wheel that I explored the potential of the Mustang’s latest V6 engine.
 |
| I love the tri-spoke wheel—along with the large circular analogue tach and speedo—due to their classic 60s design. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |