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FordMustang
Friday, September 4, 2015
B01
SPECIAL SECTION courtesy of the SURREY NOW Your journey starts here. Your journey starts here.
Focus ST
What’s Old is New Again
BY DAVID CHAO
2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang – it’s a significant milestone by any measures. The automotive landscape has changed considerably since the original pony car made its debut, and the 2015 brings the biggest change ever with the debut of the 6th generation version.
The base model comes with a traditional V6 layout; this unit is a 3.7-litre unit producing an even 300 hp.
It’s no wallflower, shouting its you prefer something intentions to the world Ifdifferent and something more
“European”, you can opt for The new Mustang is entering a market filled the 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo with tough competition. Both the Chevrolet inline-4. Using a twin-scroll Camaro and Dodge Challenger offer modern turbo, this engine produces a little onand theare small side for some 310 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque interpretations of retro-inspired designs already @brendan_mcaleer - although making an impact so this isn’tduties, the easiest time for and strapping in a rear car you can argue that it Mustang to come back. seat gets a bit onerous as thedoesn’t rear sound like a Mustang engine in a traditional sense. All-new for 2015, the Mustang isparcel availableshelf as a fastback or to remove. is tricky
parcel shelf is tricky to remove. sized and practical The GT models come with the classic Mustang convertible. Later this year, the Shelby GT350 will be offered. ing around children Apart from that, it’s a regular5.0-litre V8. Thanks to tuned cylinder heads and The 2015 Mustang is the first to be designed for roceries. little hatch, and that means valvetrain, it boasts an amazing level of muscle pumping international markets - that fact is evident in some of the styling and engine choices. folding seats for a hockey out 435 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. practice, or room enough to A 6-speed manual transmission is standard fitment on all ? Design engines. A 6-speed automatic is an option on all models pick up three friends from the Thoroughly modern, this new pony car is unmistakably as well. airport. Let whom ever is your an over boosted a Mustang. The familiar profile is more muscular and One feature old Mustangs didn’t have that this new one best friend ride up front. g brakes, punchy seductive. does is selective drive modes. Switching modes adjusts likeFord a disgruntled started the design process with a clean sheet. Key The front Recaros for both driver steering effort, and engine and transmission response. lete Mustang with seats that are obviously elements present - like the long, Also, the stability control can be optimized for snow/wet, and passenger are some of the sculpted hood and short rear deck - but, this model has a Mustangs. sport to anda track conditions. most aggressive seats ever fitted
spirited driving. The steering wheel is now smaller, but has several controls added to it. The rear seats are small and only meant for short drives especially considering the limited headroom on fastback models. Convertible Mustangs remove that issue and use a 1-hand release latch for the power-operated soft suspension and top. brake-based torque
vectoring givespace the ST a chance to really Cargo is quite accommodating bite into the corner and then scrabble on the other hand. The opening is now larger reveals cubic feet in coupes out the and other side.13.5 The more and 11.4 in convertibles. aggressive you are, the happier it – and the and bigger the tire bill. Ford’s SYNC gets communication entertainment system,
which is still awkward to use, is standard. In base models, not all.AM/FM/CD Most hot hatchbacks music comesThat’s out a 6-speaker audio system display nice safe understeer if with an auxiliary input.
you push them a bit hard. Ford, Features on theisother hand, hastrim engineered The Ford Mustang available in eight levels with in lift-off into little starting prices rangingoversteer from $24,068 to their $43,591 hooligan. Pop off the accelerator Standard equipment includes a rearview camera, auto sharply mid-corner, and the backmirror, end headlights and wipers, auto-dimming rearview comes like itsstart. on casters. This keyless entry, around and push-button lower, wider stance and a lower roof. Wider rear fenders behaviour feelsavailable tamed as compared to higher the Additional features, options or on Speaking of mainstream car. The side-bolstering is track conditions, Track Apps are standard acts overseas, but are necessary to house the bigger track as well. first editions of the ST, but is still present and trims, include heated and cooled front leather seats, accessible through the information screen between huge, to the point that someand everyday users ttingThe used to these. signature blunt nose and trapezoidal grille has been memory driver seat, remote start, dual-zone climate still something you won’t find elsewhere. the instrument gauges. might actually find it a tad uncomfortable. If youLaunch Control helps you get off think “Mustang,” tweaked to reflect Ford’s contemporary styling. High-
the line and GT models have line-lock for burnouts.
control, heated exterior mirrors, ambient lighting,
twistyand bits, though, they’re wonderful, keeping you Overall, it’s a faster and more thrilling driving experience usable hatchback is headlampshit intensity discharge arethe standard, have illuminated door sills, reversing sensors, adaptive cruise The new Mustang also handles curves and roads much LED accents. control, spot information system with cross-traffic firmly strapped in place. thanbetter you get from theblind more buttoned-down Germanic than its predecessors. Independent rear suspension is now alert, and athe universal opener. Fly under radargarage in thedoor latter, or by the seat At the rear, there is certainly aMyFord more European standard and makes rearbe end a lot more stable.competition. And, while Touchfeel, continues to improve, but canthe still cus RS currently especially when looking at the lower diffuser. The 3-bar of your pants in this thing: it’s your choice. moreofeager corner fast, the updated suspension also Thumbs Up considered to be the Achilles’it is heel thetoFocus. Screen ng power output taillights return but are now LED and 3-dimensional soaks up bumps, making long distance drives a joy. While the Mustang looks traditional, it boasts all the are small, and a bit of a reach while on the move. at the regularthe turn signals arefonts thankfully still sequential. Features:modern technologies found in any other cutting-edge car. Environment However, voice commands work far better than on the doesStandard it workmodels as an come with 17-inch The car drives beautifully and with comfort. Thetooptional go-faster stripes from Ford addincreased a hundred wheels. EcoBoost Ford raised level of refinement a system’s original rollout, and while thethelearning curve is ainside the cabin Premium models wear 18’s, while GT’s are equipped horsepower each proven fact. whole new familiarity. level. However, while the new Mustang has Thumbs Down bitcome steep, the system works well with with 19’s. Performance versions with Brembo more interior space than before, it is still a sports coupe If big horsepower is what you crave, the Mustang simply Besides that, the ST is very well equipped standard, with brakes, among many other features. and therefore the space is limited. can’t compete with the outrageous Challenger Hellcat’s Performance: d news for the ST the only real options being navigation a package 707 hp. The biggest question and is…. does this Mustang The interior compliments the exterior with a classic The double hump2.0L dash brings some nostalgia, and the Under the Focus’ new hood is the familiar he Focus recently containing dual-zone climate control and a 10-speaker provide enough distinction to make a dent in this appearance. Material quality has been improved and high tech centre stack design and electronic aids provide marketplace? turbocharged engine, punching out 252hp and 270lb-ft ew front end audio upgrade. The latter is as punchy as the ST’s comfort andand space has increased due to clever packaging. a better overall driving experience. The slimmer lower of torque. Much more than what’s offered at with the added hts now include turbocharged engine, but subtracts trunk space with a reardash creates morefrom knee rivals room, even The Bottomline Performance VW or Honda, the ST’s straight-line is strong, passengerperformance side knee airbags. andMirroring a powerthe bulge mounted subwoofer. The new Ford Mustang has all the style and presence of styling, the engine bay offers a mix of punctuated by more of torque steerarescrabble. its pony car ancestors, while incorporating new creature The stock front seats good, but the optional Recaro classic and contemporary design cues. The Mustang is than a hint Official fuel economy for the ST are quite good at 7139239 comforts figures and technology. seats are highly recommended as they are excellent for available with three different As engines. a highway car, the no-shift passing response is very re pretty tame – the 7.3L/100kms on the highway, and 10.2L/100kms in the LotsSEPT of low-end ENDS 6 torque means you can just leave nteel LAST machine.CHANCE good. city. Observed real-world economy is really going to depend %the manual-only shifter in top gear and just let your left foot ng its intentions to how often you ignore the upshift indicator and just floor Donationget you up to speed. Road noise from the 18” alloys andOR UP TOon mborghini-ish centreit, but the ST can handle a gentle commute without being With Each Car Sold or makeperformance tires is less intrusive than in a Subaru WRX. s. too painful at the pump. $ your own donation in store However, the ST doesn’t really wake up until the road gets ng. On the negative Light: 1-888-854-2634 twisty. The advantage of having a dedicated European ng. That centreCASH SAVINGSGreen ON Dealer Characterful,www.peacearchtoyota.com engaging drive; usable passenger and #30377 cargo performance arm for decades is that Ford’s hatchback who would wish to SELECT 2015 TOYOTA’S 3174 KING GEORGE BLV, SURREY space; grippy seats offerings have been fighting off a much larger competitive arket offerings look segment than we experience in North America. Here, we
$200
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FINANCE
6,000
7139294