Ford Mustang GT: PH Fleet

Focus out and Mustang in as the fast Ford fleet experiment continues...

Though you may have noticed it already, it's time to come clean on something of an obsession: I really, really like American cars. On PH you may have noticed the stories on Vipers, Shelbys, Camaros and Cadillacs are written by yours truly - the combination of V8s, manual gearboxes (in most cases) and genuine dynamic ability really, really appeals.

Want some tough guy?

So while we don't have a GT350, I was very excited about the arrival of the Mustang GT on the PH Fleet. Particularly as, against the majority of opinion, I wasn't overwhelmed by the Focus RS. Like the other fast Ford this car is ostensibly being shared with our colleagues at Autocar, but as long as I can afford the fuel it will be staying with us!

'Our' car, EF66 WEH, is a fastback V8 GT with a manual gearbox. A good start. On top of a list price of £36,345 this car has Lightning Blue paint (well worth the extra £595 I would say; it looks great), the Shaker Pro premium audio system at £795, climate controlled seats (so they're heated and cooled, as well as being super comfy as standard) for £495 and the £295 rear parking sensors. Given how limited the visibility already is, to make those sensors optional seems a little cheeky. It's hardly an extravagantly specced car though, the total price £38,525. For reference a 190hp Audi A5 2.0 TDI S Line is £38,290, and there are plenty more of those comparisons to follow!

Having arrived last Wednesday, the Mustang has been busy. It was used as transport to the Discovery launch (where 30mpg was achieved), it's been driven to and from the office (where something less than 30mpg was achieved) and then for a few days back at home in Suffolk (not even close to 30mpg). Fuel consumption will inevitably be a discussion point with this Mustang, so we'll be paying close attention; for what it's worth the trip computer average is still comfortably above the claimed 20.9mpg combined. Fingers crossed it stays that way!

Well of course we're excited by this

That V8 is such a core part of the appeal though that the money doesn't matter at the moment. To have an atmospheric big-cube V8 with a six-speed manual is such a rare privilege in 2017 that complaints seem a little churlish. It will burble along with the revs at idle, snarl through the mid-range and thunder through its upper reaches in full Bullitt style. The manual is the perfect accompaniment too, short and deliberate in its action but very satisfying to use.

In fact it's hard to concentrate on much else initially beyond the engine. When you do start to explore however, there are a few elements that have already proved irritating beyond the obvious predictable interior complaints (it's got a V8 for £36K; go buy the diesel Audi if you're that bothered). The variable steering weights seem unnecessary, none especially great but Normal the best compromise. SYNC3 is far better than SYNC2, but certain functions still require a bit too much screen prodding when buttons would have suited better. And the low-speed ride is pretty tough.

Despite those the view on the Mustang at the moment is a very positive one, its relaxed and easy-going demeanour welcome in a world of very, very serious cars. While in the early days there have been hints of the Mustang's lairier side too, which we'll aim to investigate in the coming months. No need for a drift mode with 420hp!

FACT SHEET
Car: 2017 Ford Mustang GT
On fleet since: March 2017
Mileage: 3,833 (delivered on 3,251)
List price new: £36,345 (£38,525 as tested comprising £595 for Lightning Blue paint, £795 for Shaker Pro premium audio system with navigation, £495 for Climate controlled seats and £295 for reverse parking sensors)
Last month at a glance: Mustang arrives on fleet, scramble for key and fuel card begins