2010 Ford Mustang review

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Few car names can be as iconic as Ford’s Mustang.

It’s a performance car, but about as far removed from that other prancing horse – Ferrari – as it’s possible to get. Ford’s recipe over more than 40 years of Mustang history has been a big engine, plenty of horsepower, power through the rear wheels and a classic muscle car look. No F1-inspired technology here, just good old-fashioned engineering. The Mustang fits into the modern muscle-car category shared by the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger.

The Mustang has received a substantial tweak for the 2010 model year, but underneath new bodywork and specifications, it’s largely the same car as released in 2005. Modernised features include all of the bodywork save for the roof – while the same general shape has been retained, the overall look of the 2010 car is sleeker and slightly less square than its predecessor.

But the squat stance and high shoulder lines by the tiny rear side windows remain, as do plenty of other touches that hark back to the Mustangs of the late 60s and early 70s, including the rear lights, headlights and grille. The turning lights, which feature three sequential bulbs lighting up from the inside, are a direct reference to cars of that era.

2010 Ford MustangJust one version of the Mustang is available in the region, the GT, but it does come in either coupe or convertible form. Local dealers may do packages based around this grade, with different options.

The sole trim level is the Mustang GT Premium, and includes 18-inch painted aluminium wheels as standard. Polished aluminium versions, and 19-inch wheels are available as an option. Other standard equipment includes automatic high visibility halogen headlights, a rear spoiler and a keyless entry system.

Inside, there’s a leather-wrapped steering wheel with aluminium spokes that adjusts for rake, but not reach. The aluminium effect continues around the car with numerous inserts and scuff plates. The seats are leather and adjust electrically for the driver. The rear seats can be folded down in the coupe for extra boot space.

2010 Ford MustangAn eight-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer provides the sounds and there’s an auxiliary input socket for MP3 players. Ford’s SYNC system provides voice activation for the radio and CD player, as well as for iPods, which can be connected directly into the system.

The centre console houses an armrest and lockable storage space and floor mats are included for the front. Cruise control is standard, and an interesting feature is the option to pick one of six different colours for the instrument lighting. The rest of the interior lighting is blue.

Options include a glass roof on the coupe and a rear view camera to help make parking easier.

2010 Ford MustangUnder the bonnet of the Mustang GT is a 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 315bhp and 441Nm of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but most in the Middle East will opt for the five-speed automatic in its place.

Safety features include Ford’s AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system, front and front side airbags and a tyre pressure monitoring system as well as LATCH child safety seat anchor points.

The convertible version boasts a soft roof that folds away at the touch of a button.

2010 Ford Mustang2010 Ford Mustang

Price (AED): 140,000 – 170,000

Engine: 4.6-litre V8

Max power: 315bhp @ 6,000rpm

Max torque: 441Nm @ 4,250

Transmission: 5M/5A

Body styles: Coupe, Convertible

Weight: 1,603kg (Coupe, manual transmission)

Trim levels: GT Premium

SOURCE: http://automiddleeast.com/2010-ford-mustang-gt/