Motoring News
FORD MUSTANG 2015 – 2021
FORD MUSTANG 2015 – 2021
By EWAN KENNEDY
Ford Mustang has been a big success on the Australian market and I see them pretty well every time I’m on the road.
We will cover the Mustang from December 2015 when a new model was introduced in this Used Car Checkout.
2020 Ford Mustang Mach 1
It comes in two versions, coupe and convertible, powered by either a 5.0-litre V8 or four-cylinder 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, the former is typical 20th century gas guzzling muscle machines, the latter Ford’s provides environmentally conscious modern motoring.
The 5.0-litre V8 featured lessons learned in developing the special-edition 2012 Mustang Boss 302. The result is a boost in power to 306 kW and 530 Nm of torque.
The addition of the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine introduced turbocharging to the Mustang powertrain line-up. The geometry of the EcoBoost intake manifold and turbocharger housing being optimised to provide higher output – 233 kW and 432 Nm of torque.
Six-speed manual transmission provides smoother shifting than previous Mustangs, while the automatic has steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching.
Steering feel is nicely weighted with just the right heft for keen drivers of high-performance machines. The four-cylinder EcoBoost engine is short and sits well back under the long bonnet. It pretty well straddles the front axle area so provides excellent balance.
2018 Ford Mustang Bullitt
The front seats are laterally supportive but lack of rear legroom puts the Mustang into 2+2 territory. The front seat passenger can share leg space with someone behind them, but unless the driver is short whoever sits behind them may feel a bit cramped.
A selection of driving modes can be called up by flicking a switch on the central console. Normal offers a balance between comfort and performance; Sport+ provides more responsive steering and throttle response; Track allows the engine to respond directly to the driver’s input, while reinforcing the sporty engine note; and Snow / Wet keeps the car in touch with adverse road conditions.
Convertible cabin wind turbulence was isn’t too intrusive with the top down, with the body strength coping well with lateral and twisting forces.
January 2018 saw Ford Australia launch what it called, ‘The Fastest Mustang Ever.’ The 5.0-litre V8 engine was thoroughly reworked to develops 450 horsepower (339 kW). This was achieved with the first application of Ford’s dual-fuel, high-pressure direct-injection and low-pressure port fuel injection. The result is solid low-end torque, high-rpm power, and improved fuel efficiency. Peak torque is now 556 Nm.
At the same time the mildly revised 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit developed 300 horsepower (224 kW). It had nine Nm more torque, now 441 Nm.
The biggest news for 2018 is that there’s a new 10-speed automatic, which is available with both Mustang engines. It has a wide-ratio span between first and tenth, faster shifts and optimised gear spacing to keep it at peak torque, and fast response. Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles give drivers manual control.
2016 Ford Mustang
The six-speed manual gearboxes were upgraded to handle the added torque on both engines.
Mustang’s engine note could be adjusted. An active valve exhaust system is standard on all GT models. Four modes are available: Normal, Quiet, Track and Sport.
Visually, there’s a lower, remodeled bonnet with air intakes in new positions and revised upper and lower front grilles. But it still looks very much like a Mustang.
Revised shock absorbers make for better ride control, while a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension leads to increased lateral stiffness. The stabiliser bars have also been revised.
For the first time, MagneRide damper technology was an option for Mustang, designed to optimise ride and handling in all situations. Previously exclusive to the Mustang Shelby GT350, the system allows automatic adjustment of each corner, up to 1000 times per second, for even better responsiveness and lateral performance.
The 2018 Mustangs have a 12-inch all-digital instrument cluster that offers three separate views – Normal, Sport and Track modes – and the ability to change colours and gauge layout.
The centre console adds a new hand-stitched wrap with contrast stitching and padded knee bolsters while door handles, rings and bezels are finished in aluminium.
Standard seats feature new patterns, six-way leather-trimmed Recaro sports are a factory-fitted option.
There are plenty of Ford dealers Australia wide, even in very remote areas. Spares for Mustangs may not be held in smaller dealerships, but can usually be shipped to them within a few working days.
Insurance is surprisingly moderate in cost – if you have a good driving record and minimal previous claims. As always, shop around but be aware that a long-standing record with one company can be to your benefit.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A professional inspection really is a must of a car like the Ford Mustang. As is a full service history, preferably at a Ford dealer.
A Mustang that has been thrashed may have serious rear tyre wear and lots of brake dust. Perhaps you’re best to steer clear of that car.
Check the fluid on the automatic’s dipstick. If it smells burnt and looks dark, that’s another sign of hard driving. The 10-speed auto seems to stand up better than the six-speed.
Convertibles are generally water tight, but it still pays to look and feel for dampness in the carpets as on open-top Mustang may have been caught with its top down in the rain.
Look for signs of previous crash repairs, wrinkles in the panels when viewed end on, mismatched paint colours and overspray on unpainted parts.
If there’s too much turbo lag on the 2.3 EcoBoost there could be electronic tuning problems.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $22,000 to $31,000 for a 2016 Ford Mustang 2.3 coupe; $25,000 to $34,000 for a 2015 convertible; $32,000 to $43,000 for a 2016 GT coupe or a 2018 coupe; $35,000 to $47,000 for a $38,000 to $51,000 for 2018 GT coupe; $41,000 to $55,000 for a 2019 GT coupe; $48,00 to $65,000 for a 2019 GT convertible; $52,000 to $70,000 for a 2020 GT convertible; and $59,000 to $78,000 for a 2021 Mach 1 coupe.
CAR BUYING TIP
Much as we love open top cars the lower rigidity of their bodies and the chances of the interior being sun and/or deliberately damaged can make them depreciate faster.
RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/
2025 Smart #5 Electric SUV Revealed: The Future of Outdoor Adventure
By Jeff Gibbs
The all-new 2025 Smart #5 electric SUV is set to revolutionise the way people experience the outdoors, combining cutting-edge electric technology with features designed for adventure. Created through a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Geely (Volvo’s parent company), the “hashtag five” is poised to change weekend getaways with a unique blend of off-road capability, luxury, and tech.
Power and Range At the heart of the Smart #5 is a massive 100kWh battery, offering an impressive range of more than 700 kilometres on a single charge. But this vehicle isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s equipped to power outdoor adventures. The Smart #5 can run a variety of appliances, including a fridge, movie projector, and a high-fidelity stereo, making it an ideal companion for camping trips and outdoor escapes.
Design and Off-Road Capability Sized similarly to a Subaru Forester, the Smart #5 is designed for mild off-road tasks with all-wheel-drive traction and ample ground clearance. For those looking to push further into the wild, an optional off-road pack draws inspiration from the Land Rover Defender, featuring practical additions like a fold-down ladder, rooftop cargo tray, and external storage for muddy or wet gear.
Luxurious Interior and Advanced Technology Inside, the Smart #5 offers a premium experience with a digital dashboard and two high-resolution AMOLED displays. The SUV also boasts an augmented reality head-up display, giving drivers enhanced navigation and information at a glance. Powered by a water-cooled computer processor, the system can run movies and video games, turning the car into an entertainment hub for remote locations.
2025 Smart #5 Interior
The vehicle’s heated seats come with a massage function and can fold flat to create a “king size” sleeping space — perfect for overnight stays, though likely not quite as large as a traditional mattress. Adding to the luxurious feel, the Sennheiser surround sound system provides immersive audio, while a cute electronic avatar acts as a digital assistant, similar to Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri.
Innovative Features for Outdoor Adventures One of the standout features is the built-in movie projector, which, combined with the climate-controlled cabin, offers a unique way to relax under the stars. The SUV’s robust electrical system also allows it to power various appliances, transforming campsites into high-tech getaways.
Launch and Market Plans Though pricing details have not been confirmed, industry expectations suggest the Smart #5 could approach the $100,000 mark, especially given its extensive features and capabilities. This places it above the smaller Smart #1 and Smart #3 models.
The brand’s decision to debut the model globally in Byron Bay, Australia, underscores its intent to bring the Smart #5 to the Australian market. After its initial release in China later this year, production for Australia is expected to begin in 2025, with journalists from Europe and Asia already traveling to see the model in person.
With its combination of eco-friendly electric power, innovative tech, and off-road capability, the 2025 Smart #5 promises to be a game-changer in the electric SUV market, catering to those who want to explore the outdoors without sacrificing comfort or modern conveniences.
For more motoring news, click here.
2025 Audi e-tron GT Unveiled: Massive Power Boost and Enhanced Range
By Jeff Gibbs
The 2025 Audi e-tron GT has been officially revealed, showcasing a significant power boost, extended driving range, and updated styling. Set to arrive in European showrooms later this year, with Australian launch dates yet to be confirmed, the updated electric sedan offers cutting-edge performance and luxurious features.
The refreshed e-tron GT now includes two key variants: the S e-tron GT and the top-of-the-line RS e-tron GT Performance. Both models benefit from a technical overhaul, with the RS Performance boasting a staggering 680kW of power, making it the most powerful Audi road car to date. Powered by a new 97kWh battery, the e-tron GT offers up to 604km of driving range, a notable improvement thanks to new battery cell chemistry and recuperation capabilities.
Performance Highlights:
- The S e-tron GT delivers 500kW, an increase of 110kW over the previous base model, while the RS e-tron GT ramps up to 630kW. The top-tier RS e-tron GT Performance pushes output to 680kW, making it just shy of the 700kW figure from its Porsche Taycan Turbo S sibling.
- The 0-100km/h sprint has been cut to just 2.5 seconds in the RS Performance, while the S and RS variants clock in at 3.4 and 2.8 seconds, respectively.
- The upgraded battery system allows for 320kW DC fast charging, which can add 280km of range in just 10 minutes.
Mechanical and Technological Enhancements Audi has introduced a lighter rear motor and a new two-chamber adaptive air suspension system, providing a refined balance between comfort and sportiness. The suspension system is shared with the Porsche Taycan, and it actively adjusts to enhance cornering and acceleration.
2025 Audi e-tron GT Interior
The braking system has also been overhauled, with larger steel brakes on the S e-tron GT, while the RS and RS Performance models come with tungsten carbide-coated or carbon-ceramic discs, respectively.
The RS Performance features a carbon-fibre roof, optional ‘carbon camouflage’ exterior trim, and a glass roof with liquid-crystal film, which can shift from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button.
Interior and Styling Updates Inside, Audi has upgraded the cabin with a new steering wheel, 18-way adjustable seats with massaging functions, and the use of eco-friendly materials like Dinamica suede and recycled Cascade fabric. Audi has also introduced fresh dashboard trim inlays and updated the digital instrument cluster with new displays for battery temperature and performance metrics.
On the exterior, the 2025 e-tron GT sports revised front bumpers, larger air intakes on the RS, and an optional black grille. It also debuts Audi’s new simplified four-ring logo, along with new 20-inch and 21-inch alloy wheels inspired by the 1991 Audi Avus concept car.
With these significant upgrades, Audi is positioning the 2025 e-tron GT as a high-performance electric sedan that combines luxury, cutting-edge technology, and thrilling power, solidifying its place as a strong competitor in the premium electric vehicle market.
For more motoring news, click here.
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