According to Ford, our long-term Mustang should return 7.8 litres-per-100km, while delivering the performance of the previous version’s V8. On paper it sounds excellent. But what do real-life figures say?
Last weekend, three of us packed up in the Mustang and headed to Hatta. And credit where it’s due, there is plenty of space in the cabin, even with a six-footer on-board.
A fill-up of Special (yes, we’re cheap) cost an agreeable Dh91, but despite driving as carefully as I could and being immensely brave with the anchors, the efficiency numbers wouldn’t tumble further than 13 litres-per-100km.
In the end, we completed the 400km-plus round trip on three-quarters of a tank. Or just 17 fils-per-kilometre. Even though it’s nowhere close to Ford’s economy claims, it’s respectable for a muscle car. Especially since we managed similar figures in the V6 Mercedes-Benz S400 hybrid.
I’m sure this car can return better fuel efficiency if you drive with a single-minded resolve to conserve petrol, although that defeats the entire point of buying a muscle car. This ’Stang packs 305 horses, looks good and is properly loud for a V6 and that’s all that should matter. Everything else is just a bonus.
The progress
Week 2
Ford did extremely well to come out of the financial slump unscathed. And this new-found confidence can be seen in its cars, including the Mustang.
Highs Ford has guts again
Lows Tone the guts down a notch
Week 1
With updated styling, a new 3.7-litre 305bhp V6 engine and the promise of low fuel consumption, Dh120K for a ‘Stang never made more sense.
Highs A lot of horsepower for the money
Lows None so far
Facts
Driven by Amit
Start mileage 3,340km
Recent cost Fuel
Average fuel economy Approx 13 litres-per-100km
Highs Cabin is surprisingly spacious
Low Not as frugal as Ford claims
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