Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
We now know that model year 2015 ushers in an entirely new modern-day Mustang with unprecedented styling that I’m still not quite accustomed to, which makes me all the more appreciative of the current model. Like the 2005 and 2010 redos, the 2014 Mustang pulls inspiration from the late ’60s, early ’70s era, just before muscle cars got neutered by stringent (for the times) emissions regulations and the resultant power robbing catalytic converter. Of course, today’s 662-horsepower Shelby GT500 makes an original ’69 GT500 KR “King Cobra” I once
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Just because the Mustang V6 Convertible is powered by the base six doesn’t mean it’s boring however, as the car’s 3.7-litre, DOHC, 24-valve V6 makes a sizable 305-horsepower and equally motivating 280 lb-ft of torque that combines with a relatively lightweight 1,657-kilo (3,652-lb) body mass for a 5.5-second sprint to 96.6 km/h (60 mph) and 14 seconds for the standing quarter mile. A little retrospective glance backwards shows that even this base V6 puts out 15 more horsepower than the legendary 1968-71 Boss 302 V8, so let’s all pay respect where
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
My tester included the autobox, a $1,400 option that suits this comfortable cruiser well. Don’t get me wrong, as this drop-top can duke it out in the corners as well as most of its fully independent suspended peers, but I found myself lazily cruising about town more often than lighting up the rear tires. A relaxed driving position on thoroughly pampering seats with merely adequate side support prompted
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Each and every V6-powered convertible model gets the “Premium” designation by the way, which means that 17-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets and the choice of a wider range of option packages come standard, compared to the V6 Coupe that offers the Premium package as an upgrade. My tester came with the “Equipment Group 203A” package as well, a special Mustang Club of America add-on that’s well worth the $2,900 charge as it includes a gorgeous
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Along with the 203A package upgrade my V6 Premium Convertible came with the $300 cloth roof option and the available boot cover for $200, while additional options included the $700 Reverse Sensing System and Security Package with rear sonar that was quite handy when the top was up and rear visibility compromised, plus an active anti-theft system and wheel locking kit. Sync hands-free
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Less than $40k for a powerful four-seat convertible with premium-level features speaks volumes about why the Mustang drop-top remains so popular year after year, that and its full list of standard features. All Mustang Convertibles come with automatic HID headlights, LED taillights, a tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, convenient auto up/down power windows plus power door locks with remote
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
All of these V6 Convertible features are set into a nice looking cabin, albeit the electronics are nowhere near as advanced as with other Ford models. It’s the blue-oval brand’s leadership in offering beautiful full-colour multi-information displays as standard equipment and even more impressive MyFord Touch infotainment systems across its varied lineup that makes the current Mustang feel a tad outdated, something the next-gen 2015 Mustang will remedy, along with better quality soft-touch plastics on more surfaces throughout the interior. As it currently
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
As expected in a fairly large four-seat convertible there’s a little shake and shimmy over rough patches of pavement, but no rattle and hum. Generally the Mustang V6 Convertible’s body structure is tight, with zero twist even under the engine’s very generous full throttle. With the well-insulated roof raised the V6 sounds
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
The six-speed automatic shifts smoothly and quickly enough for sporting behaviour, its performance helped along via a thumb-actuated rocker switch on the shift knob for manual mode when the lever itself is set to the “S” position for sport mode. Braking is good with a nice linear feel when
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
From a practical standpoint the Mustang Convertible delivers excellent front seat spaciousness and adequate rear seat room, for a 2+2 at least. The trunk is merely ok considering this mid-size two-door’s length and width, measuring just 287 litres compared to the coupe’s much more accommodating 379-litre cargo capacity, but as mentioned previously there are 50/50 split-fold rear seatbacks to increase space if needed.
Continuing the pragmatic theme, the drop-top automatic’s fuel economy is very good when compared to other cars in this class, with Ford claiming an EnerGuide rating of 11.0 L/100km in the city and 6.9 on the highway, plus a less expensive requirement
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
As the 2014 model year winds to an end and the completely new 2015 Mustang starts looming its totally redefined head, I’m wondering if the iconic car’s 50th anniversary is best celebrated by admiring this elegantly sporting 2014 Mustang V6 Convertible or preparing to be impressed by the all-new car. My tester is arguably one of the most attractive Mustangs ever produced, whereas the 2015 Mustang will take some getting used to for sure. It’s boldly aggressive in an almost import sort of way, and while this might be a boon for export sales it could be a bane for the model’s outrageously loyal domestic buyers. Yes, the Mustang as we know it might soon be dead, but nevertheless long live the Mustang.
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