It would be fair to say that, with the new Mustang, Ford hasn't exactly changed the recipe much. Or… at all, really.
The "new" Mustang - essentially a reskin of the last Mustang - retains the same V8/RWD layout as every Mustang incarnation (admittedly with the availability of various sixes and fours over the decades) and features no form of electrification whatsoever (despite early rumours), not even to add performance let alone reducing emissions.
And that’s not really a bad thing, as it is a recipe that works and is what has made the Mustang what it is over the years: an affordable, attainable and unpretentious performance coupe that serves up fun, thrills and enjoyment without any unnecessary frills.
Although that “affordable” thing may not be quite so applicable anymore, as the Mustang GT does now start at $94,990 in New Zealand, thanks to Ford NZ dropping the four-cylinder option from the new generation range and, earlier, the manual option.
Still, that basic concept remains firmly intact, meaning that the new 2025 Ford Mustang GT is just a stupidly fun car that can effortlessly go from being a comfortable, docile cruiser to a formidable drag weapon, and then a capable back road carver without breaking a sweat. Just like a Mustang should.
Of course the rumbling 362kW/567Nm 5.0-litre V8 is the key to this and, as ever, it remains a delightfully flexible thing in the latest Mustang, despite its lack of turbos or electrification to fill in any performance gaps, simply because there aren’t any.
Flexible and refined, the upgraded Coyote V8 is paired with Ford’s excellent 10-speed automatic transmission for added convenience, with a selection of drive modes available to either calm or sharpen the big V8’s responses.
Again, everything as it has been is the case here, but the biggest changes become vastly more noticeable when you hop inside, where the Mustang has an all new, and vastly improved interior.
Ford has done enough to see it remain relevant and, most importantly, seriously enjoyable to drive.
With its big screens stretching across the dash and wholesale abandonment of the previous model’s retro design cues, the Mustang’s interior is now a very modern and surprisingly high-quality place. Which, weirdly, may be the biggest point of contention for purists.
But it is still superbly comfortable, while the big central touchscreen is nicely responsive, and comfortingly intuitive to anyone already familiar with Ford’s Sync infotainment system.
The outside is also very familiar, with the most noticeable change being the black vents on the GT’s bonnet which… are actually quite ugly (to my eyes, at least), while the four-cylinder cars we don’t get here getting a far more attractive non-vented version.
The bigger, more angular grille and slim horizontal headlights add more aggression to the front end, while the slick LED taillights add a touch of tech to the traditional-styled rear end.
But where things really matter with a Mustang is on the road, and here is where the new generation cars still shines, with superbly predictable handling that sees the car as adjustable on the throttle as it is through the steering wheel.
It is still very much a Mustang - fun, comfortable and superbly easy to live with, the GT makes its power easily accessible while also being a remarkably docile daily driver.
Yes, that delightfully unflappable and self-assured nature is well and truly still present in the new Mustang, with the same delightful accessible performance that it has possessed since its effective reboot in 2014 when it finally ditched the solid rear axle and started being built in RHD.
Lurid, tail-wagging corner exits and relaxed cruising are both on the menu at literally any time, while the ride always remains competent, if not exactly plush. It is bothered by a slight firmness which blunts the overall comfort a wee bit, but is an acceptable trade off for the superb adjustability from both ends through corners.
The latest incarnation of the legendary Mustang doesn't push the envelope much in any way, but Ford has done enough to see it remain relevant and, most importantly, seriously enjoyable to drive. And that is exactly why the people who buy it love it.
How much is the Ford Mustang GT?
The V8-powered GT is currently the only Mustang model available in New Zealand and lands at $94,990, packing quite a lot of standard equipment which includes 19-inch alloy wheels, an active exhaust system and a B&O sound system with a subwoofer. If you are so inclined, you can also go topless, with the convertible GT packing the same level of kit, but lopping the roof off for a rather hefty $101,990.
What are the key statistics for the Ford Mustang GT?
As you would probably expect, the Mustang is powered by a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8, packing 362kW and 567Nm in GT guise, driving the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. That's it; no turbos or electric motors. And no manual either for that matter.
Is the Ford Mustang GT efficient?
Well, it's a big naturally-aspirated V8 with no turbos, no electric motors an no manual transmission, so... not really. Ford claims a combined average fuel consumption of 13.1l/100km for the GT, with RightCar listing it at 16.0l/100km with daily reality being far closer to the RightCar figure. Plus it also takes 98 octane petrol, so it's not going to be particularly cheap as a daily driver.
Is the Ford Mustang GT good to drive?
Oh yes. The Mustang remains a hugely fun, very American car, which means lots of power pouring on effortlessly when you want it, with delightfully predictable handling that is totally adjustable through corners with either the steering or throttle, depending on what you want the rear end to do.
Is the Ford Mustang GT practical?
That depends on your circumstances - the rear seats are still fairly restricted and more suitable for children or, more likely, grandchildren. The boot is a very generous 408 litres, but is a bit restricted by the narrow opening. while interior storage is still woefully lacking.
What do we like about the Ford Mustang GT?
It is still very much a Mustang - fun, comfortable and superbly easy to live with, the GT makes its power easily accessible while also being a remarkably docile daily driver. Enormously entertaining on a winding road - or even more so at a track day - every aspect of actually driving the GT just makes you smile.
What don’t we like about the Ford Mustang GT?
At $95k it isn't exactly an affordable and attainable sports car anymore, while the lack of storage in the cabin is still seriously irritating.
What kind of person would the Ford Mustang GT suit?
Exactly the same sort of person who has always bought a Mustang.
