It seems like Mustangs are becoming like bums…. everyone has one.
How many do you see these days burbling along the road?
Heaps.
But most are the fastback “tin top,” few are the “drop top” convertible.
That can be explained easily as “purists” prefer the handsome fastback and the Ford Mustang convertible costs a lot more at $73,338.
Both models were upgraded last year with more power from the 5.0-litre, naturally aspirated V8 now with quad exhausts along with a 10-speed auto and more driver assist features.
Ford added a louder exhaust with secondary valves behind the rear mufflers to create more of a muscle car sound track.
It’s a better car all over compared to the first version and even looks better, if that’s possible.
Personally, I definitely prefer the sleek, sexy fastback over the convertible.
But if you want to be seen, be a roofless person and get a tan when you drive, then the convertible is the one.
Exterior
Gorgeous to look at the ‘Stang convertible has an aggressive appearance from all angles starting with the shark frontal styling and moving along the sculpted sides to the concave rear end with triple LED tail lights each side, diffuser and those four exhaust tips.
Talk about in your face.
The soft “convertible” roof is more sedan-shaped than fastback which I think is the reason some punters don’t like it.
But styling preference is all subjective…. down to personal preference.
The roof folds neatly under a cover when retracted delivering a true open top sports car drive feel with the wind in your hair and seats for four.
Interior
Inside is the same as the fastback in every respect and is at the top of the Ford scale in terms of style and function.
There are multiple fascia materials, leather upholstery and the striking customisable digital instrument pod with three colour choices.
A large central info screen topped by three round vents dominates the dash that is home to the ‘Stang’s fat sports wheel with multi functions and paddle shift.
The sports seats have decent side bolsters to hold you in when you explore Mustang’s cornering capabilities.
It’s quiet inside too thanks to the multi-layer soft top that deploys in mere seconds and stows somewhere down the back… in the boot.
Features
There’s plenty to enjoy in the ‘Stang convertible as there should be for a smidge under $80 grand on the road.
- Heated leather sports seats
- MyMode memory settings system
- Four drive modes with track apps
- Customisable instruments
- Sync3 infotainment
- Hard wired satnav
- 8-inch screen
- Auto headlights and high beam
- B&O audio
Drive and Engine
This is where the fun starts because the upgraded 339kW/556Nm engine with 10 speed auto transmission transformed Mustang. It has serious poke now across the entire operating range – off the mark, in the middle and right up to the howling, blatting top end.
This is the V8 you would want to own – tech rich, potent, sounds amazing and not too heavy on fuel driven normally. However, you tend to slip it back a cog and floor it going through tunnels to hear the exhaust note.
Mustang has handling to match offering sharp, precise responses, superlative stopping power and well controlled ride through a complex suspension.
Mustang is more nimble than its weight might suggest.
On full cruise/soft mode it’s still a sporty car with a firm ride and feel but you can certainly live with it as a daily driver.
The cockpit driving position places everything you need close at hand and Mustang can be fairly extensively customised in a number of ways – dynamics, engine, transmission even the instruments.
That’s the way you like it uh-huh.
Safety
There’s that three star ANCAP issue to get your head around but really, truly, ANCAP testing is slanted towards sedans and SUVs so a coupe/convertible is always going to have issues for the rear seat passengers and access.
Ford Australia recognised the problem with Mustang #1 and Mustang #2 is crammed with advanced driver assist technology like autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep and departure warning, reverse camera, adaptive cruise, auto headlights and high beam.
The car is nimble and responsive enough to avoid most potential crash situations anyway unless you are fairly useless behind the wheel.
Good Bits
- Powerful V8 engine
- Slick 10-speed auto transmission
- Rear wheel drive
- Arresting looks
- Feature rich
- Strident sound track
- Good value
- Fast operating roof
- Look at me factor
Not So Good Bits
- Like a drink when worked hard
- Ford needs to sort out ANCAP rating
Summary
Yep, I like the ’Stang convertible nearly as much as the fastback and would gladly find room for one in my garage. It makes you feel good as soon as you get behind the wheel and on goes from there.
Compared to anything from Europe with a drop top or the ancient Nissan 370 Z roadster, Mustang convertible is knock out value to say nothing of the performance and handling factor.
No wonder they are getting like bums.
Facts and Figures: 2019 Mustang GT Convertible
- Engine: 5.0L V8 petrol producing 339kW/556Nm
- Transmission: Ten-speed automatic
- Warranty: 5 years/ unlimited km
- Safety: Three stars
- Origin: USA
- Price: from $73,338
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