2016 Ford New Cars

Mustang – January

The first customer cars landed in the country in December, but the highly anticipated Ford Mustang officially launches in Australia in January.

Despite its introduction still being a couple of weeks away, Ford Australia’s entire 2016 allocation of 4000 new-generation pony cars has already been snapped up by eager enthusiasts, meaning even if you order one now you won’t get to take it home until 2017.

Pricing for the 233kW/432Nm four-cylinder turbo variant kicks off at $45,990 plus on-road costs, while the raging favourite among local customers, the 303kW/525Nm 5.0-litre V8, starts from $57,490.

Standard features across the Mustang range include 19-inch alloy wheels, Sync 2 infotainment system with 8.0-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation, reverse-view camera, heated and cooled front seats, and keyless entry with push-button start, plus plenty more.

Falcon XR Sprint – Q1

Ford confirmed one of the industry’s worst kept secrets just before Christmas by announcing the imminent arrival of the Falcon XR6 Turbo Sprint and XR8 Sprint special editions.

Intended to farewell the locally made large car in style, the Sprint specials will be available in limited numbers with power upgrades, uprated brakes, unique wheels, special interior and exterior stripe packages, and Sprint badges.

While unconfirmed at this stage, its expected the XR6 Turbo Sprint will be tuned up to an FPV F6-equalling 310kW and the XR8 Sprint to a GT-F-matching 351kW.

Six-cylinder models will be available exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, while V8s will be offered with both six-speed manual and auto transmissions.

Focus RS – mid 2016

The Ford Focus RS will scream onto the mega-hatch scene around the middle of next year with huge performance and pricing to humble its German rivals.

Starting from $50,990 before on-road costs, the 257kW/440Nm 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo Focus RS significantly undercuts the 270kW Audi RS3 ($78,900), the 265kW Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG ($75,700) and the 240kW BMW M135i ($62,900), while also slipping in beneath the significantly less powerful 206kW Volkswagen Golf R ($52,740).

Unlike those German rivals that offer an automatic transmission either standard or as an option, the Focus will come exclusively with a six-speed manual. Like all but the BMW, it will distribute drive to all four wheels, helping it launch off the line to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.

Standard features of the Australian-spec RS include launch control, drive modes with ‘drift mode’, RS-tuned suspension with adjustable dampers, 19-inch alloy wheels, Recaro sports seats and a 8.0-inch touchscreen with Sync 2 media system, plus much more.

Kuga update – late 2016

Ford’s mid-sized Kuga will get a major makeover towards the end of 2016 when it embraces the tougher design cues of the larger Edge SUV and introduces new technology features.

Revealed at November’s 2015 Los Angeles motor show, the updated Kuga sports a bold new grille, revised headlights and a new bumper at the front, along with larger black-framed LED tail-lights and sharper lines on the tailgate.

US versions introduce the new Sync 3 infotainment system, and gain driver-assistance features such as upgraded adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and brake support, enhanced active park assist, lane-keeping assist and driver fatigue alert.