- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
2.3T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
224kW, 441Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 8.5L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
3/5 star (2017)
2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback – Dave says, Ali says
The Mustang has long-been a motoring icon for performance-loving enthusiasts around the world.
But what happens when you mix that iconic status with a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine? Alexandra Lawrence and David McCowen investigate.
Dave says: There’s a feel-good factor to sports cars. Treating yourself to something unnecessary, impractical and a touch anti-social just because you can (or want to) speaks volumes about its owner. No-one needs a Porsche 911, Mazda MX-5 or Ford Mustang, yet all three vehicles are iconic machines with a passionate following dating back decades. The Mustang is a runaway success story in Australia, capturing far more sales than the brand anticipated.
Ali says: I have a lot to say about the Mustang. If you didn’t already know it was a symbol for motoring enthusiasts around the world, a glance in its direction would reassure you. It’s bold - particularly coated in the Orange Fury of our test car - and it has this menacing presence that seems to say “look at me” and “get out of my face” at the same time. It feels large, in both size and personality, and while it might be too garish for some to feel comfortable in, others will feel right at home.
Dave says: You’re right to say a bright orange Mustang isn’t a car for introverts - it certainly does garner a fair amount of attention. First impressions are strong, thanks to muscular bodywork set off by black wheels and massive quad exhaust pipes. It’s fair to assume retro-tough styling is backed up by a throbbing V8 under the bonnet, but that isn’t the case here.
Ali says: There’s a lot to love about the Mustang - it feels luxurious on the inside, and gorgeously styled in the driveway. The cabin is packed with tech, it rides well, feels engaging and has a punchy 2.3-litre turbo four which is actually quite fun when you push it.
Dave says: There are three main downsides to the four-cylinder EcoBoost Mustang; it’s not as fast as its 5.0-litre sibling, doesn’t sound nearly as evocative and you have to explain to people that it’s not a V8.
Important differences between our manual Fastback EcoBoost and the GT include 224kW and 441Nm engine outputs which represent 115kW and 115Nm less than its eight-cylinder cousin, along with a $13,000 price gulf and superior 8.5L/100km fuel economy which will save you about $70 per 1000 kilometres of driving.
Sports cars are supposed to be sexy, but cheap, slow and frugal aren’t attractive qualities in this class.
Ali says: I agree, there are some things that aren’t so lovable about the Mustang. Room for passengers in the rear seat is extremely limited and you wouldn’t dare go any further than the local shops with people in the back (unless they’re tiny). Vision isn’t great, and the doors are bulky and heavy which combined with the Mustang’s low ride makes getting in and out a workout in itself. The conversion to right-hand-drive looks a little “lets just slap the instrument cluster on the other side and stick a little panel here” and some of the plastics and finishes inside the cabin could use finessing.
Dave says: I agree that elements of the Mustang’s interior feel cheap, but you do get a lot of kit for the price. A digital dashboard, B&O 12-speaker sound system and heated and cooled leather seats with power adjustment are all nice to have.
The Mustang is comfortable to drive, though the steering wheel is a bit big for my liking, and there are ergonomic quirks such as an awkwardly-placed handbrake nestled on the passenger side of the transmission tunnel.
Driving the Mustang starts with the prod of a starter button that isn’t followed by the roar and gurgle of a muscular V8, but the blare of a turbo four.
Examined in isolation, the engine is a good’un with thrifty fuel economy and strong torque characteristics in its favour. It’s not a bad thing to drive, feeling much more purposeful than rival coupes such as the Toyota 86, but it is significantly less exciting than the soulful and sonorous Mustang GT. A point in the EcoBoost’s favour is a 64-kilogram weight advantage resulting in a lighter and more responsive front end making the EcoBoost a sweeter companion on corner entry.
Ali says: The Mustang feels heavy, grounded and quite safe (even though it only gets a three-star ANCAP safety rating) and is fun to drive. I haven’t driven the V8 Mustang so it’s hard to compare the two, but I did expect a bit more from the EcoBoost engine - it seems a little underpowered for the chunk of metal it’s forced to move. Driving in Sport mode gives you steering that’s more on the heavy side, and the exhaust gets a raucous note that those without the fine-tuned ears of an enthusiast might confuse for a V8.
I don’t mind it, and it’s loud enough that you don’t need to go spending money on an aftermarket exhaust to be heard before you’re seen. It’s also got huge four-pot brakes, so coming to a quick halt is easy.
Dave says: Yep, the EcoBoost does have decent stopping power, even if it misses out on the GT’s big Brembos. But I’m going to have to disagree with you on the exhaust note, which sounds flat on the outside and less-than authentic in the cabin, reaching your ears as a digitised approximation of how the car might sound when tuned. As the American machine’s President might put it, the Ford’s engine sounds are “fake news”.
You’re right to say the engine is adequate if not outstanding. I’m sure the vast majority of people who can afford the proper V8 will go ahead and buy a Mustang GT.
Ali says: Priced just over $50k once you’ve got it on the road, it’s a good option for Mustang lovers that don’t want the extra fuel and servicing costs associated with the V8.
The 2019 models also benefit from refreshed looks and added safety including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. I wouldn’t buy an Ecoboost Mustang for myself, but after driving it this week I sure can see its appeal. Does it get a spot in your dream garage, Dave?
Dave says: No. The authentic Mustang experience only comes with a V8 under the bonnet, this EcoBoost doesn’t deliver the entire feel-good factor for me.
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2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback price and specifications:
Price: From $49,990 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Power: 224kW at 5600-5700rpm
Torque: 441Nm at 3000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 8.5L/100km