Is the 2021 Ford Mustang the best in its segment?

If you’re looking to invest in a sports car, the 2021 Ford Mustang should be at the top of your list. Available in coupe and convertible body styles, it has everything you would expect from a machine in this segment. A quick, straight-line acceleration, powerful engine choices, composed handling, a pleasant cabin, user-friendly features, and plenty of options to make you stand out in the crowd! 

The only downside is its cramped rear seats, but, hey, that’s something you should expect from a car in this category!

For the South African market, Ford offers two engine choices for both the coupe and convertible. The base mill is a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost generating 213kW of power and 441Nm of torque. Those looking for pure power should opt for the brawnier 5.0L V8 creating 331kW and 529Nm of torque. Both the engines mate to an advanced new 10-speed automatic transmission offering outstanding acceleration and optimal fuel efficiency. The power goes to rear wheels only (Ford does not offer all-wheel-drive for Mustangs).

The Mustang EcoBoost base variant can hit 96 km/h from standstill in about 5.0 seconds and top out at 195 kilometres per hour (121 miles per hour). The 5.0L V8 GT model can do the same in 4.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250 kilometres per hour.

The entry-level turbo-four coupe with the 10-speed automatic transmission delivers up to 8.9 km/l (21 mpg) in the city and 13.6 km/l (32 mpg) on the highway. The convertible is slightly sluggish with 8.0 km/l (19 mpg) in the city and 11.1 km/l (26 mpg) on the highway. The V8-powered Mustang GT offers 6.8/10.6 km/l (16/25 mpg) city/highway rating.

The 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost fastback comes equipped with cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, proximity keyless entry, a six-speaker stereo, the voice-controlled SYNC infotainment system, Ford's MyKey safety system, FordPass Connect, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The standard list this year intensifies with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Those looking to furnish their new Mustang with more goodies can choose an optional package. It includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a four-way power-adjustable passenger seat, remote start, rear parking sensors, selectable drive modes, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, a nine-speaker stereo, and two USB ports.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Fastback starts at R859,100 while the Convertible costs R928,800. The Mustang GT Fastback and the Mustang GT Convertible are priced from R1,023,700 and R1,093,000, respectively. (Prices correct at time of publication.)

The 2021 Ford Mustang is possibly the best sports car in its segment. It offers adequate power, nimble handling, quality interior, and plenty of advanced features. Once you overlook the cramped rear seats, everything goes well from there.

Need to do more research before deciding? Be sure to read our other car reviews on the MotorHappy blog. 

Please note the imagery supplied in this blog was taken off www.caranddriver.com