NEW CAR DEBRIEF

2018 FORD MUSTANG

1 Wait – this one’s new?

It doesn’t look a lot di erent, but Ford’s revised-for-2018 Mustang has undergone a subtle design tweak. The fresh look includes a lower bonnet and a face that’s ‘more aggressive’ (according to Ford; uglier, we say) and a fatter di user at the rear. LED lights are now standard, and there are some bright new colours. 2 Surely it’s more than skin deep?

There are mechanical changes, including a power reduction for the entry EcoBoost (for lower emissions), down from 313bhp to 286bhp, but there’s more torque than before. Good news for V8 fans, though, as the hairy-chested option now puts out 444bhp (up from 415bhp) and there’s a higher rev limit. 3 Any other changes?

The slushy six-speed auto option has been ditched for a new 10-speed gearbox, while the recalibrated shock absorbers, sti er rear suspension and thicker anti-roll bars should help handling. Drive modes now include a Drag Strip setting for quick starts and a Good Neighbour mode for quieter driving in town. 4 Not quite as crude, then?

There’s all sorts of grown-up stu : emergency braking with pedestrian detection is on the kit list, along with distance alert, adaptive cruise and lane departure warning. This extra safety kit should mean it gets a slightly better EuroNCAP rating than the frankly dismal two stars of its predecessor.