Thursday 02 / May / 2024
That happiness comes in small packages is finally making sense to the American automotive bigwigs. Ford is finally putting off the big V8s from its cars for the smaller, efficient, but powerful Ecoboost engine. Every model right from the big truck based SUV – the Expedition to its quirky hatchback, Focus, and the iconic pony car: the Mustang, which comes packing the 2.3 litre turbocharged Ecoboost engine in its 2016 avatar.
But wait a second, isn’t the Mustang a pony, supposed to have a V8 by the American pony laws? To that Ford puts the 2.3 Mustang is just an added option. True, after all the 5.0 litre GT version is still alive. Anyways, cutting to the chase, we recently set out to test the 2.3 litre Mustang on a long daytrip (thanks to the Ford dealership).
Think of the Mustang, and what comes to the mind is a roaring monster packing a huge V8 under the hood. Ever since the legendary muscle car debuted over half a century ago, it has been accompanied by its unmistakable throaty V8 rumble.
Put this one to life, and initial impressions are a little too underwhelming. The engine fires up inconspicuously, settling into an anonymous idle. Give it a bit of the throttle and all you get is a faint murmur accompanied by the whistle from the turbo. None of the hoopla associated to its bigger 5 litre sibling.
But that’s not the end of story. Shift to manual mode; engage first gear and you’ll be astonished to discover the same precise mechanical shift action as in the V8-powered model, and almost the same eagerness to pull off: Turbo magic, viola.
The optimally sized twin-scroll turbocharger transfers high-pulse energy to the turbine wheel, resulting in ultrafast torque timing. In layman terms, the response is almost as crisp and quick as the bigger naturally aspirated engine Mustang. I make heavy of the gas pedal, and initially it feels a little slack; right off the line. But once the turbo comes in at 2k rpms, the scenario swiftly changes for better with smooth and strong acceleration; the V8 is missed no longer, well almost.
In perhaps a desperate attempt to make up for the missing sound-note, Ford pulled off a really funny gimmick. To make the aural matters exciting, an artificially generated growl is played through the speakers. And while it isn’t at all awkward or odd, it doesn’t sound natural too. How you take it is entirely an individual choice.
Artificial octaves aside, the 2.3 EcoBoost isn’t at all short of firepower with a healthy 310bhp and a muscular 432Nm of torque, on its side. It can quite keep up with the 5.0 litre Mustang, and easily put the 3.7 litre naturally aspirated version to shame.
The official 0 to 100kph figures clock at a mere 5.5 seconds, with a restricted top speed of 234kph: yes it’s that fast. Trying a drag with the rear-wheel driven mini-monster is total fun. All that while returning 47 per cent better EPA city fuel economy and 24 per cent better highway mileage than the new 5.0.
However, a snag with the turbocharged EcoBoost is that it demonstrates full power only on premium grade fuel. Running on regular, the engine churns out less horsepower (not clarified how much by Ford). The integral link independent rear suspension helps minimise body roll and isolate road imperfections for a responsive ride and precise handling. The new Mustang also has better pitch control during hard acceleration and braking compared to the previous generation. Paddle shift on the six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission is also very responsive lending the thrilling feel of manual transmission. The three selectable drive modes offer different levels of steering indulgence, with comfort requiring the least effort and sport being on the other extreme. Normal mode provides a balance in between the two.
When it comes to looks, the Eco-boost is identical to the 5.0, except for the absent 5.0 badges on the sides, and the smaller 18-inch alloys. On the inside, the roomy two cabin combines sporty looks and comfort, with controls within easy reach. The plastics and garish chrome trim are still not quite up to the mark. Fitting normal-sized adults (or any size for that matter) in the rear is almost impossible. Forget it completely if you opt for the Recaro seats, which we insist you do at all costs; absolutely magnificent bucket seats they are.
To sum it up, the Mustang EcoBoost is a real fun car; while some might label it as the puny pony or the lesser Mustang, truth is this one is no less fun than its elder siblings, not at all lacking on any quarter – sucks up the distance with great ease, steers pleasingly accurate, and is rapid enough. If the absence of the grunt is just too much for you, there is still the 5.0, and 5.2 litre V8s out there. Have it your way.
Tech Specs
Ford Mustang EcoBoost
Engine:
2.3 litre EcoBoost
I-4 turbo
Power:
310bhp@5500rpm, 434Nm@3000rpm
Performance:
0-100kph: 5.3 sec; Top speed: 234kph
(governed)
Transmission:
6-Speed SelectShift® Automatic transmission with paddle shifters (rear wheel drive)
Authorised Dealer
Arabian Car Marketing Co. LLC
+968 2457 9719/23/25
+968 9926 4193
