Ford Mustang California Special review
Quick Facts
- Price: From R1 154 900
- Engine: 5.0-litre V8
- Power/Torque: 330kW / 529Nm
- Transmission: 10-speed auto
We recently spent time with the world's best-selling sportscar, the Ford Mustang, this time though, the limited edition Ford Mustang CS (California Special). With only 100 units available in South Africa, we took the keys of one of the units and put the American through its paces and we were really impressed. The Mustang CS pays homage to the 1986 limited edition of the same name and in 2022, it gains special California Special body styling. An ebony black honeycomb grille feeds air into the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, red GT/CS badging is found on the sides, side air scoops behind the doors, a larger front splitter and the carbonised grey 19-inch alloys look incredible. Our unit was dressed in a rapid red hue which really stood out however customers can choose from nine exterior colours.
Inside, GT/CS logos on the Miko suede & leather heated, ventilated seats as well as the floor mate. You also find a Mustang CS plaque on the passenger instrument panel. The infotainment is a Ford Sync 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities and sound is taken care of by a Harman Kardon sound system which is an audiophile's dream. Dual-zone climate control,3 USB ports a reverse view camera with parking sensors are also part of the package. The retro aeroplane-style switches also look incredible.
The sportscar is powered by a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol-fed V8 that delivers 330kW/529nm of torque and it's paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission with power being sent to the rear wheels. The first thing you will instantly notice is its throaty V8 engine which is something to appreciate these days. The pony will gallop from a standstill to 100kph in 4.8 seconds and while that does not feel fast, the Mustang feels incredibly quick, especially in its straight-line performance. You eventually end up doing unlawful speeds in the blink of an eye if you’re not careful. In terms of handling, the Mustang feels planted and more mannered unlike they usually portray. It handles incredibly well with an impeccable ride quality for a performance car. The steering does feel a bit stiff even in comfort however we found no issues with this. Our other issue is the poor visibility from the front because of the elongated nose.
Overall, the Ford Mustang is a fantastic experience. With naturally aspirated large displacement V8 engines not available anymore due to emissions, cars like the Mustang will always be unicorns. At a price of R1 154 900, it’s another bargain for an all-round well-equipped sportscar. We definitely understand why the Mustang is the world’s best-selling sportscar.
Ford Mustang California Special – R1 154 900
The Ford Mustang California Special is sold with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and 4-year roadside assistance and a 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.
