Cabin check: What’s inside the Ford Mustang?

The next-generation Ford Mustang has already been made available in the Philippines, and it is better than ever. It features a more powerful 2.3-liter engine for the EcoBoost trim, good for 314 horsepower (hp), and an improved 5.0-liter Coyote V8 for the GT Premium, which can produce up to 486 hp. 

The Blue Oval brand also upped the ante for its pony car when it comes to handling. Ford's high-performance model has been provided with the latest version of its MagneRide damping system, a set of Brembo brakes, and a limited-slip differential, among other mechanical bits. 

But what about the Ford Mustang’s interior? What kind of comforts and driving amenities is it offering to prospective buyers? Let’s find out. 

A genuine driver’s car

Step inside the next-generation Mustang, and one will find a cockpit optimized for bringing out the racer in everyone. 

In particular, the Michigan-based brand’s sports car comes equipped with a pair of Recaro leather-trimmed sports seats. The said portions are sized to accommodate various body types and sizes while having ample bolstering to keep its occupant planted even during spirited driving. 

Additional comfort for the Ford Mustang’s pilot is provided as its leather-wrapped steering wheel has a  heating function. The said part comes with tilt and telescopic adjustability. 

Behind the vehicle’s steering wheel are a pair of metallic anodized paddle shifters for added engagement and control when taking on winding roads or setting a time via a fast lap on the race track. However, for highway use, the vehicle also comes standard with cruise control, which can help lessen driver fatigue. 

The model also provides further ease of use through a push-to-start button, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a Smart Keyless Entry system. 

Ford also added an electronic "drift brake" in the form of a lever. The said part replaces a traditional parking brake and functions like a switch to temporarily deactivate the vehicle’s anti-lock braking and stability control systems. In doing so, an experienced driver can make the Mustang go on a controlled oversteer maneuver. Otherwise, the all-new American sports car also gets a regular electronic parking brake. 

Other notable features found inside the Ford Mustang include dual-zone automatic climate control, as well as ambient lighting. 

Intuitive design

The latest Ford Mustang was given a well-designed cockpit prioritizing user-friendliness. Sure, it is not outfitted with much fancy luxury materials, but its dashboard layout was clearly decided upon to make it intuitive, even for newbie drivers. 

The S650 Mustang’s air-conditioning system, for example, mostly uses touch buttons laid out neatly underneath its main central display. As such, a driver won’t need to fiddle around with the touchscreen too much just to adjust the system's fan speed and temperature. 

It is also interesting to note Ford’s decision to ditch the old bulgy dashboard design in favor of a sleeker layout. Up on the top of the said part, it is mostly flat, but its driver-facing surface was given a slight tilt, presumably for better access and legibility for the person behind the wheel. The aforementioned flatter, cockpit-like dashboard allows the Mustang to incorporate larger screens that don't interfere with a driver’s line of sight. 

Sporty, smart

In addition to a cockpit filled with driving-oriented features, the Ford Mustang also received a pair of impressive digital displays. 

The first one is the larger 13-inch central infotainment display, which is framed with Magnesium. It looks easy on the eyes, but it likewise proves to be smart thanks to Ford’s Sync4 software with enhanced voice recognition. 

Thanks to its wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, linking smartphones to the main display is also easier. The addition of a wireless smartphone charging pad allows users of the American-made sports car to do away with wires entirely. Then again, it does get an ample number of USB ports. 

Sound for the Ford model is fed into its cabin by a 12-piece Bang & Olufsen premium sound speaker system. 

Meanwhile, the Mustang was given a sizable 12-inch digital gauge cluster for the person piloting the car. The said display is customizable and can be made to show specific performance parameters.

It likewise works together with the Ford model’s several drive modes: normal, sport, slippery, track, drag strip, and custom. The digital gauge can show a different animated graphic and arrangement whenever any of the drive modes are selected. 

The seventh-gen version of the Mustang is also made available through the FordPass Connect app. The said app allows users to remotely start and stop the ride to “pre-cool” its interior during hot weather. The app can also monitor the Mustang’s fuel meter and odometer. 

Variants, Price

• 2.4-liter EcoBoost: P3.499 million
• 5.-liter V8 GT Premium: P3.999 million

Final thoughts

The interior of the Ford Mustang is good at providing comfort, but it is also a master at providing an engaging driving experience regardless of one’s skill level. 

While the top-spec option might sound attractive to hot-blooded car enthusiasts, those who are used to having plusher Sunday cars might find it lacking in pizzazz via premium materials and fancy gadgets. 

Nevertheless, the latest version’s interior clearly reflects what the car was designed for; carving canyon roads or for going ham on the track. So if that’s what floats your boat, then you should give the ‘Stang a good old test drive. 

Photos from Cesar Guiderone Miguel

Also read: 

Ford Mustang GT3 earns podium finish at 24 Hours of Le Mans

Buff Horses: Ford Mustang, Bronco experience

Ford Bronco named best small SUV in JD Power study