Here’s a factoid that might tell you all you need to know about the latest V-6-powered Mustang: If you drop in to Hertz to rent one, it costs a bunch more than it used to. Why? Because the Mustang V-6, formerly the lame-duck version, has become a pretty serious performance car in its own right. At the very least, it’s powerful enough that Hertz doesn’t trust you with one unless you want to pony up some more cash. Ford’s Mustang doesn’t need a V8 to show you a good time.
Remember when the entry-level Mustang was a “secretaries’ car”? Well, if you’re sticking to that outdated mode of thinking and assuming that the only way to get a pleasing Mustang is to opt for the V-8, you’re missing out on a heck of a lot of fun.
Six-cylinder engines have come a long way since the anemic engines of the 1960s. That should go without saying. The Mustang’s aluminum-block 3.7 liter V-6 has evolved into a very powerful engine indeed, thanks to variable cam timing and DOHC construction. Output is up to 305 horsepower. The power delivery is smooth, and the 280 pound-feet of torque is impressive as well. The six-cylinder Mustang is available with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, and rear-wheel drive is standard, of course. Ford’s SelectShift automatic allows manual control for enthusiast-pleasing driving, and will hold gears all the way until redline. As for the six-speed manual, it now has a Hill-Start Assist that prevents the car from rolling backward on hills. The V-6 Mustang has the added benefit of surprising fuel economy; it will return up to 31 mpg on the freeway.
There’s more power going to the rear wheels than some of this car’s V-8-powered predecessors could muster. To keep the Mustang docile, there’s a MacPherson strut suspension up front. At the rear, there’s a muscle-car traditional solid axle with a three-link suspension. Stability control is standard as well. The most noticeable improvement over past years is in the level of communication. The Mustang’s also available with a Performance Package that adds Brembo brakes, a strut tower brace, thicker sway bars front and rear and new front springs. A limited-slip rear end also is part of the Performance Package. The Mustang still is a fairly sizeable and heavy car, but the three-mode selectable steering is responsive, and the suspension does a good job of letting the driver know what it’s up to. The V-6 Mustang feels well-balanced, and is confident in the curves.
Speaking of confident curves, the Mustang’s retro-inspired lines still look good. For 2014, the grille is a bit more aggressively raked and the snarl a bit more pronounced, but the long-hood, short-deck layout is the same, and the forward-thrust grille and headlights suggest urgency and confident performance in a way that no spoiler or ground effect ever did. The V-6 Mustang’s lines are relatively simple; this is a hunkered-down fastback coupe. A panoramic glass roof is available. A new FP6 Appearance Package adds blacked-out mirror caps and rear spoiler, black-painted wheels and body-colored louvers over the rear side windows, 1970s-style.
The cabin is somewhat more modern, but still takes styling hints from the classics. The steering wheel is a three-spoke unit with a large center button, similar to the original Mustang’s, and the instrument panel was influenced by classic Fords as well. The dash has been updated for 2014, and a new 4.2-inch information screen provides vehicle fuel economy and other information, including the available Track Apps, which provides performance information such as g-force, 0-60 and quarter-mile acceleration times, and braking distance. No bench seats here: A pair of body-hugging buckets with a large console hold the front passengers, and the smallish back seat will ferry adults for short trips. The generously-sized trunk will hold up to 13.4 cubic feet of cargo. Entertainment’s provided by the Mustang’s well-known Shaker audio system, and it can be upgraded to the surround-sound Shaker Pro as well. Ford’s SYNC offers voice control of smartphone apps and other infotainment functions. A reverse sensing system aids in backing up.
With the V-6 and six-speed manual transmission, the Mustang offers entertaining performance. It’s quick off of the line and well-balanced enough for some serious twisty-road shenanigans. It may be in the shadow of the V-8-powered Mustang GT in the eyes of the hot-rod guys, but this is a well-rounded muscle car that’s easy to drive every day. One of the best things about the V-6 Mustang is that it doesn’t command V-8 pricing, either. MSRPs start at $22,200 for the coupe and $27,200 for the convertible. An absolutely loaded V-6 coupe comes in at under $40,000.
