With this 12 months marking the 60th anniversary of the Ford Mustang, we check out its evolution on the SA market and the way it fares as a used purchase. We then listing two rival choices for comparability.
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The sixth-generation Ford Mustang, initially unveiled in 2013, made its extremely anticipated South African debut in December 2015. Beforehand, Mustangs seen on South African roads had been both direct imports or conversions from left-hand drive, however the sixth-generation mannequin was to be the primary to be supplied in a right-hand-drive configuration. With its sturdy heritage constructed on a mixture of highly effective engines and old-school RWD appeal, the Mustang swiftly cemented its standing because the top-selling sports activities automotive within the nation, turning into a stable selection for driving fans.
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All through its native lifecycle, the Mustang was supplied with a selection of two petrol engines: a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder and a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8. Initially, each engines had been mated to both a six-speed handbook or a six-speed automated transmission sending energy to the rear wheels. Nevertheless, with the 2019 facelift, Ford launched a 10-speed automated transmission as the usual choice.
Ultimately, the EcoBoost engine was phased out in South Africa, leaving the 5.0-litre V8 because the unique selection. In its customary guise, the present unit develops 330 kW and 529 N.m. In special-edition fashions this engine typically underwent slight modifications to release extra energy. These embrace the Mustang Bullitt (338 kW/529 N.m) with a six-speed handbook transmission, the Mustang Mach 1 (338 kW), and the 330 kW Mustang California Particular (CS), all accessible completely in Fastback type.
- 0-100 km/h: 4.81 seconds
- High velocity: 250 km/h
- Energy: 330 kW
- Torque: 529 N.m
- Gas: 14.8 L/100 km
Within the January 2023-issue street take a look at of the Mustang CS, we achieved 0-100 km/h in 4.81 seconds and recorded a median gas consumption of 14.8 L/100 km. The facelifted fashions ushered in recalibrated shock absorbers, stiffened suspension and uprated anti-roll bars to enhance cornering stability and mitigate a few of its forebear’s “white-knuckle” driving traits. As a 2+2 sports activities automotive, the Mustang options restricted rear seating, however provides sensible facilities like seven airbags, heated and ventilated entrance seats, and a 382-litre boot.
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Mustang house owners ought to pay attention to potential gearbox points resembling onerous shifting or slipping. These are sometimes resolved with a transmission software program replace, a fluid flush, or changing the transmission management module (TCM). Given their sporty nature, Mustangs are typically pushed onerous, so the suspension system can expertise put on. Extreme physique roll or pitch beneath braking ought to see potential consumers inspecting and probably changing such parts as worn bushings, struts, or sway bar hyperlinks. If the engine runs sizzling, examine the thermostat, coolant hoses, and radiator, together with guaranteeing sufficient coolant ranges. Periodic system flushes are advisable.
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Though it’s a comparatively frequent website on our roads, demand for the Mustang stays sturdy, conserving resale values comparatively excessive. As an illustration, on the CAR classifieds, a 2016 2.3T Fastback Guide with 103 282 km was listed for R429 900. Inside a funds of R800,000, a 2020 Mustang 5.0 GT Fastback Auto with 21 300 km was accessible for R799 900. Given the calls for positioned on these typically hard-driven automobiles, some unique house owners opted for prolonged upkeep plans and warranties. Consequently, potential consumers of used Mustangs must also think about securing out-of-warranty upkeep protection for his or her automobiles.
BMW Z4
The G29 BMW Z4, launched regionally in 2019, is on the market completely as a roadster and is obtainable with a selection of two turbocharged petrol engines: a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder unit producing 145 kW and 320 Nm, and a 3.0-litre straight-six delivering a sturdy 285 kW and 500 Nm.
The G29 Z4 is bigger than its predecessor and regardless of being a two-seater, it provides a 281-litre baggage compartment. The inside is up to date and well-appointed, that includes a set of driver help techniques, together with Collision Warning, Pedestrian Warning with Metropolis Braking operate, and Lane Departure Warning.
Frequent issues embrace engine misfiring or tough idling, which could be resolved by inspecting and sustaining the spark plugs, ignition coils, gas system, turbocharger, or by updating the automobile’s software program. As an open-top sports activities automotive, the Z4’s convertible roof mechanism is topic to put on. To make sure its sturdiness, it’s important to recurrently examine the hydraulic fluid ranges and examine the related electrical parts and sensors.
On CAR’s used-car itemizing pages, a 2019 Z4 M40i with 55 000 km is listed for R748 500, whereas a 2020 Z4 sDrive20i with 30 000 km is priced at R699 000. Newer fashions typically retain parts of the producer’s mechanical guarantee and upkeep plan, providing extra peace of thoughts to potential consumers.
- 0 – 100 km/h: 6.6 seconds
- High velocity: 240 km/h
- Energy: 145 kW
- Torque: 320 N.m
- Gas: 7.8 L/100 km
Jaguar F-Kind
Jaguar’s long-awaited successor to the enduring E-Kind, the F-Kind, debuted in 2014. Whereas the preliminary fashions had been identified for his or her difficult driving dynamics, demanding a talented hand on the wheel, the F-Kind captured the essence of a real British sports activities automotive. Over its manufacturing run, quite a lot of petrol engines had been supplied: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, a supercharged 3.0-litre V6, and a formidable supercharged 5.0-litre V8, which could possibly be paired with both rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.
The V8 variant, specifically, stands out for its spectacular efficiency, propelling the automotive from 0 to 100 km/h in beneath 5 seconds, relying on the particular mannequin 12 months. A big replace in 2020 launched a number of enhancements, together with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, customary Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and 20-inch wheels. The up to date V8 engine delivered 423 kW and 700 Nm of torque between 3 500 and 5 000 r/min, permitting it to achieve a high velocity of 300 km/h and speed up from 0 to 100 km/h in simply 3.7 seconds.
Regardless of its many strengths, the F-Kind has confronted some reliability points, notably with its electronics. Frequent issues embrace the necessity for onerous resets of the automobile’s laptop system, updates to the transmission software program, infotainment system, and Adaptive Cruise Management (ACC). Moreover, some house owners have reported faults within the suspension and steering techniques, which, in extreme circumstances, might necessitate element replacements.
- 0 – 100 km/h: 3.7 seconds
- High velocity: 300 km/h
- Energy: 423 kW
- Torque: 700 N.m
- Gas: 12.4 L/100 km
