First Drive: 2015 Ford Mustang

This Ford Mustang saved my left foot.

No, not the 1/18 scale model up front; the real-deal sixth-gen version in the back.

Allow me to explain.

When I bought my daily driver back in the spring of 2013, I decided to forego a clutch pedal in favour of something less involved.

It’s not that I don’t enjoy driving manual-equipped cars, but there’s something very disheartening about doing so in Toronto’s endless asphalt rivers of gridlock that kills any of the joy that comes with employing both feet during a daily drive.

I’ve driven stick here and there since buying my car, but, after logging the majority of my wheel time over the last 26 months with a slush box between the seats, my left foot was becoming nothing more than something to justify the price of a pair of shoes.

Until I spent some time with the 2015 Mustang, that is.

Let me get this out of the way now: The car I had on loan was powered by Ford’s 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Before you ask why, the reason is simply scientific—or something like that.

Mustangs have for years had V8s and V6s shoved under their hoods, but this is the first four-banger to find its way into a Ford pony car in more than 20 years.

If you’re going to drive the newest version of something, it’s best to drive the newest version.

Besides, while the last turbo four available in the Mustang made something in the neighbourhood of 150 horsepower, this new EcoBoost engine makes 310 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque—more than V8-powered Mustang GTs through the 2009 model year.

My thoughts on the engine are pretty simple: If you’re in the market for a muscle car, there should be nothing on your mind other than the V8.

But if you’re considering something more along the lines of the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S or Hyundai Genesis Coupe, not to mention the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, which is available with a turbocharged four, then the four-cylinder Mustang is worth adding to your shopping list.

Throttle response is great, turbo lag is minimal, and, as far as boosted four-cylinders go, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost makes some great noises.

The Mustang I was driving included the EcoBoost Performance Package, which adds, among other things, a larger radiator, bigger brakes, a thicker rear sway bar, a limited-slip rear axle with a 3.55:1 ratio, and 255/40R19 tires mounted on black painted aluminum wheels—a feature that looks great with the deep impact blue paint scheme.

Inside, the car featured cloth Recaro seats—a $1,500 option, but definitely one worth adding.

I’d love to tell you how the stereo system was, but quite frankly I didn’t have it on enough to provide much feedback, instead opting for the sweet sound of the turbo to occupy my ears.

The four-cylinder Mustang is fun to drive, has plenty of pep, and comes with enough torque, and a friendly enough clutch, to make stop-and-go traffic manageable.

All told, the tester carried an MSRP of $35,399 including freight, a fair price for a fun car that saved my left foot and made me realize I need to buy a manual car—and soon.

Now I know buying a Mustang with anything but a V8 under the hood is like claiming you go to the local, ahem, gentleman's club because you like the food.

But if you’re looking to add a little bit of fun to your daily commute without breaking the bank, this car definitely fits the bill.