Ford reveals new European Mustang with more power and sleeker styling

This is the refreshed Ford Mustang – with new styling, more power for the V8 and a new automatic transmission.

At the heart of the Blue Oval’s top-spec pony car is a 5.0-litre V8 – and now it’s been upgraded to an output of 444bhp, up from 410, with improved low-end torque.

Meanwhile, the entry-level 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine has had a power reduction, now making 286bhp instead of 313 – though a new overboost function for the turbocharger ensures extra power is available under hard acceleration.

Both engines can be fitted to Ford’s new 10-speed automatic transmission, which it is claimed will improve fuel efficiency and acceleration, or to an updated version of the six-speed manual.

One of the key talking points of the previous Mustang was its poor two-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating. It was upgraded to three stars after Ford added improved safety equipment, which has been carried over to the updated model with pre-collision assist, pedestrian detection and a lane-keeping aid all fitted.

The exterior has gone under the knife, and it now sports a restyled rear bumper plus a sharper, more aggressive front end. The lower bonnet and revised grille are said to improve aerodynamics.

Steven Armstrong, Ford’s vice-president and president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Europe’s passion for Mustang has proven even greater than we imagined – almost 30,000 Mustangs are already bringing one of the most iconic sights in motoring to the continent’s streets.

“The new Ford Mustang offers the most compelling package yet.”

Deliveries for the new Ford Mustang will begin in 2018.