FORD’S facelifted Mustang will be in Australia in the middle of this year, boasting a bevy of cosmetic, mechanical and spec upgrades to keep the popular pony car at the pointy end of the sports car segment.

These improvements come at a cost, however. All models across the range will see price hikes, with the entry-level four cylinder Mustang Ecoboost Fastback manual rising $5000 to $49,990 while the enthusiast’s choice, the V8-powered Mustang Fastback manual breaches the $60K mark to sit at $62,990 before on-roads – a jump of $5500, or nearly 10 percent.

At the top will sit the Mustang GT Convertible automatic, which rises by $8793 to cap off the range at $74,709.

The rear-end makeover is more subtle, with the ‘diffuser’ panel that sits below the bumper now finished in black rather than body colour, and the LED tail lamps gaining new internal lensing for a more ‘technical’ look. Quad tailpipes and an optional spoiler finish it off.

All models get new shock absorber settings that, Ford promises, enhance body control, while the rear suspension now sports a new cross-axis joint to boost lateral stiffness. Ford’s MagneRide electronically-adjustable dampers will be available as a $2750 option, for those that want both comfort and handling in equal measure.

The four-cylinder Ecoboost gets a milder makeover, however. Torque rises to 441Nm, an increase of 9Nm compared to the current car, while power output falls 233kW to 224kW.

Equipped with paddle shifters in all models, the 10-speeder promises faster shift times, improved low-speed response and less mechanical friction than the outgoing six-speed auto. Surprisingly, fuel efficiency isn’t a beneficiary, with auto-equipped Mustang fastbacks consuming 0.1L/100km more in V8 form, and 0.2L/100km more in four-cylinder trim.

We’ll have to find out for ourselves just how fast the new Mustang is in local trim when it arrives in Australian showrooms in the middle of this year.

  • Ford Mustang Fastback Ecoboost manual – $49,990
  • Ford Mustang Fastback Ecoboost automatic – $52,990
  • Ford Mustang Convertible Ecoboost automatic – $59,490
  • Ford Mustang Fastback GT manual – $62,990
  • Ford Mustang Fastback GT automatic – $66,259
  • Ford Mustang Convertible GT automatic – $74,709