A runaway success Down Under despite initially receiving a dismal two-star Euro NCAP rating, later revised to three-stars, the updated Aussie market Mustang takes after the European equivalent with the only difference from the model sold in the United States, being clear LED headlight clusters.

Inside, the interior remains unchanged from the European model with the biggest highlight being the new twelve-inch all digital instrument cluster, refreshed centre console with upgraded materials and a new Mustang badge. The previous eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been kept, but now incorporates SYNC 3 software with Emergency Assist.

Having also scored two-stars in the NCAP based ANCAP crash ratings, new driver assistance system consists of Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.

In keeping with its Euro sibling, changes underneath the skin include stiffer suspension axis, thicker anti-roll bars, optional MagneRide Dampers and two modes; Drag Strip and My Mode, a new active exhaust valve system on the GT and a four mode (Normal, Quiet, Sport and Track) drive selector.

While it retains the same engines as before, both units have been tweaked with the 2.3-litre EcoBoost losing nine kilowatts but gaining a similar amount of torque for an output of 224 kW and 441 Nm, while the 5.0-litre V8 gets a 33 kW power bump to 339 kW with torque going up by 26 Nm to 556 Nm.

Like in Europe, the Mustang offers a choice of two transmissions; a six-speed manual now fitted with a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel, or the new 10-speed automatic co-developed with General Motors.

As with South African models, the Aussie spec Mustang will be available in Fastback and Cabriolet bodystyles, with the latter offering the auto 'box as standard.

A local launch date for the updated Mustang has not yet been announced.

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