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Inside the Mustang, the experience is just as special as the outside. In fact, this is the most atmospheric and characterful Mustang interior since... 1967. In a nod to the original, the dash is arranged over two symmetrical panels with square-arched 'eyebrows' hooding them. The steering wheel is a lovely item, too, a three-spoked modern interpretation of the original. Two very large instrument dials directly in front of the driver - speedo and revcounter - are ringed with chrome, as are the round airvents across the dash. It isn't over-the-top, and provides a nice balance to the sombre dark plastics on top of and below the central instrument panel. The quality of materials and the precision of assembly - at least on the very early car we saw - is a big step forward compared to the outgoing model. In fact, Ford claims to have tripled its investment in the Mustang's interior.
There are also a couple of neat surprise-and-delight touches, too, such as the colour-configurable instrument cluster that lets drivers pick from an amazing 125 different hues. Apparently, designers came up with the idea while reviewing a concept panel engineered to show their bosses the different options. Feeling a bit down? Then just dial in some blue backlight. Going for some stoplight action? Better try the red-mist hue.
This is the most spacious Mustang for a generation, too. Even quite large front-seat passengers will find the new car a comfortable place to spend time - there is more head and shoulder room in the front compared to the previous model. In the back, passengers will enjoy more legroom and shoulder room in the sculpted bucket seats - they remain, though, pretty tight for anything other than short journeys.
Base equipment levels have been improved, too, with standard fit keyless entry and remote locking, electric windows and wing mirrors and a CD player (welcome to the 21st century, Mustang). Audio options include the truly frightening and appropriately named Shaker system, which can bash your drums with 1000W of power. Again, it seems that Ford knows its audience well.
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