Half a decade ago, the very idea of it going global would have sounded ludicrous, but here it is then - the 2015 Ford Mustang, finally trotting off to see the world in its fiftieth year of existence. How times have changed indeed, that the Blue Oval's beloved pony is set to make that giant commercial leap beyond the shores of North America, and not just merely as a left-hand drive offering.
Despite the inherent lack of legacy beyond Stateside shores, presenting an icon beyond its natural stomping ground seems to be paying off even before the first vehicles have arrived in markets around the world (the first exports have just begun, to China and Korea) – initial response has been tremendous for a car few have experienced, in any incarnation.
Even in places where muscle cars and large capacity mills are somewhat of a norm, reaction has been immense – as of the end of 2014, the car has received more than 15,000 expressions of interest in Australia, which is set to be the leading market for the new pony car in the Asia-Pacific region (away from China), replacing the home-made Falcon when it arrives later this year. Makes you wonder why adding on RHD wasn't done any earlier.
But, better late than never, and judging from the reaction, there are plenty who will buy into this steed, the legend (aided by the likes of celluloid folklore such as Bullitt and an exampled called Eleanor) and the appeal of owning a piece of Americana no doubt aiding things along. Europe, the UK and Asia will be destinations, and Malaysia is one of the countries where the car will be sold through official channels for the very first time, arriving late this year. What can Malaysian buyers expect? We spent some time horsing around with the sixth-generation in California to find out.
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