FORD MUSTANG MACH-E

Does our new arrival deliver on the promise of Mustang-calibre electric propulsion?

- JIM HOLDER

FIRST REPORT

WHY WE'RE RUNNING IT

To see if an electric SUV is worthy of the Mustang name and, more importantly, if it augurs positively for Ford's future

It’sasign of the times that running this Ford Mustang electric SUV has elicited as many questions, queries and coos of intrigue as had it been a coupé powered bya V8.

That in itself answered one doubt I had before I had driven anywhere. Purists may despair, but it seems the vast majority of modern motorists subscribe to the belief that the Stang moniker exists to intrigue, excite and push boundaries rather than sit solely on a fuel-guzzling muscle car (prior, presumably, to becoming extinct in fairly short order).

That's a relief for me (and, of course, Ford), because it could easily be a distraction from what is, on paper at least, one of the most innovative and important new Fords in a generation, and to all intents and purposes the brand's first proper electric car.

Coming late to the electric party, as Ford is, this is also a car with which it needs to land a Fiesta, Mondeo or Focus-like sucker punch. Should the Mustang Mach-E slide into the depths of automotive purgatory alongside the Ecosport, B-Max or second-generation Ka, it won't threaten just the Mustang name but potentially Ford itself, such is the importance of establishing itself as a key player in EV market.

The good news is that reaction has so far been good, from our own four-star road test verdict through to impressive sales figures around the world. In perception terms, at least, Ford is now considered - just about on the pace when it comes to EVs.