The silhouette might look much the same as the first fastback pony car produced over 50 years ago. But the modern Ford Mustang is an altogether more accomplished thing than ever before. Available in three core variants – the turbo four-cylinder 310bhp EcoBoost, the 460bhp 5.0-litre V8 and the crazy, high-revving 526bhp GT350 – the Mustang stays true to its roots by being both fun, fast and inexpensive. Only now it adds a layer of sophistication that makes it more of a sports car than just a grumbling muscle car.

t doesn’t matter which of the three variants you drive, they all share the responses of a well-sorted rear-drive sports car. The EcoBoost four, riding on skinnier tyres and MagnaRide shocks surprises with its ability to carve canyons as well as return 30mpg, it’s steering the sweetest of the three. It’s a great driving partner on fun and challenging roads.

The V8 cars steer slightly more slowly but hang on longer on their wider tyres, and have that hearts-and-minds-winning V8 soundtrack to keep you entertained. And the GT350, especially in the exotic, carbon-rimmed, flat-plane cranked V8 R spec, is only just shy of true performance car pace.

A 10-speed automatic is available in the first two specs, and very good it is, too, keeping both engines slap bang on peak torque. The manual box isn’t up there with the industry best, preferring slower, more deliberate shifts. But it’s still the gearbox of choice if you really want to interact with the car.

The Mustang had an interior make over a couple of years ago, which still looks good today. There is an optional digital instrument panel which is worth the extra investment as it offers so much more information and detail. Materials are average to good throughout and the seats are comfortable and reasonably supportive. Sports Recaro seats are available for the hard chargers.

The rear seats should not really be considered usable for anything more than short journeys for short people, as there isn’t a whole lot of legroom back there. Much better to fold down the seats and use it as extra load space.

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