First Drive: 2018 Ford Mustang

But, as Barnes points out, from Dagenham to Delaware people buy a Mustang because they want a Mustang, as evidenced by the fact nearly three-quarters of the 6,000 or so Ford has sold here are V8s. Diluting the formula that’s made it an American institution for over 50 years would have been pointless. And after a couple of years on sale Ford has tweaked the recipe to keep it fresh, a pattern repeated throughout the Mustang’s long-running history.

So the basic line-up is as before, albeit with freshened up looks from a new vented bonnet, revised lights and a lower grille. You can have your Mustang as a Fastback or a Convertible and with a turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine related to that in the Focus RS or that good ol’ 5.0-litre V8. Purists will prefer the six-speed manual but the most significant upgrade is the option of a new 10-speed automatic. All drive the rear wheels for a traditional handling balance and all get fun features like the new Drag Strip mode to go with the existing line-lock system. For those not familiar with quarter-mile jargon this basically holds the front brakes so you can spin the rear wheels and heat up the tyres for a fast getaway. Or just sit at the lights making huge clouds of tyre smoke, the official line (and good sense) dictating this is best saved for the drag strip.

A certain unapologetic rawness was always part of the Mustang’s charm but Barnes and his colleagues identified ride quality and the soundtrack from the V8 as two areas that could be improved. Accordingly, there’s now the £1,600 option of MagneRide variable dampers and a new flap-controlled exhaust system for the V8 to control the volume in four stages from ‘Quiet’ to ‘Racetrack’. For the well-mannered, this includes a programmable ‘Good Neighbour Mode’ that locks it into its quietest configuration at less sociable hours.

While the EcoBoost version is a worthy member of the family and offers all the looks with vaguely reasonable running costs the argument in favour isn’t helped by power being reduced from the existing 317ps to 290ps. Overboost helps fill in the gaps and the 10-speed auto works well when left to its own devices (it can hunt ratios in its Sport mode) but there’s no escaping the fact the ‘real’ Mustang is the V8-powered GT. In this model power increases slightly to a hefty 450ps and performance is suitably yee-haw.

Where before it had the power it always sounded disappointingly muted. Not anymore. Quiet mode or not the slash cut exhausts fire up with a properly fearsome bark and menacingly bassy tick over. And with its newly expressive voice, the revised Mustang finally has the soundtrack to back up the looks. 

It’s best with the six-speed manual too, this transmission the final piece of the old-school puzzle. Everything about the Mustang has a no-nonsense air about it, the lack of sophistication all part of the charm. Sure, there are multiple drive modes, safety aids, SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment and a new variable display system. But all you really need to know about the Mustang is that it makes a fabulous noise and puts a big fat grin on your face.

It’s a big car and the steering is a little slow-witted but the new dampers make a huge difference to the ride and road-holding. Previously it felt like the Mustang’s approach to bumpy British roads was some heavy-handed American shock and awe but this is a more sophisticated set-up with a real sense of flow. This and the new Michelin tyres have helped tame the previous tail-happy unruliness, though some traditionalists may actually consider that a step too far along the road of gentrification.

Fear not though, that V8 is always there to remind you what it’s really about. And though the fuel consumption is predictably awful you at least feel you’re getting some entertainment for your money. Because the feelgood factor and bang for your buck have always been what the Mustang is about. You might get respect for the Audi TT S you could have for the same money. But in a Mustang you get out and out adulation, big grins and thumbs up wherever you go. This is America at its loud, big-hearted and extrovert best. Why mess with the formula.

The numbers

Engine: 4,951cc V8, petrol

Transmission: six-speed manual/10-speed automatic

PS/ Nm: 450PS@7,000rpm/ 529Nm@4,600rpm

0-62mph: 4.6sec/4.3sec

Top speed: 155mph

Price: £41,095/£43,095 (OTR, before options)