If there’s even a couple of millilitres of petrol in your veins, you’ve probably heard of the Ford Mustang. Considering this is the first version to be officially sold in the UK with right hand drive, that’s no mean feat.

However starring roles in plenty of films through the years, handsome looks and brawny V8 engines have made the Mustang famous worldwide. The current model follows this familiar formula with a thumping 5.0-litre V8 engine under the long bonnet that powers the rear wheels exclusively via a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic gearbox. To add to your choices, you can have your Mustang as a two-door coupe or a sun-loving convertible.

In a world of downsizing, it might surprise you to learn that the 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine was dropped at the start of 2021. Instead, Ford announced an even more powerful version of the V8 found exclusively in the sharper Mach 1 model. As the V8 was always our pick anyway, you won’t see us shedding any tears.

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So, what about rivals? Well, the Mustang isn’t quite as cheap as it once was but you’re still looking at four-cylinder BMW 4 Series Coupe or Audi A5 Coupe money. If performance is of more importance than image, you might also want to consider a Jaguar F-Type or Toyota Supra, or perhaps an out-and-out sports car like an Alpine A110, Porsche Cayman or Porsche Boxster.  
 
But can the epitome of American muscle really work this side of the pond? Over the next few pages we’ll let you know how much fun it is to drive, what it’s like to live with and how many toys you get as standard. We’ll also look into the boring stuff like how much room there is for you and yours and how much it’ll cost to run.