PM Garage: Opinions on two cars we’ve cruised, swerved, braked and parked.

// New Ford Mustang

ASTRONG SENSE of legacy laced with charisma, style, power and speed almost courses from the steering wheel, through your hands and arms, and into your body when you settle in behind the wheel of the new 5.0-litre V8 Mustang. With an acclaimed heritage that’s 55 years in the making, the new Ford Mustang isn’t only the culmination of improved design, technology and engineering, it’s the fusion of a proud motoring history, a confident and unwavering road presence, and tireless athleticism that emanates from its muscular posture.

It might not be the most refined of sports cars on the market, but the driving experience is distinct, and special. Drop the hammer, and G-forces that thrust you into your seat abound, while the speedo needle hurtles clockwise around the dial and dual-twin tailpipes growl expletives at every gear change.

The power delivery on the mighty 5.0-litre maxes out at a galloping 331 KW (up from 309 on the previous model), and is accompanied by a hulking 529 Nm of torque. At 213 KW and 441 Nm, the 2.3 ECOBOOST model’s figures are definitely not to be neighed at, which is spectacularly evident on the open road.

Cleverly, drivers can adjust the intensity of the tailpipe note with the flick of a switch by using the Active Valve Performance Exhaust technology, which includes a Good Neighbour Mode that muffles the noise output (to some degree) – how very considerate. Nothing quite like a bit of V8 in the morning to get the brain working. Indeed, the look is sleeker, the bonnet profile lower, and grille sharper – and arguably more aggressive. Light clusters on the front and rear have been updated and improved, new metallic colours are available across the range, and more premium materials utilised inside the cabin. Revamped 5.0-litre V8 and 2.3-litre ECOBOOST engines mated to 10-speed auto gearboxes grace the line-up, and a very-specialedition six-speed manual Bullitt has been added to the range, paying homage to the GT Fastback featured in the 1968 Steve McQueen movie of the same name. But, when all’s been said and done, this is still the same iconic car that’s frothingly exhilarating to drive – only better.