It’s an American muscle car, but not as we know it. Forget the cliché gas-guzzling monstrosities of yesteryear and cast aside those gentle undertones of ownership mockery (nothing screams “mid-life crisis” louder than a macho hunk of all-American metal), because the Ford Mustang is back, and way better than ever before.

Let’s begin by addressing the elephant sitting squarely in the room: is this Mustang really as good as the European competition? Well, truth be told, it can’t quite match the sharpness of the Porsche Cayman or Audi TT, yet, as an alternative, something a little less mainstream, it ticks enough boxes to be a worthy consideration, albeit a slightly unconventional one.

What’s more, because Ford has earmarked some of the Mustang’s production specifically for the UK market, the steering wheel is now where it should be, on the right-hand side. The suspension is stiffer too, which vastly improves stability and ride control.

And, unlike previous generations of Mustang, this model doesn’t require a personal import. So the coupe or soft-versions can now be ordered and serviced through Ford’s dealerships. It’s also offered with a choice of two engines. In terms of efficiencies and running coasts, then the 2.3-litre 313bhp four-cylinder EcoBoost turbo petrol is the most sensible, but it does feel as though you’re attending the world’s dullest party. The 412bhp 5.0-litre V8, on the other hand, which carries the famous the GT badge and features 19” alloys, brings the party back to life and, at £35k, is twenty-grand cheaper than any V8-powered car currently on sale in the UK.

Ford has included some really neat retro touches within the Mustang’s new bodywork. Not that any of these styling cues make it any more of a shrinking violet — it remains big and brash, overtly American and ever so alluring. The cabin, which is equally generous in size as it is in levels of equipment, is well-laid out and extremely comfortable — even for those sitting in the two rear seats.

All models receive leather yet the overuse of cheap plastic trim does tend to flaw the general effect. But that’s the only gripe. In actual fact, the Mustang really doesn’t have too many shortcomings to comment on. Indeed, to do so would seem churlish and nitpicking as it truly is a glorious return to form for the American firebrand. It’s such a shame then, it will still be seen as a statement of how well you are coping with life’s middle years.