Overall rating:

Ford's 2012 Mustang GT may not have the kudos 'Boss' or 'GT500' badges adorning its body, but it still has the all-important V8 rumble. This makes the comparatively understated muscle car a more discerning pony car choice, with non-stop entertainment from its brilliant five-litre, and a surprisingly able chassis.

Key Facts

Pricing: £35,000 (approx after import)
Engine: 5.0-litre V8 petrol
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Body style: two-door coupé
Rivals: Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, BMW M3
Combined economy: 25mpg (approx.)
Top speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 5.0 seconds
Power: 412bhp at 6500rpm
Torque: 390lb.ft at 4250rpm

In the Metal:

Those buying and driving Mustangs in the UK typically won't be shy types, but the entry-level V8-engined GT is the choice for those craving the familiar shape but without the 'look at me' graphics, aero add-ons or louder exhaust of the Boss 302 version. The GT still has appealingly aggressive looks though, with enough curves, bulges and angles to look fresh while always paying respectful homage to the original Mustang design of the Sixties.

Ford proudly waxes lyrical about the V8 Mustang's performance capabilities being comparable to European rivals such as BMW's M3, but sensibly keeps quiet about cabin similarities. For around £35,000 in the UK after import charges are considered, the interior finish and style in the Mustang obviously can't compete with like-priced BMWs and Audis. A mix of soft-touch and hard plastics feature, but positively it feels reassuringly muscle car inside in its simplicity, with a classic chrome gear knob, chunky steering wheel and racy stripe through the seats.

Driving it:

This is why we love the Mustang. Rumbling V8, gratuitous power on tap, head-pinning performance and tyre smoke aplenty. Its 412bhp and 390lb.ft of torque equals brutal straight line speeds on the non-twisty bits in the LA hills, complemented by a soundtrack lifted directly from Bullitt. Windows down, right foot planted, it never gets boring.

These 2012 Mustangs still come with rather antique solid live axle rear suspension (albeit more sophisticated than they used to be) yet the GT handles the curves with considerable aplomb. It's no M3 dynamically, but with optioned limited slip differential, switchable Sport mode and Pirelli P-Zero shod 19-inch wheels it takes a decent stab on the throttle to unsettle it in the turns.

With driver aids completely off it readily flicks its tail out as a good muscle car should, but in (driver aided, but tolerant) Sport mode it feels less inclined to throw you into the scenery while still allowing entertaining slides. The retro gear knob is attached to an excellent short-throw six-speed gearbox, while heel and toeing is a breeze and constantly rewarding as the V8 roar fills the cabin. Seek out deserted high-walled roads and don't expect to be home any time soon.

What you get for your Money:

You're paying for that V8 engine and road presence: everything else is a bonus. Considering its bargain $19,000 US price tag it's hardly expected to be loaded, but does include 18-inch alloys, selectable steering modes, stability and traction control and an MP3 port. Our test car featured a good-value Brembo brake package and reversing camera too, which could surely be modified to allow the driver to watch his burnouts?

Worth Noting

The 2010 Mustang GT with its 4.6-litre V8 had 100bhp less than the 2012 Mustang GT, but the newer car has near-identical fuel economy figures. Still not boast-worthy at around 25mpg, and chances are you won't even be achieving that with your keen right foot.

Summary

The race-focused 2012 Mustang Boss 302 gets most of the headlines, but for a cheaper, slightly less raucous V8 version, the GT is a better every day 'Stang that still has the ability to thrill. As a left-hooker only, and far less of a bargain on UK shores, it makes a lot less sense here that it does Stateside. But its muscular appeal and delicious V8 makes it hard not to love. You will be able to pick one up at motors.co.uk.