Overall rating:

Here's a Mustang 'for the masses' to use every day with its reasonably economical V6 and plenty of power. Without a V8 rumble it fails to live up to most muscle car fantasies, but ticks the box for stylish top-down cruising. Its price after import makes it less appealing to ship over than the more desirable bent-eights, and sadly, is left-hand drive only.

Key Facts

Pricing: £33,000 (approx after import)
Engine: 3.7-litre V6 petrol
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body style: two-door convertible
Rivals: Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, BMW Z4, Nissan 370Z Roadster
Combined economy: 29mpg (approx.)
0-62mph: 6.0 seconds (estimated)
Power: 305bhp at 6500rpm
Torque: 280lb.ft at 4250rpm

In the Metal:

If you like your Mustangs tough, look away now. With top down and softer aesthetics than the V8 GT versions (Ed: apologies, but the images are actually of a GT Convertible...), this V6 Convertible is more of a mumsie Mustang. The retro and familiar style is still there though to make it an attractive proposition, and there's just something about roof-off Mustang cruising on a sunny day that feels very right, if a tad clichéd.

With a US price tag starting at just over $17,000 (translating to about £11,000), the V6 Mustang's interior is appointed as such. It's basic yet pleasant enough, with a combination of hard and soft plastics, cloth seats and typically Ford-esque basic controls. The dash gauges are a retro treat though. The Premium version (as tested) looks good value for an extra $4,000, with its power leather trim seats, ambient lighting and selectable Electronic Power Assist Steering to adjust steering assistance relevant to your mood.

Driving it:

If buying a Mustang for true emotional involvement, the 2012 V8 variants reign supreme, but this 3.7-litre V6 has charm in its own right, and with 305bhp it also has surprising pace. Putting things in perspective, the 2010 V8 Mustang GT offered only 315bhp from its 4.6-litre, so this V6 is a far more intelligent and economical powerplant with its lightweight aluminium construction and twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT).

The six-speed automatic gearbox is shared with the V8 models so copes effortlessly with the V6's power and torque, and allows the driver to exploit the full rev range when asked while remaining impressively smooth. Leave the steering in Comfort mode, drop the roof and this Mustang is a joy to cruise in.

It hums along quietly, absorbs road imperfections and returns decent fuel economy: ideal for those keen on the Mustang shape without the real muscle. Even so, put your foot down and that V6 punts this drop-top along at a decent pace, while its electronic steering and good rather than special chassis makes for comfortable and balanced cornering. A genuine all-rounder then, but drive the V8 first and the V6 just lacks that bit of personality.

What you get for your Money:

It's darn cheap on American shores, so it's not brimming with features. In true Mustang tradition however, Ford lets you buy the base car cheap, and you then spec up as you see fit. You get a 300bhp V6 for your money, and for a well-priced (in America), almost sensible and economical convertible, that's your trump card.

Worth Noting

The 2012 V6 is the most fuel-efficient Mustang Ford has ever produced, and although that's not something your typical pony car fan will want to brag about, over 300bhp and close on 30mpg isn't half bad for an American petrol offering.

Summary

The V6 Mustang - either in coupé or Convertible form - makes a lot of sense in America due to its price and fuel efficiency, making them ubiquitous. If you want to bring a Mustang in to the UK however, the V8s tick all the sound, performance, style and muscle boxes, and make more sense financially than the V6 if you're spending the money to import one. That said, the tamer V6 will still please, and would be far easier to live with at the UK petrol pumps.