The car, which will go on sale towards the end of 2014, claims to be lighter and more advanced than its predecessor.

Also new is a 2.3-litre, 305 horsepower engine, which Ford hopes will boost the Mustang’s eco credentials in Europe without detracting from the car’s performance. Traditionalists have nothing to fear, however, as Ford has retained the car’s signature 5.0-litre V8 motor.

Technical improvements to the car – now in its 50th year – include a revised suspension set-up, reduced weight and an infotainment and navigation system specifically tailored for the European market.

Although the car is a year away from appearing in the UK, current estimates put the Mustang’s entry-level price at around the £30,000 mark for the four-cylinder model.