Ford’s retro-futuristic Mustang, based on a late 1960s fastback model, has been around since the 2005 model year — and is beginning to look as droopy as a Fu Manchu mustache. So for the 2010 model year, a sartorial segue to a more ripped look, to stay current with the competition, was in order.

The new Mustang rides on the same platform as the departing model, with most exterior and interior dimensions very close.

The handling — even on the V-6 model, which is calibrated much like last year’s GT — is crisp, rock-steady and unflappable.

in the 2010 model, the gauges are bright, well laid-out and easily readable.The double-brow dashboard has been retained, though it now is covered in materials that look and feel richer.

Fuel economy ratings for the V-8 are 16 miles a gallon in the city and 24 on the highway with the 5-speed manual gearbox and 17/23 for the 5-speed automatic. The base Mustang engine, a 210-horsepower 4-liter V-6, is only slightly more economical, with ratings of 18/26 for the manual transmission or 16/24 with a 5-speed automatic.

The GT model starts at $28,845, with the base V-6 starting at $21,845.
The convertible versions add $5,000 to the price tag.