Our man takes on the track-focused Ford Mustang Mach 1.

The grey and orange paint job has proved popular with passers-by

Monday

Is that thunder? Nope, it’s the rumble of a Ford Mustang Mach 1 appearing outside, and it’s mine for a week – yee-ha! Maybe not the most practical company car given the spiralling cost of fuel at the moment, especially when the official combined figure is 22.8mpg and it churns out 284g/km, but the limited-edition Mach 1 does represent some sort of bargain given its power and list price compared to many other sports cars.

Tuesday

If the court of public opinion is anything to go by, the Mustang is a sure-fire winner already. A quick trip to Callander, which is just up the road from me, brings three thumbs up from drivers coming in the other direction. When I get back to the car to head home, it’s surrounded by a small crowd who are all cooing over its grey and orange paint job. It does help this car has the optional £1,400 Appearance Pack.

Wednesday

The cue ball gear knob puts a spin on things

What does the Mach 1 edition get you? First up, power is increased to 460hp, which delivers 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 166mph. More than enough for on-road use, then. You also get unique wheels, front splitter and rear diffuser, and bespoke suspension and steering set-up. There are also plenty of other pleasing touches, such as the cue ball gear knob that feels great to use with the six-speed manual gearbox in this car.

Thursday

As a four-seat coupé, the Mustang is a bit rubbish given its considerable on-road footprint. It’s great up front, but those in the back certainly fee the pinch on space. My kids just about fit in, and they are eight and 12, but adults are not going to be happy.

Friday

It’s not an insurmountable problem, but the keyless entry on the Mustang didn’t work this morning for no apparent reason. I could unlock the car with the fob, but it refused to open the door without pressing the button. After driving the car and locking it again, all was well, so an irritation but one that would annoy me if this was my everyday car.

The Mach 1 brand has considerable appeal with drivers

Saturday

After a few days with the Mustang Mach 1, it seems like this is the car the Mustang should be as standard. It needs to put into the sport mode to feel fully alive as a sports car, but in this setting you don’t notice the Ford’s size on twisty roads. The handling is good, though not Porsche Cayman nimble, and the ride is about right for UK roads. It also steers and brakes very well. Oh, and that V8 engine sounds glorious.

Sunday

A quick glance at lease rates shows the Mustang Mach 1 could be yours for around £700 per month. That’s about £60 less each month than a Porsche 718 Cayman. Is the Porsche worth the extra? In straightline performance for your money terms, no. However, the Cayman is more frugal and a sharper drive. Even so, the bruiser Mach 1 holds an appeal, albeit a very niche one within the fleet world.