Every four or five years, Ford refreshes its iconic Mustang, the most popular sports car in history with more than 9 million sales since it was first introduced in 1945. For 2010, the platform and engines remain relatively unchanged but the interior has upgraded good looks, the exterior exhibits strong style changes and technology advances to aid and correct driver behavior.

Mustangs come with V-6 and V-8 engines, coupes or convertibles or glass top roof, manual or automatic transmissions and a top of the line ShelbyGT500 with 540-horsepower. Our test-drive was the modest V-6 convertible with manual transmission equipped with Pony Package and Premium Trim add-ons for $1,390 that, among other features, increased wheel size from 17 to 18 inches on a specially calibrated suspension, automatic headlights and Mustang logo embossed floor mats. Here is what's new outside: a hood power dome, smaller haunches over the wheels, more aggressive front fascia with lowered fog lights and sequential signaling from the legendary pair of three rectangular rear lights, separated this year by white lenses. Ford says the famous Mustang emblem is new, giving the Mustang a spiked mane and more aggressive look.

The convertible's steel skin has been toughened and contributes to its top safety rating in federal crash tests, a rarity for convertibles. Inside, the instrument panel is new, with a pair of deep cowls for gauges, with white backgrounds keeping them legible on sunny days with the top down and sunglasses on. The 125 variable colors on the instrument panel is pure fun to play with. LED information appears on the dashboard and above the audio/climate controls. Maximum air conditioning remains robust through vaned climate outlets. The chrome-topped gearshift is easy to reach and the short throw helps get the most of power downshifts. The V-6 is adequate, the V-8 has preferred muscular roar and extra show-off power. Handling is smooth, with a new standard traction control known as AdvanceTrac that senses wheel slippage and reduces engine torque and applies brakes as needed. Drivers can choose to turn it off.

To prepare for street vamping, the convertible top, with some manual latch manipulation, tucks away automatically in about 12 seconds. The top doesn't affect rear seat space but rear seats are so close to the front row as to be suitable only for children or small adults. Trunk storage space, even with the top down, is above average for a convertible. Cup holders are convenient, map pockets tight, and center console has small but deep space and EV outlet.