It’s all-new, but it’s definitely a Mustang from any view. Even when that view is through what we’ve come to know as “moderate snow showers.” Hey, but if this test-drive gig is gonna be a year-round job...ya know?

Driving a new car, which is not yours, on a snowy, slippery morning might seem a bit daunting to some. But to those of us of a certain age who learned to drive mostly in rear wheel-drive cars, some of them with big Detroit V-8 engines—no big deal. Although I’ll admit, the first choice of a test car was to be a stick-shift 5.0L GT. We passed on it not out of fear, but figuring that car should be saved for dryer weather when we could reap the full enjoyment out of it.

So Ben Indelicato of Towne Ford instead hooked me up with a nifty all black Mustang with the 3.7L V-6 an an automatic transmission. And I wasn’t disappointed at all.

The new Mustang is a striking-looking car for sure, and standing next to it I envisioned problems climbing in, but was pleasantly surprised to find that it was easy. The window drops down a smidge as you open the door, and comes back up upon closure to form a tight seal with the roof. Helps the quiet ride for sure. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the controls are easily reachable, even with the driver’s seat set back to fit all six-feet of me in there. But...one look over my shoulder and I ruled out even trying to get into the back seat. It would have been virtually impossible for me to be back there unless I wanted to sit sideways across the whole seat. Yes folks, it’s tight back there. But I don’t imagine many Mustangs are going to be used as family haulers.

There are a few engine choices: the 3.7L V-6 of the test car, rated at 300 hp (this is actually the base model, but it doesn’t seem like one); a 2.3L EcoBoost, 310-hp turbocharged four-cylinder which Ford (and many enthusiasts) rate as state-of-the-art; and the 5.0L V-8, which these days puts out 435 hp.

Driving the Mustang, even in the snow, brought a smile to my face. No, it’s not a small car by any means, but 300 hp is still 300 hp, and when it’s being sent to the rear wheels it makes for a certain dynamic that’s lacking in many front-drive sporty cars. And although it was mighty tempting to do endless “donuts” in the vast snow-covered parking lot of Chestnut Ridge Park, I restrained myself to more subtle movements like bringing the rear end around smartly when finishing a turn. Brought back many memories.

My black test car with a black interior (all of which really contrasted with the scenery) had a base price of $23,600. A minimum of options (18-inch foundry black painted wheels—$995; six-speed automatic—$1,195; spare tire—$195) brought the bottom line to $26,870 including destination charge. Not so bad for a car you’ll enjoy both driving and looking at.

The Ecoboost and Ecoboost Premium models start at $25,300 and $29,300 respectively; and the two GT models (GT and GT Premium) have base prices of $32,300 and $36,300. If none of this is enough for you, Ford has announced that the venerable Shelby GT350 name will return to showrooms later in 2015, with a 5.2L V-8 lurking under the hood putting out over 500 hp. Now wouldn’t THAT be a drive on a snowy, slippery day?

The new Mustang is also available in convertible form, with prices ranging from $29,300 to $41,800. I’m sure someone out there is dreaming of top-down donuts in the Chestnut Ridge Park parking lot right now. And why not? We’re only young once—even in a 50th anniversary year Mustang.

More info at: ford.com