Performance Car of the Year is not a popularity contest, but if it was, then your winner for 2017 would be the Ford Mustang.

This is based on the results of our reader’s poll, where Ford’s Pony Car garnered 111 votes, or 17.7 per cent of the total vote. Clearly the Mustang’s recent safety scandal hasn’t dented fans’ fondness too drastically.

2017 Ford Mustang engine

We’re not going to give away the winner here – though if you’re curious you can find out at this link – but suffice to say the PCOTY judging panel’s verdict differs from that of the fans’. Quite markedly in some cases.

2017 Ford Mustang rear

You can read the full Performance Car of the Year story in our latest issue, on-sale now, or stay glued to www.motormag.com.au over the coming days and weeks as we reveal more coverage of the event.