Dec 2001 Volume 82 Number 1 "serving the protectors"
European Design, American Power
By Jim Barnett

Only a few specialist Ford dealers have been selected to market a range of high-performance, Australian-built and fully imported cars. FTE (Ford Tickford Experience) dealers are retailing three Tickford-enhanced sedans - built on Falcon and LTD platforms - as well as the imported Ford Cougar coupe.

In SA, these sedans are only available from FTE Port Adelaide, otherwise known as Maughan Thiem Ford.

The Cougar - a stunning performer and excellent all-round package - offers value for money and sheer driving pleasure. It’s smooth around town, but will thrill when it’s unleashed on a winding country road. The Police Journal tested a manual Cougar, which averaged fuel usage of 10.5litres/100km.

It was designed and engineered in Europe using the same platform and V6 powertrain as the European-sourced Mondeo. A mid-sized sports coupe with an almost futuristic exterior, Cougar is manufactured in a Ford/Mazda-owned assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, USA.

The long, wide and low wedge-shaped body is enhanced by wide tyres, low front air intake and deep front and rear bumpers. Twin projector-style headlamps are concealed beneath tinted covers, and large tail lamps feature bulb blisters. The long, low side profile features:

• Long doors.
• A swept-back B-pillar.
• Sixteen-inch alloy wheels that fill the wheel arches.

Futuristic styling continues inside with a wide, deep dashboard, which features four large, round air vents and an array of smart and functional switches and controls. In front of the driver are a large speedo and tacho with smaller fuel and temp gauges, as well as the usual warning lights. The centre facia houses the climate control system, multi-function trip computer buttons and traction control switch.

Low, comfortable front seats offer good thigh and lateral support. The driver’s seat features electric height adjustment and lumbar support. The sporty driving position is enhanced by:

• Height adjustable steering.
• A small leather-bound steering wheel.
• Short-throw gear lever with leather bound knob.

Rear seats feature a 50/50 split-fold design and are deeply sculptured for extra comfort - as long as passengers are the right size. Adults will find headroom limited, but this is a sports coupe. One accesses the rear seats by a single lever in the side of each front seat. This lever allows the front seat to tilt and slide forward in one action.

Storage areas include a reasonable glove box, small console bin with padded armrest, and door-mounted map pockets. The boot will swallow 410 litres of luggage and features a flat floor that conceals the narrow, emergency-style spare wheel. The individual rear seats fold forward easily for added flexibility.

In light of its standard features, Cougar is well priced at a base cost of $38,680. Included are:

• Driver and passenger airbags and seat-mounted side airbags.
• Climate-control air conditioning.
• Sixteen-inch alloy wheels.
• Multi-function trip computer.
• Power windows.
• Remote central locking.
• Fog lamps and height-adjustable headlamps.
• Traction control.
• ABS with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution).

At Cougar’s heart is a smooth and slick performing 2.5-litre Duratec, quad-cam, 24-valve V6 engine. Producing 125kW @ 6,250rpm and 220 Nm of torque @ 4,250rpm, the all-alloy engine is particularly responsive in the upper rev range. Ninety per cent of the engine’s torque is available at just 2,000rpm, making the car capable of smooth acceleration from low revs in any gear. The engine will freely rev to redline (7,000rpm) and, as well as being beautifully smooth, is quiet and fuel-efficient.

The five-speed manual transmission is simply superb. The short-throw, close-ratio gearbox is a delight to use, making operation simple, smooth and sporty. Optional is a four-speed automatic transmission with push-button overdrive and power and economy modes.

All Australian Cougars are fitted with the European handling package, which is designed to maximize driving pleasure. This package features:

• Four-wheel independent struts with coil springs.
• Variable-rate power rack-and-pinion steering.
• 215/50 Michelin Pilot tyres.

For $1,490, such options as leather trim, six-way electric driver’s seat and front-seat heaters can be added on.

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