The Cougar stands apart as among the much more clearly styled vehicles on your way these days
Edmunds’ Professional Analysis
Original design, well-tuned suspension system, big luggage area. Velocity from four-cylinder design are unable to complement juicy styles, hefty direction, compromised outward exposure.
Automobile review
And don’t expect Cougar visitors becoming cross-shopping for great Marquis; this kitty kat is aimed at a special group.
Exhibiting Ford’s short-lived unique side build motif, Cougar’s find integrates sleek, rounded biggest types with creased straightedge details. Many interesting areas of the Cougar’s looks include cat’s eye headlamps with smoked lenses, huge triangular taillights, toned doors and bonnet, and the fictional character line that runs over the lower part of the greenhouse.
Underneath this eye-catching surface were elements which are a whole lot more familiar. The Cougar is built on the same European-engineered system that produced the old Ford shape and Mercury Mystique. Additionally, it shares about 70 per cent of their areas with those two lifeless entry-level but fun-to-drive sedans.
Therefore, the Cougar try blessed with a fantastic suspension, neutral management traits and strong brake system. This equals loads of enjoyable on curvy streets. The thing slowing the Cougar lower is actually its hefty direction sense and motors that do not very execute right making use of car’s interesting appearance. Ford supplies sometimes a 125-horsepower four-cylinder motor or a 2.5-liter V6 that produces 170 horsepowerpared on motors based in the Acura RSX together with Volkswagen GTI, the Cougar is a bit shy on electricity. Grip regulation is present regarding V6 Sport, but we have beenn’t persuaded you will need it.
Mercury got originally planning to promote a superior version known as Cougar S just last year, including the outdated Ford SVT shape’s stunning motor, but that car has-been shelved. Rather, two special editions — the XR and C2 — can be obtained whenever you choose the Cougar V6 Sport. The XR is sheathed in special yellow or black paint and rides on 17-inch machined aluminum rims complete with black-painted slots and red center hats. Additionally has a rear spoiler and unconvincing phony bonnet information. The C2 becomes special French Blue paint, with French Blue instrumentation and a French Blue spoiler. The machined aluminum wheels posses French Blue center caps. Why don’t they call-it the Cougar FB? As you may get it colored in white, silver or black, also.
For several Cougar interior spaces, you’ll find a traditional regulation design with a distinctly unusual looks. Opening the backseat is actually a breeze, using a forward traveler seat that glides forward as soon as the backrest is collapsed right after which return to their preset place once cyclists become secured in back. A corner chairs were fast and set the driver saturated in the vehicle; bigger grownups will see that her minds are squashed into the headliner. Fold those chair all the way down, and you’re gifted with a large cargo region.
A CD player is common, making good sense in a car promoted to youngsters, and a convenient six-CD in-dash changer is elective. The device cluster displays satin aluminum-faced gauges and illustrations, and many hardware are completed with satin aluminum paint. The same as each alternate youth-oriented vehicle offered because the Audi TT came to promote after some duration straight back. Part airbags were standard on V6 recreation models, but unavailable on typical Cougars. If you prefer ABS, you have gotta need a V6 motor.
Inspite of the relative decreased oomph, the Cougar continues to have a great deal to offer. Its affordable, useful, enjoyable to get and neat to consider. But without additional energy and a diet plan, it cannot desire to take on automobiles like the Acura RSX and Toyota Celica.