- Refined V6 petrol engine
- Comfortable ride
- Compent dynamics
- Front seats lack support
- Awkward pedal position
- Steering lacks precision
- Poor standard of interior fit
Review: Ford SW Cougar (1999-01)
Overview
Released in October 1999, the Ford SW Cougar was a mid-size, front-wheel drive coupe. Effectively replacing the Ford Probe , the Cougar was powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed CD4E automatic or five-speed MTX75 manual transmission. The Cougar was manufactured at Ford’s Flat Rock plant in Michigan, USA.
Duratec 25 V6 engine
The 2.5-litre ‘Duratec 25’ engine had all-alloy construction, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a dual-phase induction system. Despite the peak torque output of 220 Nm at 4250 rpm, 90 per cent of the engine’s torque was available from 2000 rpm.
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the Mk.1 Mondeo with which it shared its platform, the Cougar was 218 mm longer (at 4699 mm), 20 mm wider (1760 mm), 96 mm lower (1325 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2704 mm). Furthermore, the Cougar had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent ‘Quadralink’ rear suspension with passive rear-wheel steering (for improved wheel control when cornering or braking).
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cougar | 2.5-litre petrol V6 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
125 kW at 6250 rpm | 220 Nm at 4250 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the SW Cougar included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted head/chest airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and traction control. The Cougar was also fitted with 278 mm front and 252 mm rear ventilated disc brakes.
Features
Standard features for the SW Cougar included 16-inch alloy wheels, four speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, semi-automatic climate control air conditioning, contoured sports seats, power adjustable driver’s seat, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, 50/50 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, height adjustable steering wheel, power windows and mirrors, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
2000 Cougar Eibach
In August 2000, a limited run of Eibach editions were released by Tickford (Ford’s performance partner). The Cougar Eibachs were fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels with Dunlop FM901 215/45 high performance tyres, 20 mm lower Eibach suspension with higher rate linear springs at the front and progressive rate rear springs, revised shock absorbers with tuned compression and rebound damping and a full body kit, including a new rear spoiler and bonnet scoop. The front spoiler and side skirts were also finished in Dark Argent.
Review: Ford SX Cougar (2001-04)
Overview
Released in April 2001, the SX Cougar introduced subtle cosmetic updates. The SX Cougar could be identified by its new headlights and fog lights in a new bumper design; the rear bumper was also revised and new six-spoke alloy wheels were fitted. Inside, there were reshaped seats (with new trim and sew patterns), a new four-spoke steering wheel and satin aluminium accents on the instrument cluster switches and controls.
Imports of the SX Cougar were discontinued in March 2004.
Related links
