About the Ford Cougar

Launched in the UK at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1998 the Cougar was an American inspired project that was developed in Europe. Based on the Mondeo platform, the Cougar sported a coupe body with ample room in the front for 2 adults, although conditions were a little cramped for rear seat passengers in the 2 "bucket" seats.

Even though the Cougar was equipped with ST24 suspension with firmer springs, dampers and anti roll bars, with the bodyshell being 20% stiffer than the Mondeo, the ride remained touring rather than sporting.

The Cougar was available in 3 models:

• 2.0i 16V
• 2.5i V6 24V
• 2.5i V6 24V Auto

Options available at extra cost included:

• Automatic transmission and cruise control - 24V only
• "Quickclear" heated windscreen, with heated washer jets
• Electric tilt and slide sunroof
• An "X - Pack" was also available on the 24V which included:
  • Leather trim; heated front seats with drivers power adjustment
• AM/FM radio cassette - Model 5000N RDS EON *with removable control panel, "Keycode" anti theft coding, 4 speakers and CD autochanger
• Metallic paint

*Later models featured the 6000 RDS EON

Colour options were:

• Ebony Black
• Silver Frost
• Dark Tourmaline
• Melina Blue
• Amazon Green

In September 1999 Ford unveiled a Cougar ST200, featuring the ST200 engine from the Mondeo with dual inlet air filter, revised cam shafts and free flow exhaust. Regrettably the ST200 did not go into production. Had it done so it would have been one of the fastest Fords ever sold in the UK.