Ford Cougar 24v X Review

Overall Rating

First Impressions of this car is "Gorgeous" certainly a head turner because there aren't that many around people look as though wondering what is it. Though Ford no longer make this model, it is however a thoroughly modern looking car in all respects visually. The lines on the Cougar echo Fords latest design themes. This car will look good for some years to come. Inside it is deceptively spacious its worth mentioning it is actually a bit longer than its cousin the Ubiquitous Mondeo. I was surprised at the amount of boot space. It's actually deeper than the Mondeo in that respect. I'm due to go on a British holiday shortly and was concerned if I could get everything in the back including my 2 kids. This has proved to be of no concern at all. The back seats are of a bucket design to save space but I wanted to try it out for myself and I'm 6ft 2. I was also amazed that I could sit in the back quite comfortably for short to medium length journeys I'm sure it would be fine. The drivers position is good with a decent level of instrumentation. If you get in one you'll notice some of the switchgear and layout betrays its genetic relationship with the Mondeo. Some may say this is not a good thing but I'd argue that if bits and pieces like that get broken its going to be pretty easy to replace them from the Ford parts bin. If you get the X pack version you'll have electrically heated seats electrically adjustable up and down and forwards and backwards. It's a shame it wont designed with a position memory as it would save time fiddling to get it back to your favourite position if you possibly allowed someone else to drive it. Included with the X pack is a good factory sound system complete with autochanger. Also include is traction control, ABS, air con and on board computer to boot.

And now you're asking how does it drive?
Well all I can say is that this V6 is seriously smooth and the Duratec engine note is superb. The suspension is pretty good. Given that my car has 19" wheels fitted to them. I did expect the ride to be pretty harsh but was surprised how the suspension absorbs the bumpiest ruts in the road. Admittedly the ride is not A1 under 30 MPH but above that it is extremely smooth. In truth I'd say that the car doesn't handle like a true thoroughbred sports car but is nimble enough for everyday use and has it in the bag if you want to be a little cheeky with it. (Pulling away from the lights at speed is a very pleasurable experience) I would say that this car is not for the boy racers, it's big and fast (140 MPH) for motorways and open A roads, definitely not an amateur rallying contender. Though I have not owned it that long I have enjoyed every second of it so far. I previously owned a Rover 600 TI, (0-60 6.9 secs) Though 9 MPH faster it was a much rawer driving experience. The Cougar gets you there with much more style and and finesse and handling wise, no contest. The Cougar in my opinion is definitely a step up in class in every area except maybe just raw performance. Insurance is also pretty good with this car, it is rated at group 14 which is cheaper than its closest category rivals. Servicing is the same as with a Ford Mondeo, as it shares the same engines in the Ford range. It's only replacement body parts that might cost you more being og a different shape to the latter. And lastly buying them will not break your bank there are some wonderful examples out there that will leave you change out of 3 K.
When I bought mine I discovered that the Cougar has a UK based forum( UK Cougar) which I found to be excellent and I'd recommend that if you are considering buying a Cougar check them out, I found their knowledge and info to be second to none.

If you are looking for something economical this won't be the car for you. This V6 Duratec likes petrol. Personally I didn't worry about that as my previous cars economy figures were almost the same. If you get one of these respect the right-hand pedal.

The rear view out of this car is not great because of the shape of the car it's not easy to judge rear distances. I know of some owners having rear sensors to assist with parking get used to using your door mirrors with this one.

I heard replacing headlamp bulbs on this baby can be quite tricky the first time, it apparently involves having to remove the whole headlight module.

The Ford Cougar 24v X is for you if you want a car that is sporty, fast good looking, practical, individual and not common as muck but manufactured by a mass producer this car ticks all the boxes. I believe this car will achieve a modern classic status in the next few years. I just love this package, though there are some minor shortcomings they should be judged no worse than other sports cars as they also experience these shortcomings and in many cases much more. The truth is if you want five doors with space in the back to seat 7 footers and a fuel economy at 45 MPG this is not the car for you.
The Cougar is extremely good value for money so don't be a follower and buy a beemer(Yawn). Dare to be different, more people will be admiring your car than one of those.