A Bloody Paraplegic
Ford Cougar SW MY99 Eibach (2)
FORD COUGAR.
1999-2004
By EWAN KENNEDY
22 May 2006
Despite having a huge amount of success with large performance cars
Ford Australia has never had a lot of luck with its smaller
performance models. GT Falcons and the like have pushed models like
the Ford Probe and Cougar into the background. Yet both are good
cars in their own right and deserve consideration, especially in
these days of high petrol prices. In this feature we will
concentrate on the later of the two models, the Ford Cougar.
Designed in Europe but built in the United States, the original
Cougar was famed for its hard-edged styling and huge headlights. It
was launched in Europe in December 1998 and came to Australia in
October 1999. Our version came with the European handling pack
rather than the softer American suspension setup. It also featured
larger wheels and tyres to put more rubber on Aussie roads.
The Cougar has a 2.5-litre twin-cam, 125kW V6 engine with plenty of
power, especially over 4000 revs and with a lovely engine sound.
Its steering precision and ability to turn in sharply belie its
front-wheel drive layout, though there is the inevitable
understeering push if you do fang it really hard at corners.
The 2001 model Cougar upgrade came with new front and rear end
styling by way of revised front and rear bumpers with new headlamps
and fog lamps.
Inside, there was a high-tech satin aluminium theme
incorporating the instrument cluster, switches, controls, gear knob,
T-bar and handbrake.
There was also a new four-spoke leather
steering wheel. The front seats were changed, with a new design
offering strong lateral support, together with new trim patterns.
Though there's certainly nothing wrong with the earlier version,
those that know their Cougars show a real preference for the 2001
upgrade.
Ford Cougar Eibach, launched in August 2000, was a limited edition
model aimed at giving extra punch in the visual department as well
as even better handling than the standard car. The name came from
the Eibach package designed by one of Europe’s best known suspension
tuners. The modifications to the Australian Cougar were done by a
team drawn from Eibach in Europe, and Tickford Vehicle Engineering
and Ford in Melbourne. Only 100 Eibachs were built.
Cougar Eibach sports a lower ride height, different spring ratings,
revised shock absorbers Dunlop low-profile FM901 tyres with
substantial dimensions of 215/45x17. Certainly these were decent
tyres for their time.
Complementing the Eibach’s lower stance is a body kit that’s based
on one from Visteon in the USA, but modified by Tickford to give it
slightly more ground clearance for Australian road conditions. The
kit features an aggressive looking bonnet scoop.
Eibach power comes from the same 2.5-litre V6 engine as used in the
rest of the Cougar range and there's a choice of manual or automatic
transmission.
Unfortunately for Ford, Cougar managed to hit Australia at about the
time sports coupes started to wane in buyer interest. These days,
sporting two seaters are more likely to be hot utes than low-slung
coupes. The Cougar did manage to struggle on in this country until
2004 but was then quietly withdrawn from the new-car price list.
Cougar is a relatively complex car so repairs should be left to the
professional mechanic, though the good amateurs will be able to do
some of their own work.
Ford still carries a full range of spare parts for the Cougar.
Prices are about average for the class, meaning they aren't exactly
cheap, but nor are they outrageous. Check with your local Ford
dealer on how long it will take for them to come in after ordering.
Insurance can be on the high side reflecting the sporting nature of
the Ford Cougar, as well as the fact that it’s relatively rare in
Australia.
Today, Cougar prices are lower than they really should be for a car
in this class; reflecting both the aforementioned loss in popularity
in coupes and the fact that the Cougar never did gain a proper place
on our buyers’ radar. Consequently, you can get a lot of classy
looking Euro sports coupe for a bargain price if you are willing to
think outside the automotive square.
A Wilder Cougar Cat.
SW MY99 Eibach.
10 August, 2000
The Ford Cougar takes on a wilder look this month with the
introduction of a limited run of specially equipped Cougars, fresh
from Ford's performance partner Tickford.
Special Eibach suspension will see the sporty coupe lowered 20mm,
with higher rate linear springs at the front and progressive rate
springs at the rear. Revised shock absorbers feature tuned
compression and rebound damping for the best performance across both
low and high speed road conditions.
New 17" alloys are fitted with Dunlop FM901 215/45 x 17 high
performance tyres.
Externally, the Cougar Eibach is clearly identified, with a full
body kit including new rear spoiler and bonnet scoop.
"Cougar Eibach" will take us closer to a different customer base,"
said David Flint, Managing Director of Tickford.
"It has a more muscular, sporting stance, and delivers an enhanced
handling package from one of Europe's top high-performance
suspension tuners.
"We're delighted with the new package."
He confirmed that the Cougar Eibach would be available in a limited
edition of 100 only vehicles.
Cougar Eibach will be available with automatic or manual
transmission, with or without leather trim, and in a range of six
colours: Rio Red, Ebony Black, Dark Tourmaline, Spruce Green, Laser
Red or Silver Frost.
Manual models will retail at $43,380, automatics at $45,259. Leather
trim is an additional $1,409. All prices are recommended retail, and
include GST.
Road Test. UK Cougar.
Sleek in a Puma-meets-Mondeo manner, the Ford Cougar is really a big
pussycat. It drives and handles precisely, although even the 170 bhp
2.5 V6 engine won't excite sportier drivers. But view it as a comfy
long-distance mile-muncher and you won't be disappointed.
As a used
choice, Cougar majors on value plus sensible running costs thanks to
that blue oval badge. Full four-seater capacity and a decent boot
are bonuses in a sector where rear seats are often a gesture.
Standard spec is generous, with the X-Pack adding extra goodies like
leather upholstery.
Quality was an issue on some early cars, though
most problems were sorted quickly and ongoing reliability is Mondeo-class.
Safety features are good, though Cougar was never NCAP
rated.
If you're a Ford fan looking for something a bit different
from a sporty Mondeo, Cougar may fit the bill, though its rarity
means there's not much choice out there.
Positive Points.
* Stylish four-seater coupe for sensible money
* Good equipment levels, especially with X-Pack
* Smooth, sporty, satisfying 2.5 V6 engine
