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Ford Cougar BCV 2.5i V6 24V (170 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Ford Cougar:
The Ford Cougar is a D-segment coupé that was produced and sold in the European market between 1998 and 2002, and sold in Canada and the United States from 1999 until 2002 as the Mercury Cougar.
The car was originally intended to be the third generation Probe, but after rationalization of the three coupés available in the United States, the Probe name was dropped in favor of the Cougar. It is an example of a sports coupé/liftback.
The Cougar was Ford's second attempt to reintroduce a sports coupé in Europe, in the same vein as the successful, but long discontinued Capri – the first attempt having been the Mazda MX-6 based Probe. Just as the Capri had been based on the Cortina, the Cougar was based on the large family car available at the time, the Mondeo....(Read more on Wikipedia)
BCV Overview:
Ford Cougar (BCV). With 220 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1390 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.8 s). The top speed reaches 206 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Ford Cougar (BCV) generation was not directly tested by Euro NCAP. However, it shared its platform with the Ford Mondeo of the same era, which achieved a 3-star rating in 1997 for adult occupant protection. This suggests a reasonable but not class-leading safety standard for its time.
2.5i V6 24V (170 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers smooth, adequate power for daily driving and comfortable cruising, though the automatic transmission can feel a bit sluggish.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is moderate for a V6 of its era, particularly in urban settings, but acceptable on longer journeys.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive 'New Edge' styling
- • Comfortable ride for a coupe
- • Spacious interior for a coupe, especially front seats
- • Engaging V6 engine options (especially ST200)
- • Good value on the used market
Cons:
- • Rear visibility can be limited
- • Automatic transmission can feel dated
- • Rear seats are cramped for adults
- • Some interior plastics feel cheap
- • Not directly tested by Euro NCAP
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Cougar |
| Generation: | BCV |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5i V6 24V (170 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 6250 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 66.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 220 Nm @ 4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LCBA, LCBB, LCBC, LCBE |
| Engine displacement: | 2544 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82.4 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 79.5 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 206 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.2 kg/Hp, 122.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.3 kg/Nm, 158.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1390 |
| Max. weight: | 1825 |
| Max load: | 435 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 930 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 430 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4700 mm |
| Width: | 1770 mm |
| Height: | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2705 mm |
| Front track: | 1505 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1490 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
What’s the best feature of the Ford Cougar? Tell us in the comments!