Ford wanted a little more drama in the front of the Contour and Mystique,
and we think their facelifts achieve exactly that, as well as more distinction
between the two models.
With its wider, chrome-lipped grille opening and bigger headlights,
the Contour's new front end is almost a carbon copy of the Ford Mondeo,
its European cousin. The Mystique gets the same headlight treatment, but
its enlarged waterfall grille creates a stronger family resemblance to
other Lincoln-Mercury vehicles. We think both facelifts are attractive
and effective.
Aside from the SVT, functional changes to the updated sedans are essentially
refinements. The front suspension has been retuned for a more supple response
to small bumps, the steering has been sharpened and the manual transmission
shift linkage has been redesigned for more precise operation and feel.
Chassis and body dimensions remain about the same--slightly smaller
than a Honda Accord--on a near-identical wheelbase.
Thanks to revisions to its intake and camshft timing systems, Ford has
found five more horsepower in the standard 2.0-liter Zetec four-cylinder
engine, which now generates 130 hp. Output of the 2.5-liter Duratec V6
remains unchanged--and plentiful--at 170 hp. Both engines are offered with
five-speed manual transmissions as standard equipment. A four-speed automatic
is available as an $815 option.
The Duratec V6 is also the heart of the SVT version, but with an additional
25 hp--13% more peak power from an engine that already did a good job of
generating impressive output from not much displacement. In fact, 76.6
hp per liter from a non-supercharged engine is one of the better performance
figures in the business. We can only think of a couple engines at the small
end of the spectrum that top the SVT version of the Duratec in the power-per-liter
derby, both from Honda, both four-cylinders.
How'd they do that? Without getting into too much detail, the key elements
are different cams with different timing, different pistons with a higher
compression ratio, and extensive massaging of the intake system.
Considering the magnitude of the performance improvements, the Special
Vehicle Team showed restraint with appearance items. The SVT Contour sports
rocker panel extensions, a modestly restyled front fascia with round fog
lamps, and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Remarkably, the design team refrained
from affixing a wing onto the rear decklid.
Let's move right to the rear seat. By scooping out the front seatbacks
and making subtle adjustments to the rear seat cushions, Ford has added
almost two inches of legroom, gains that make it much more comfortable
for two adults, though three is still a pinch.
Other interior improvements include refinements to the instrument panel,
the addition of a tilt wheel feature and a new dual cupholder design up
front. The first two refinements are welcome. The new cupholders, however,
are too shallow and still don't work very well.
The basic dashboard is unchanged, flowing gracefully into the door panels,
and the bucket front seats are first rate, with a wide range of adjustability,
including height.
Our only criticism of the control layout continues to be the audio system
buttons, which are still undersized and hard to operate when the car is
moving.
The SVT Contour interior is distinguished by black-on-white gauges,
SVT logos and dark blue leather upholstery. The package also includes an
upgrade audio system, air conditioning, power mirrors, windows and locks,
and antilock brakes, which are optional on the other Contour/Mystique models.
And if you want an automatic transmission, you don't want this car; it's
manual transmission only.
As impressive as the V6-powered editions of the Contour and Mystique
are, they seem a little tame compared to the SVT. In fact, this little
honey should be able to run with some pretty tall dogs with pretty fancy
pedigrees--and fancy pricetags. Specifically, the BMW 328i and Audi A4
V6 come to mind.
As you'd expect, adding 25 horsepower diminishes the length of time
it takes you to get to 60 mph. Ford pegs it at 7.9 seconds, but we found
this to be very conservative. About seven seconds is closer to the mark.
And if you're interested in seeing how fast you can cross Montana--no
posted daytime speed limits, y'know--Ford says the Contour SVT will do
143 mph flat-out. We're willing to take this on faith, but it's clear that
the SVT version of the Duratec V6 loves high speed work, and it emits a
lovely whiskey tenor snarl while so engaged.
Power is just one element in a package designed to compete with sporty
Euro sedans, of course. Other requirements include the agility of a cheetah
and the grip of a badger. Augmented, natch, by serious stopping power.
Not to mention supple ride quality.
We think this car, like its tamer counterparts, scores very well in
the ride/handling derby. Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering group--the
folks who spec out SVT hardware--made a number of alterations in SVT'S
suspension components to enhance response, without any readily apparent
compromises in ride quality.
As a result, the SVT Contour is a significant cut above its regular
production counterparts in a couple of key sport sedan areas: it turns
into corners with zeal, and it's more balanced than the standard Contour
and Mystique. You don't have to spend quite as much time waiting for the
car to change directions, and there's a strong sense of sports car feel
without sports car ride stiffness.
Adding braking power to match the extra thrust was simple. The development
team dipped into the European parts bin and installed the bigger front
brakes used on the Mondeo.