Ford's 'world car' has come home to America. The all-new Ford Contour debuted in the United States late last year, and is based on the Mondeo, a European-built vehicle. Ford introduced Mondeo in European two year ago, where it has been a sales success. Ford assembles Mondeo in Europe while Contour and its corporate cousin, the Mercury Mystique are assembled in Mexico and Kansas City, Mo. The North American- built models utilize the same front-wheel-drive platform, engines, transmissions and other key Mondeo components. The vehicles differ slightly in exterior styling and interior design. Ford invested $6 billion developing these 'world cars.' Contour is available in three trim levels: base GL, upscale LX and sporty SE. The five-passenger Contour is marketed between the subcompact Escort and the midsize Taurus. Contour is available only as a four-door sedan and replaces the aging Tempo. Our test model was Moonlight Blue Contour GL with light blue cloth interior. Base price starts at $13,310. Our vehicle, with preferred equipment package (traction control, anti-lock brakes, power side mirrors) lists for $16,590, including a $495 destination charge. Inside, the sweeping, half-shell dashboard is smartly designed. Power window controls, temperature dials, stereo unit, lights and wiper controls are all within easy reach, although stereo control and power-window buttons could be larger. Both vanity mirrors are lighted. Cruise control functions are conveniently found on the steering wheel. Several nooks and crannies make excellent storage spots for maps, coins and cassettes. Dual air bags are standard. Our cloth bucket seats were comfortable and supportive. A larger-than-average pull bar allows easy manual maneuvering of the bucket seats. Trunk and fuel tank release levers are found on the floor, just right of the driver's front bucket seat. The five-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly. Surprisingly, our dashboard had no tachometer. A retractable cup holder accommodating one 12-oz can, pops up from the center console, and conveniently folds away when not in use. Contours with automatic transmissions come equipped with dual cup holders. Backseat leg room is average and headroom is tight. Three adults sitting in the back will find extra space at a premium. European cues are evident throughout Contour, beginning with a MicronAir system. This system, common in Europe, filters out allergy-causing particles as small as 3 microns. The filter is part of the heating and air-conditioning system, utilizing woven layers and electricity charges to trap and hold particles. Ford is the first U.S. manufacturer to include this system as standard equipment for cars built in America. A handful of Saab, BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars sold in America include this system. Handling is excellent. Body sway and roll, when encountering sharp curves, is kept to a minimum. Wind noise is noticeable at high speeds Under its hood, a four cylinder, 2-liter, 16 valve dual overhead engine is standard. This powertrain delivers 125 horsepower at 5,500 revolutions per minute. Also available is an optional V-6, 2.5-liter Duratec engine. This low-maintenance powertrain features platinum-tipped spark plugs, enabling Contour to travel 100,000 miles before a scheduled tune-up. The gas tank holds 14.5 gallons of unleaded fuel. Contour's gas mileage is worth writing home about. Our test model, with 5,300 odometer miles, registered 27 mpg around town and 35 mpg on the highway. Ford research indicates primary customers are between the ages of 25 and 40 with incomes between $32,000 and $55,000. With a base price of $13,310, Contour is within reach of many suburban budgets. Shoppers looking for European touches in an American-made vehicle should put Contour on their short list. |
