COUGAR

‘Cougar’ wasn’t yet synonymous with ‘predatory MILF’ back in 1998, although thanks to evolving slang this car is now lumped in with the unfortunately-named Probe. But don’t go believing that this is little more than an amusingly-named Mondeo in a party frock – sure, it may share its underpinnings with the big saloon, but the Capri was based on the Cortina platform and we don’t criticise it for that!

Built in the USA, Cougars were then shipped to Germany to be European-ised, and there was a choice of two engines: 2.0 Zetec or 2.5 Duratec V6. The one you really want is the V6 with a manual gearbox (as the auto adds two seconds to the 0- 62mph time!) – you get 167bhp, New Edge styling that’s aged beautifully, genuinely fun handling and, if the X Pack has been added, a swanky leather interior. It’s a proper hidden gem.

VITAL STATISTICS

MADE 1998 to 2002 PRICE WHEN NEW £21,005 PRICE NOW £1,000 to £3,000 POWER 167bhp TORQUE 160lb.ft TOP SPEED 140mph 0-62MPH 8.2 seconds