LIKE Easy Rider star Dennis Hopper I once had long hair. Like Dennis Hopper, I once rode a large motorcycle.

Now we both have grey hair and drive a car. But the news is not all bad.

Having driven the Ford Cougar, Hopper's co-star in Ford's latest back-to-the-future TV ad, I have something else in common with him - a manic ear-to-ear grin.

Grinning comes easily at the wheel of a Cougar, especially when a 170 horsepower V6 engine lurks under the bonnet.

The sophisticated, mid-sized sports coup is a cracker of a car, quite unlike the earlier Probe, Ford's bland and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to ape the triumph of the Capri.

Above all, the Cougar has character. Classic sports car lines are backed by a spacious, luxurious interior and technology to keep you and yours safe and sound.

The platform for the wedge-shaped Cougar is borrowed from the Mondeo ST-24, with a lowered centre of gravity, stiffer bodyshell and re-tuned suspension and steering.

With a growling 24-valve engine slotted under the bonnet the Cougar V6 has added bite.

The ride delivers an admirable blend of comfort and crisp handling, a remarkable achievement for such a large, spacious car.

Steering is accurate and precise with plenty of feedback, though I would have liked to be able to adjust the reach of the steering wheel as well as the rake.

Hi-tech systems fitted include electronic brake-force distribution and traction control - an option on 2.0-litre models.

A slick, five-speed manual gearbox is standard. V6 models have the option of automatic transmission.

In common with all Ford's new 'New Edge' styling, seen on the Ka, Puma and Focus, the Cougar, which starts at £20,000, has a real presence on the road.

Nothing else on the road looks quite like it. A sweeping line runs from front to rear and front and rear lights, mirrors, and even the door handles, add to its distinctive look.

Inside, the interior is unashamedly sporty, with supportive individual sports seats for four adults.

Instrumentation is modern and clear, switchgear is easy to use and the interior sports a liberal number of Cougar badges to give a distinctive feel. The steering wheel is leather trimmed.

An on-board computer delivers a stream of information on external temperature, fuel consumption and, most usefully, the distance remaining until the fuel tank is empty.

On a similarly practical level, there are cubby holes for bits and pieces around the passenger cabin and the loadspace offered by the spacious boot can be boosted by split-folding rear seats.

Safety systems include some of Ford's latest technology with driver and front passenger airbags as standard, as well as head-and-chest side airbags, a first for any Ford worldwide.

A range of foam bolsters help to protect occupants' ankles, knees, elbows and hips.

Standard security equipment includes an immobiliser, remote control central and double-locking and an alarm.

Buyers of mid-sized coups are as keen on luxury as they are on sporty looks and the Cougar piles on the goodies.

Alloy wheels, air conditioning and electric front windows are standard on all Cougar models while the top-of-the-range metallic Melina Blue VX test model came with six-disc CD auto-changer and leather-covered heated seats.

The X pack also throws in a Quickclear heated windscreen and heated washer jets for good measure. The only piece of equipment not supplied as standard with the Cougar is a pair of cool Born to be Wild shades. Get them. They're an essential.

AUTO FACTS - Ford Cougar 2.5i VX

PRICE £22,000 on-the-road

INSURANCE GROUP 14A

FUEL CONSUMPTION:

Urban 21.1 mpg

Extra Urban 38.7 mpg

Combined 29.7 mpg

COMFORT Excellent

LUGGAGE SPACE n/a cu ft

DIMENSIONS: Length 185in

Width 70in

TOP SPEED 140mph

FUEL TANK 13.6 gallons

Story date: Wednesday 17 November

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