Initial Release and Lifetime
Introduced in 1994 as a 1995 model, this version came well equipped compared to other cars in its class. Many magazines, including Car and Driver, compared the Contour to many European cars, due to its light yet nimble.
In 1998, Ford restyled the Contour and Mystique. The restyle was based on the facelifted Mondeo which had been launched in Europe two years earlier. Ford has also added an SVT version for the Contour, which utilized a specially tuned and modified version of the 2.5 L V6 that produced 195 hp (145 kW)(1998 MY) / 200 hp (149 kW) (1999/2000 MY) and was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Also included with the SVT Contour was new bodywork, seats and trim, white-faced gauges, larger wheels with ultra high performance tires, upgraded brakes and a retuned suspension. The Contour SVT was available primarily by special order by specially designated Ford dealerships.
Read more about this topic: Ford SVT Contour
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