FORD'S new Cougar has made an impressive entry into the premium coupe market for vehicles priced below £21,000. Figures from CAP Motor Research show the Cougar getting a firm foothold among market leaders BMW and Fiat.

The latest issue of CAP Monitor - Future Residual Values, claims that after three years/ 60,000 miles the Cougar 2.5 24v Coupe is expected to retain 40% of its original list price. Although still trailing the BMW Coupe, the figure is head to head with the likes of the Fiat Coupe, Peugeot 406 and Honda Prelude. Ford began taking orders for the Cougar at the start of November. A spokesman said interest, particularly from fleets had been enormous, but it was too early to say how this would translate to orders.