after receiving mixed reviews and selling at a lower pace than Ford might have wished

during its first season. Called Mondeo throughout much of the world, the compact sedan

carries either Mercury Mystique or Ford Contour badges here.

How different is Ford's World Car from, for example, a Japanese-designed Toyota

Camry that's built in the U.S out of Japanese and American-sourced parts? In concept,

not very; Mystique and Contour are mainstream cars for their class, and are assembled

in the U.S. (and Mexico) with components sourced from around the world.

Much the same can be said for other players on this field, from Honda's Accord to

Nissan's Altima to the Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire. The Chrysler compacts,

Cirrus and Dodge Stratus, have more local design and hardware content than the others,

and are assembled only in the U.S.

But there are significant distinctions in execution. The biggest differences

between the Ford compacts and their competitors are best described in the subjective

area of "feel" Mystique and Contour have the road manners and performance of European

cars, which, essentially, is what they are.

Mystique and Contour are also Ford products, which means they are assembled and

finished to a standard that matches--or exceeds--that of any of their competitors. The

Blue Oval company has made great strides in this area over the past few years, and the

hard work shows to advantage here.

Mystique and Contour, and much of the shock value is gone. The Mystique, in fact, has

a normal, almost conservative look to it, with its low, wide headlamps and

conventional air intake. The Contour, on the other hand, retains its startling ovoid

air inlets and elliptical headlights. Front exterior panels aside, the two are virtual

twins.

Some bright trim has been deleted from the 1996 models, leaving only wheels and

badges as indicators of base (Mystique GS, Contour GL), or uplevel (LS and LX,

respectively) trim and equipment. Contour is offered in an additional sporty SE

version, which carries a small spoiler on its rear deck and its own seven-spoke alloy

wheels. Ford is also readying a limited edition SVT version of the Contour for

mid-year release, offering more power and sharper handling.

All Mystique and Contour models (except the SE) list the 130-horsepower,

2.0-liter, Zetec inline, 4-cylinder engine as standard equipment, though all are

available with the much more powerful 2.5-liter, Duratec V6. The larger engine comes

in an option package that includes 4-wheel disc brakes, larger tires and stiffer

suspension. Base transmission for either engine is a 5-speed manual, with a 4-speed

automatic available at extra cost.

Our test car was a Mystique LS, with V6 engine and 5-speed manual transmission.

their best when four or fewer are on board, something that's true of any car in this

size class. Interior space is limited in back, even though an extra inch of head and

leg room has been carved out of the 1996 cabins by a redesign of the front seatbacks

and lowering of the rear seat cushion. Even with that added space, adults won't want

to spend much time in the back. All models now have folding rear seatbacks that

increase luggage space.

Driver- and front-seat passenger will find their part of the interior to be cozy

as well. Here, there's just enough space available for comfort. The front seats have

short cushions, but are otherwise supportive and suitable for long drives. Base front

seats have manual adjustments that include tilt and lumbar support settings on the

driver's side; a 10-way power driver's seat is optional. Steering wheel, pedals and

switches are all nicely positioned, and switches have a soft surface that's easy on

the fingers.

Interior appearance is first-rate, from the curved dashboard to details on the

door panels. Some critics feel that the dash is made up of too many separate pieces,

but that's a matter of opinion; all agree that the overall look is appealing.

Instruments are clear and legible.

Mystique and Contour do offer plenty of stowage area in back. More, in fact, than

the slightly longer Honda Accord. Trunk liftover is low, and the space is well-shaped

to handle luggage or grocery bags.

Aside from a few extra touches such as height-adjustable front seatbelts and a

pollen filter in the ventilation system, Mystique and Contour carry a light load of

standard equipment in base form. That's normal for cars in this price range. Adding

desirable options pushes the price into the premium area for a small midsize car: A

fully-loaded Mystique LS such as our test car crosses the $20,000 frontier. However, it also provides a few features (all-speed traction control perhaps the most important) not available on competitive cars.

owners. These aren't as much based on model choice--though the more expensive versions

do have better interior trim and more amenities--as on power and handling.

Certain virtues apply to all models. The body structure is quite rigid, keeping

squeaks and rattles at bay while isolating its occupants from excess road noise. Wind

noise is low as well, making Mystique one of the quieter cars in its class.

The 4-cylinder Mystiques are fine commuter cars. Smoothness and economy are the

prime criteria here, and the Zetec engine delivers on both counts. Hill-climbing and

passing maneuvers are lengthy procedures, as they are with most small sedans.

You'll find that the base-level Mystique has a slightly stiffer ride than its

rivals. That's more than balanced out by superior controlability. The European design

heritage really shows through here, delivering one of the best balances between

comfort and fun we've encountered in a 4-door sedan.

Things get even better in V6 versions. Our tester was a genuine driver's car,

closer to BMW than Toyota in character. Stronger springs and shock absorbers keep the

sportier Mystique even more firmly glued to the pavement while firming up the ride,

more so than some buyers will like.

But the tradeoff is worth the minor decrease in softness. Every part of the

Mystique's chassis works well to create a harmonious whole. We found the steering to

be sports-car sharp, body roll almost non-existent and the brakes are superb.

And the engine is terrific. With 170 hp available, the Duratec can chirp the front

tires from a standing start, making the traction control option a desirable addition.

It's well-muffled in cruise mode, but has a healthy snarl when pushed. We'd rate it

the finest engine in the compact-car field.

Some early manual-transmission cars were criticized for balky shifters, but our

experience suggests that improvements have been made to the shift linkage. The

optional automatic is good, and does little to diminish the V6's snap.

Mystique--and its Contour sibling--stand out. Either one can transform the business of

travel into a pleasurable experience for the driver while satisfying the commuter's

basic needs.

Moreover, they stack up very well in the value-for-money department, whether in

base or fully equipped form. Fit and finish are tops, too.

The lack of rear-seat space remains a major handicap, however. Car-poolers will do better elsewhere, although these cars are eminently suitable for families with small kids.

In every other respect the Mystique is first-rate. If your heart says "sports car"

but your wallet says "economy sedan," this is the best choice among a host of

excellent offerings.