Stylish and well-equipped, with full wheel trims, a wider bodyside moulding, and body colour grille and door handles, the Montego 1.3 and 1.6 hardly look like the range price leaders. Halogen headlamps, twin door mirrors and an intermittent wipe faccility help you to see and be seen, and a laminated windscreen is standard. A lockable fuel filler flap secures the petrol tank, and you'll also appreciate the two-key security system; one key operates just the doors and ignition, allowing you to leave belongings locked away in the glovebox and boot when required. There's also a remote boot release to let you open the boot without having to remove the keys from the ignition.

Inside that generously proportioned passenger compartment, the levels of comfort will leave you refreshed after the most arduous travel. The upper front seat belt mountings are height adjustable to cater for taller drivers, whilst the front seats are fitted with head restraints. The seats are faced in up-to-date Sonar Marle and Plain velour, and the doors - equipped with handy stowage bins - are trimmed with matching cloth inserts.

The instruments include a digital clock, and at night the switches, column stalks and heater controls are all conveniently illuminated. The Montego 1.6 also offers an illuminated cigar lighter. The push-button radio now has twin dual-cone speakers for improved performance, and an internally adjustable drivers door mirror, dipping rear view mirror and illuminated glovebox are part of the specification. Options include black and clearcoat metallic paint and 1.6 models) power-assisted steering.

Intelligent design goes a great deal further than this however. From the moment you turn the ignition key, the Montego is thinking about your best interests. Using its microprocessor-controlled carburettor to stretch the petrol further through fine control of the choke, engine idle speed, and the fuel supply during deceleration. The result, with Montego 1.3, is 52.9 mpg at a steady 56 mph. With the optional five-speed gearbox, the steady 56 mph economy shoots further up the charts to 58.3 mpg.

In addition to electronic fuel control, the 1.6 S-Series engine has a programmed ignition system which gives a precise control of the engine timing under all operating conditions. The improved engine efficiency benefits both economy and performance. Combine that with the convenience of 12 month/12,000 mile service intervals, and you'll find the Montego a hard car to beat in the long run.

Cars, 1987 (Publication No. 3855)