Ford Lynx Ghia Added to Range
To older motorists who had a Ford before, mention of ‘Ghia’ will bring back memories of the best-equipped versions of models like the Escort, Capri, Cortina and Granada. Fords with the Ghia badge had more luxurious interiors with plush upholstery and even wood trim.
Ghia versions were last seen in Malaysia on the previous Lynx generation and then disappeared. Such versions still continued to be offered in other countries, notably Europe, but new marketing directions in Malaysia did not include Ghia trim levels for the past few years.
Now the prestigious badge returns with the new Lynx Ghia introduced this month. Available with 4-speed electronic automatic and 5-speed manual transmissions, the Lynx Ghia is powered by a proven 79.4 kW/108 ps (and 145 Nm of torque) 1.6 litre DOHC 16-valve engine with sequential electronic fuel injection. The automatic transmission’s shift programme has Direct Electronic Shift Control (DESC) which minimises “hunting” for a suitable gear while the car is being driven up or down a slope.
As with past Ghia versions, the Lynx Ghia is equipped to a high level and comes with all-new velour fabric seats and a classy two-tone interior as well as a subtly modified centre console to increase driver comfort and convenience.
One of the lesser known features of earlier models of the Laser (the predecessor to the Lynx) was additional ducting under the front seats to bring air to the rear passengers. In the Lynx Ghia, there are now vents at the back of the console box – just like in more expensive limousines!
The front passenger’s seat has also been redesigned so it can now fold flat and be used as a table – or for someone with long legs, there’s now a chance to really stretch out! A simple feature but one which will have practical uses.
In terms of passive and active safety, the Lynx Ghia Auto comes with 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD as standard equipment, with front driver and passenger side SRS airbags as well.
To further differentiate the Lynx Ghia from the XL, LS and SV versions, there are three totally new colours – Dark Nautic Blue, Winter White and Savana Green – as well as three which are common with the other Lynx versions.
Peninsula Malaysia prices, without insurance, for the new Lynx Ghia are RM90,004.44 (manual, metallic paint) and RM101,341.28 OTR (automatic, metallic paint). Interestingly, the Lynx SV, which has more aggressive styling with its factory bodykit, is priced at RM106.984.30.
