Several prototypes were tested that year, but the launch of the Nissan Primera
in 1990 prompted Ford to made a number of
major alterations to the final product, as it saw the new
competitor from Nissan to be the benchmark car
in this sector, having previously identified the Honda Accord as the
class leader.
With BMW's 4 Series, Audi's A5, Mercedes - Benz C -
Class coupe and the Lexus RC as its
major competitors, there was never going to be much leeway for misjudgements
in design or execution.