Perfected during five years of exhaustive research and development - and built in a factory where nothing matters more than in-depth quality Ford's prestigious new Granada Scorpio stands out as 1985's definitive contender in the executive class's upper echelons. It has a limousine's Luxury, the poise and panache of a potent Grand Touring car, and the spacious, versatile interior of a thoroughly modern five-door hatchback. Powerful but economicalt Ford's new flagship makes light work of heavy traffic and performs like a mettlesome thoroughbred on the open road. With the optional selflevelling rear suspension, the Scorpio is also ideal for towing a caravan, horsebox or boat trailer when the time comes to relax. The interior is so lavish it tends to draw attention away from the Scorpio's exterior features. They include tinted glass, driving lights and fog lights set into the painted, impact-resistant front bumper whose bright inserts run right along the full-depth bodyside mouldings and round the beautifully curved tail. The Scorpio also gets a special type of protective paint for its rocker panels. Both door mirrors are power-operated and heated to clear mist and frost on days when the all-disc ABS antilock braking system could prove worth its weight in gold. In addition, the Scorpio is the first production car ever to be sold with an electrically-heated windscreen for superfast deicing. Drivers will also notice that the Scorpio, unlike the Granada GL and Ghia, rides on light, strong alloy wheels whose 6-inch rims are shod with 185/70VR x 14 tyres. Their extra grip becomes apparent when sweeping through corners as confidently and comfortably as an express train running on rails. Tyres, brakes, powerassisted steering and fullyindependent suspension complement the Scorpio's 2.8 EFi V6 power unit which provides 150 PS at 5800 rpm and a meaty 219 Nm of torque exactly 2800 revs lower down the scale. The standard A4LD four~speed overdrive automatic transmission gives a 0-60 mph time of 11.0 seconds and a 127 mph top speed while fuel figures outstanding for a Scorpio class car - include 38.7 mpg at 56 mph.