Ford Mondeo

[NarendZORCE]

The Ford Mondeo is adopting a fresh new look, making this already attractive vehicle even more appealing. A number of detailed exterior changes strengthen the timeless and contemporary design of a car which remains a strong favourite in the competitive European CD segment.

The new look complements Mondeo's acclaimed driving quality, and extensive range of derivatives. With its impressive line-up of TDCi diesel engines, including the exciting 155 PS, 400 Nm, 2.2-litre version, its exciting ST performance derivatives, and its practical, yet premium wagon, the Mondeo range offers something for every customer. All Mondeos benefit from Ford's Intelligent Protection System (IPS) which continues to make Mondeo one of the safest vehicles on the road.

With so much included in the Mondeo range, it is no wonder that Mondeo is one of only two vehicles in the European CD segment to achieve double-digit market share in 2004.

Coupled with the physical changes to the Mondeo is a modification of the series line-up to maximize customer choice. This includes the incorporation of the Titanium and Titanium X models as regular series alongside the Ghia and Ghia X models because of continued customer demand. The Titanium X was originally introduced in 2004 as a "limited production" model.

The new Mondeo looks sportier and more luxurious, yet remains a contemporary, classic design. Signalling the changes outside are restyled front and rear bumpers with new lower valances, plus more detailed chrome applications around the vehicle.

The visual adjustments to the four-door and five-door models include the addition of chrome accents and more clear glass to the large rear lamps, giving them a fresh, elegant appearance. In addition, the new-look rear bumper lower valance now incorporates distinctive and functional red reflectors on four- and five-door models.

All Mondeo models get new look upper and lower grilles at the front. The Ghia and Titanium series each get a bodycolour full-depth lower bumper which will also be common on the X derivatives. The Ghia X and Titanium X models also get a lower stainless steel bar and bodycolour bumper protection mouldings. As a finishing touch, all models now receive clear 'jeweled' side repeaters on the front fenders.

Inside, the Mondeo retains its premium quality feel and high level of specification, but some subtle changes have been made.

Chic new trim fabrics and different bezel colour options are on offer across the range. Also, the central clock has been subtly changed with a new black appliqu�, plus changes in hand colour and lighting have been made to improve visibility for the driver. Upscale models, like the Ghia and ST, offer a higher chrome content in keeping with the interior's contemporary feel.

Along with exterior and interior changes across the Mondeo range, improvements have been made to enhance driving quality.

The key changes to the new Mondeo include improved brake feel, giving the driver more responsive, solid feedback when applying the brakes. The changes improve Mondeo's already excellent brake performance.

On Mondeos equipped with Ford's Durashift 6-speed manual transmission, a gear lever trigger has been added which helps to eliminate potential mis-shifts. A spring-loaded ring under the gear knob now has to be lifted by the driver when selecting reverse gear.

At the top of the Mondeo range, with the emphasis on performance, is the Ford Mondeo ST. While the Mondeo ST220 with its 226 PS 3.0-litre Duratec V6 engine is already a favourite of performance motorists, the Mondeo ST formula is now being made available to Diesel customers, with the introduction of the Mondeo ST TDCi across Europe. Equipped with the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, this Mondeo ST generates 155 PS at 3500 rpm. Maximum torque is 360 Nm at 1800 rpm with a peak at 400 Nm in overboost, giving Mondeo one of the most powerful diesel engines in the segment.