Diesel wagon for Mondeo

Ford has high hopes for its new Mondeo range. The company has dropped the sedan, introduced a wagon, slotted Titanium-spec variants in just under the XR5 flagship and bunged in some added features -- but you'll be struggling to pick the new from the old.

Nonetheless, Ford expects buyers to sit up and take note. According to Sinead McAlary, the company's Communications Manager, the model mix is now right and Ford has generally straightened out the inventory problems that troubled the mid-size car when it was first released.

"There could be an argument maybe we had too much choice before, particularly when the sedan and the hatch looked very much alike also," she told the Carsales Network during the media drive program for the new Mondeo.

"We don't think we're going to lose anybody by not having the sedan, because they look alike and [the hatch] is a lot more user-friendly."

McAlary does expect the Mondeo to pick up sales through the introduction of the wagon. Ford is planning to target both the private buyers, who have previously been the staple for Mondeo sales, and fleet buyers, who have not. Part of the appeal to fleet buyers will come from a diesel wagon variant, yet to be launched here.

"We are looking at bringing in diesel wagon -- and that will come in coming months... either later this year or early next year," said McAlary. Asked why Ford chose to launch the revised Mondeo range without a diesel wagon, when the diesel is not far off, McAlary hints that it's the usual bugbear of obtaining supply from overseas factories.

"We had a choice, we could either wait to get access to the diesel wagon... but we decided 'no', we would come to market with the petrol version as soon as we could get it..."

As it stands then, the Mondeo range will make do without the diesel wagon for a few months. In the meantime, the Mondeo range is structured as follows:

LX hatch 2.3-litre six-speed automatic: $31,990*
LX wagon 2.3-litre six-speed automatic: $32,990*
Zetec hatch 2.3-litre six-speed automatic: $36,990*
Zetec wagon 2.3-litre six-speed automatic: $37,990*
Zetec TDCi hatch 2.0-litre turbodiesel six-speed automatic: $39,990*
Titanium hatch 2.3-litre six-speed automatic: $42,990*
Titanium TDCI hatch 2.0-litre turbodiesel six-speed automatic: $45,990*
XR5 Turbo hatch 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo six-speed manual: $44,990*

* manufacturer's list price excluding on-road costs and dealer delivery charge

Mondeo LX variants now come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, cruise control and a leather-bound steering wheel. Using specific commands, the voice control system allows the driver to adjust or initiate audio and mobile phone (Bluetooth) operation. The voice control system available with variants other than the based-grade LX models also provides a facility to adjust climate control settings.

Zetec models are upgraded with the addition of a USB connection for an external music source, audio iPod compatibility, HMI (Human Machine Interface, previously available with the XR5 model only), 'Daphne' seat trim fabric, Bluetooth/voice control as per LX models and a chrome decorative strip for the car's external beltline.

Combining the 2.3-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel powerplants with the standard six-speed automatic transmission in a hatchback body equipped to the same level of trim as the XR5, the Mondeo Titanium is a new level in the range. Features not previously seen in Mondeo and specific to the Titanium include: Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Alert, Collision Mitigation, Dynamic Headlights and 'Smart Key' entry/start system -- this last item fitted as standard to the superseded XR5 also.

For the upgraded model, the XR5 Turbo features a new design of 18-inch alloy wheel, bi-xenon headlights, dual chrome exhausts and red stitching for the Alcantara/leather seats.

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