Ford fleshes out Mondeo range

Ford will expand the Mondeo range to 11 from the third quarter this year. The new variants will feature a stronger, cleaner turbodiesel engine, as reported by the Carsales Network previously. From launch, the standard transmission for the diesel Mondeo models will be the Getrag-built 'PowerShift' dual-clutch transmission.

"Ford Australia is set to introduce a variety of new models, technologies and innovations over the next 12-18 months, further strengthening our product portfolio and delivering affordable, state-of-the-art features focused on fuel economy, safety, driver comfort and convenience," Ford Australia VP for sales & marketing, Beth Donovan was quoted saying in a press release issued today.

"The 2010 Mondeo range leads the charge with its sleek European style and class-leading technology and safety features boosted by the comprehensive updates made to our TDCi diesel engine and the introduction of a PowerShift six-speed transmission."

Still boasting a 2.0-litre capacity, the latest generation of Duratorq TDCi diesel is claimed by the company to use 19 per cent less fuel, but delivers up to 16 per cent more power at its peak. Torque is also improved, by six per cent.

The vital stats for the new engine are: 120kW of power, 340Nm of torque and 5.9L/100km fuel economy in combined-cycle testing for the new Mondeo LX TDCi hatch. CO2 emissions have been reduced to 157g/km for the same variant. All other variants use 6.2L/100km in combined-cycle testing and emit 165g/km of CO2.

Euro 5-compliant, the new common-rail diesel engine has adopted a lower compression ratio and a wider combustion chamber. It operates with reduced swirl and features a smaller, variable-geometry turbocharger and eight-hole injectors that pump fuel at a higher pressure (2000-bar versus 1800-bar). The engine ECU has been recalibrated, and engineers have also specified a high-efficiency Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler and a coated diesel particulate filter. As well as increasing engine efficiency and enhancing throttle response, the changes are claimed to have reduced NVH.

Ford says that the Mondeo LX TDCi hatch, with the new diesel powerplant, is more efficient than the Toyota Camry Hybrid. It will also be some $2000 cheaper than the base-grade Toyota when it goes on sale.

Already introduced to the Australian market in the Focus TDCi Powershift, the six-speed Getrag dual-clutch transmission works on the same principles as Volkswagen's DSG transmission. Operating like a conventional (epicyclic) automatic transmission, the PowerShift transmission does so with the efficiency of a manual. Ford estimates that the fuel consumption benefits of this transmission over an epicyclic box are worth eight to 10 per cent.

Mondeos fitted with the PowerShift transmission will also come equipped with Hill Launch Assist (HLA), relying on the car's stability control system to ensure easier hill starts. The HLA system applies brakes on grades to ensure the car doesn't roll back (uphill) or forward (downhill) before the driver can get press the accelerator pedal. It holds the brakes applied for up to 2.5 seconds after brake pedal pressure is released by the driver. If the driver throttles up within that 2.5-second delay, HLA will automatically release the brakes.

A system such as HLA is almost a must-have for any vehicle fitted with a twin-clutch transmission. And the Getrag transmission, in turn, adds market appeal to the Mondeo range, the Ford being one of just a handful of cars offering the combination of diesel engine and a self-shifting transmission at this price point in the medium segment.

The company's increased reliance on diesel Mondeo variants to generate sales is confirmed by the fact that more than half the range will be diesel powered and diesel variants account for half of all Mondeo sales, a point that Donovan observes.

"There has been a growing acceptance of diesel technology within the Medium car segment over the past few years and Mondeo has played a key part in that evolution, with diesel-powered models now accounting for more than half of all Mondeos sold," Donovan said.

In addition to the new engine and transmission, the upgraded Mondeo will be identified by standard roof rails on all wagons, with solid black finish for the base model LX or a silver finish for the Zetec and Titanium grades. Inside, the Zetec-level Mondeos will be specified with rear-seat HVAC vents located on the B pillars, a feature handed down from the Titanium grade.

The upgraded Mondeo range will be priced from $30,540* for the entry-level LX hatch with 2.3-litre petrol engine. At the top of the range, the Titanium TDCi wagon is priced at $47,740*. Ford in Europe has ceased production of the turbocharged Mondeo XR5, but Ford Australia has secured enough stock to meet customer demand for the next four or five months.

Pricing details follow:

LX 2.3 hatch $30,540*
LX TDCi hatch $34,540* -- new model
Zetec 2.3 hatch $35,740*
Zetec TDCi hatch $39,240*
Titanium 2.3 hatch $42,740*
Titanium TDCi hatch $46,240*

LX 2.3 wagon $32,390*
LX TDCi wagon $36,390* -- new model
Zetec 2.3 wagon $37,240*
Zetec TDCi wagon $40,740* -- new model
Titanium TDCi wagon $47,740* -- new model

* Manufacturer's list price, not including on-road costs and dealer pre-delivery charge

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