Mondeo receives efficient new Powershift transmission

Ford's stylish Mondeo has received a mild midlife makeover, the new MC series range adding even more driver safety technologies and equipment, enhanced styling inside and out, plus the inclusion of a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission on TDCi (diesel) models.

On the safety front, Mondeo Titanium TDCi models will add Driver Alert (an on-board driver drowsiness detector), Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limiter and Automatic High Beam headlamps, while Mondeo Titanium and Mondeo Titanium TDCi models add Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and LED Daytime Running Lights.

Joining standard safety equipment such as stability control, emergency brake assist and seven airbags, Mondeo scores a maximum possible five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Stylistically, all models gain a new bonnet, front fascia design, revised tail lamps, wing mirrors with integrated turn signals, a new front mudguard bezel, new tailgate and deck-lid design, plus a glass-mounted antenna (the roof-mounted antenna is deleted).

In the cabin, new decor highlights see a satin black audio surround added, plus polished chrome scuff plates for wagon models.

Additionally, all models now receive passenger seat lumbar support, a cargo area courtesy lamp, woven headliner and sliding centre console cover.

Further, Mondeo LX models add front and rear power windows (available from February 2011), two-way driver's seat height adjustment, new 16-inch steel wheel covers and body-coloured door handles.

Mondeo Zetec now includes a high-series HMI (Human Machine Interface) infotainment system, new 17-inch alloy wheels and front seat reading lamps.

And finally, Mondeo Titanium models add the revised safety features mentioned earlier, high-series HMI system, new 18-inch alloys, remoulded body-styling kit, revised foglamps, unique (front) upper and lower grilles, enhanced interior lighting, cloth-covered B-pillar trim and, on wagon models, anodised aluminium-finished roof rails.

Ford says these product enrichments will bolster Mondeo's already renowned blend of styling, comfort, ride and performance.

"I am delighted to announce these enhancements for the popular Mondeo," said Ford Australia President and CEO, Marin Burela.

"The Ford Mondeo is already an excellent example of balancing the right mix of equipment and technology with the right price in a car that is beautifully designed and packaged. These generous additions simply build on this winning formula.

"Despite its ongoing sales growth now is the right time to make it an even more compelling choice for new-car buyers."

On the mechanical front, MC Mondeo models will continue to offer the same engine line-up as offered previously in the MB series with a 2.3-litre Duratec four-cylinder petrol engine (118kW/208Nm) and 2.0-litre Duratorq four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (120kW/340Nm) available.

For the first time, Ford's new Powershift six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will come standard on TDCi (turbodiesel) models.

The new transmission not only improves performance, but also betters fuel economy. In Mondeo LX TDCi hatch, this figure is now a low 5.9L/100km (combined). All other turbodiesel models are rated at 6.2L/100km.

Ford's new MC Mondeo range will arrive in showrooms nationwide from November, with the exception of Mondeo Titanium hatch and wagon, which go on-sale in December. Pricing will be announced closer to that date.

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