New Ford Mondeo

Ford Australia is set to launch an updated version of the mid-sized Mondeo, which will attract a lot of attention for one chief reason: the wagon has landed.

Australian drivers will now be able to experience what the Europeans have been enjoying for years in the form of the Mondeo wagon, which makes up part of the updated MB series Mondeo launching locally in late July-early August 2009.

The President and CEO of Ford Australia, Marin Burela, said: "Mondeo has always been acclaimed for its strong attributes, particularly its driving dynamics, safety performance and interior package.

"With the new range we've taken these qualities a step further, adding advanced vehicle technologies and improving standard equipment levels to deliver an unmatched mid-size package."

As well as a wagon variant, the updated MB Mondeo range gains improved equipment levels on all models such as leather steering wheel, cruise control and Bluetooth voice control across the range.

There's also the addition of premium features with the arrival of the new high-end Titanium model. Take Adaptive Cruise Control for example, a radar-based system that keeps a set distance between the car in front and can use the brakes to decelerate the car automatically. Dynamic Headlights with swivelling low beams also feature, and both these technologies are firsts on Blue Oval-badged vehicles in Australia.

All models have a five-star ANCAP safety rating and feature a high level of standard safety features, including an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist, stability control, automatic hazard warning lights activation and seven airbags, including side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag.

Wagon models have 542 litres of boot space which rises to 1733 litres with the rear seats folded flat, which is significantly more than the hatch.

While 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines (103kW/320Nm) are offered on Zetec and Titanium grades, the diesel mill is packaged solely with hatch models at the present time.

The wagon is available in entry and mid-level LX and Zetec grades, coupled with the 2.3-litre petrol engine (118kW/208Nm). All models except the six-speed manual XR5 Turbo feature a six-speed automatic transmission. Models and the manufacturer's list pricing is as follows:

- LX hatch 2.3L petrol (6sp auto) $

- Zetec hatch 2.3L petrol (6sp auto) $

- Titanium hatch 2.3L petrol (6sp auto) $

- XR5 Turbo hatch 2.5L petrol turbo (6sp manual) $44,990

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