Ford’s excellent German-sourced Mondeo range gets a boost with a broader range and a new ultra-efficient turbo-diesel engine.
Delivering fuel economy as low as 5.9l/100kms, Ford says the latest generation of its 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine uses 19 per cent less fuel than its predecessor, but with 120kW, is 16 per cent more powerful. Maximum torque is 340Nm.
Emissions are also down to as low as 157g/km.
Clearly the Hybrid Camry is in Ford’s sights – the company reckons the new Mondeo LX TDCi hatch is actually more efficient the Camry (official combined cycle fuel economy 6.0l/100kms).
The new engine complies with the tough Euro 5 standards. It’s a common rail design and compared to Mondeo’s current engine, changes include a small turbocharger and eight hole injectors pumping fuel at a higher pressure (up to 2000 bar).
Further raising the bar in the mid-size segment, all diesel Mondeos will drive through Ford’s six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch transmission. Sourced from gearbox specialist Getrag, the PowerShift is already fitted to Ford’s Focus TDCi models and Ford says the new transmission reduces Mondeo’s fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent.
The new transmission comes with HLA (Hill Launch Assist) which automatically holds the car stationary on a grade until the accelerator is pressed.
The current 2.3-litre petrol engine remains, however when the new Mondeo range hits Australian showrooms, the range-topping XR5 model with its 2.5-litre, turbocharged five-cylinder engine will be dropped.
Some minor trim upgrades inside and out are included in the new model lineup which has grown to 11 variants.
Pricing has also been trimmed with entry to the Mondeo lineup (LX hatch 2.3) now starting at $30,540. A new entry-level diesel model joins the team (LX TDCi hatch - $34,540).
For Mondeo wagon, the entry price is now $32,390 (LX 2.3) while the LX TDCi wagon is stickered at $36,390.
