Ford Introduces Titanium and Wagon to New Mondeo Range
Ford’s new MB Mondeo lineup is highlighted by a gloriously styled wagon version and a new premium model called the Titanium – available only as a hatchback but with petrol or diesel engines.
With extra technologies and features across the eight model range, the European-sourced Mondeo is well specified and delivers good value.
Amongst the new features are Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Dynamic Headlights with cornering lamps.
According to Ford, Mondeo is the first mainstream medium segment vehicle in Australia to offer ACC.
The Acc system includes a Forward Alert audio warning, visual collision warning system and collision mitigation via automatic braking. Like other similar systems, ACC automatically decelerates when it detects a moving vehicle within a pre-set distance ahead (it also accelerates back to the driver’s set speed to maintain a constant distance).
Dynamic Headlights, standard on Titanium models, use halogen lights that swivel in a range of 15 degrees according to steering input to provide enhanced visibility when cornering. In addition, static cornering lights are automatically illuminated when the Mondeo is traveling less than 70 k/h and the steering wheel is turned more than 30 degrees – particularly useful for drivers and pedestrians in the city and suburbs on dark, wet nights.
As part of the MB model upgrades, range-topping Mondeo XR5 Turbo models gain bi-xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with automatic headlight leveling and static cornering lights.
Voice control technology is now standard across the range to control Bluetooth phone, radio, CD player plus USB or iPod and - on Zetec, Titanium or XR5 turbo variants - it can also control the automatic climate control air-conditioning.
The new wagon certainly looks the part and is a true European mid-sizer. This stylish newcomer to the mid-size wagon segment is available in either entry level LX or mid-spec Zetec variants.
Power comes from Ford’s 2.3-litre Duratec four cylinder engine (118kW/208Nm). Like all Mondeo models (except the XR5 Turbo) drive is via a six-speed sequential automatic transmission.
Cargo capacity with the rear seat in place is 542 litres. Fold the back seat flat and this increases to a very impressive 1733 litres.
Like the hatchback models, safety features abound - ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and seven airbags including side curtain airbags and driver’s knee airbag.
Mondeo has received a five-star rating from ANCAP.
XR5 models – available only with the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and six-speed manual transmission - are distinguished by new five-spoke sports alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust outlets and new red stitching for the Alcantara/leather seat trim.
Keyless entry is now also available across the range.
The Mondeo is a competent European vehicle and the wagon gives the range even more appeal – ideal for private and commercial buyers who don’t need all of the size and space of the Falcon wagon or Territory SUV.
Pricing for the new Mondeo lineup is:
- LX Hatchback - $31,990
- LX Wagon - $32,990
- Zetec Hatchback - $36,990
- Zetec Wagon - $37,990
- Zetec Hatch (diesel) - $39,990
- Titanium Hatchback - $42,990
- Titanium hatchback (diesel) - $45,990
- XR5 Turbo - $44,990
