Ford Mondeo
Encyclopedia
The Mondeo was launched on 8 January 1993, and sales began on 22 March 1993. Available as a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback
, and a five-door estate
, all models for the European market were produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian
city of Genk
. The Sierra had been built there since its launch in 1982, although until 1989, right hand drive Sierras had also been built in UK at the Dagenham
plant.
Intended as a world car, it replaced the Ford Sierra
in Europe, the Ford Telstar
in a large portion of Asia and other markets, while the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique replaced the Ford Tempo
and Mercury Topaz
in North America. Unlike the Sierra, the Mondeo is front-wheel drive
in its most common form, with a rarer four-wheel drive
version available on the Mk1 car only. Instigated in 1986, the design of the car cost Ford US$6 billion
. It was one of the most expensive new car programs ever. The Mondeo was significant as its design and marketing was shared between Ford USA in Dearborn
, and Ford of Europe. Its codename while under development reflected thus: CDW27 signified that it straddled the C & D size classes and was a "World Car".
The car was launched in the midst of turbulent times at Ford of Europe, when the division was haemorrhaging hundreds of millions of dollars, and had gained a reputation in the motoring press for selling products which had been designed by accountants rather than engineers. The fourth generation Escort
and Orion
of 1990 was the zenith of this cost-cutting/high price philosophy which was by then beginning to backfire on Ford, with the cars being slated for their substandard ride and handling, though a facelift in 1992 had seen things improve a little. The Sierra had sold well, but not as well as the all-conquering Cortina
before it, and in Britain, it had been overtaken in the sales charts by the newer Vauxhall Cavalier
. Previously loyal customers were already turning to rival products and by the time of the Mondeo's launch, the future of Europe as a Ford manufacturing base was hanging in the balance. The new car had to be good, and it had to sell.
Despite being billed as a world car, the only external items the Mondeo shared initially with the Contour were the windscreen, front windows, front mirrors and door handles. The rear end of the American sedan was basically the same as the European saloon, but with a red, dummy lense connecting the tail lights. The front end treatment, however, skipped a generation, from the European viewpoint, being the same as the Mk2 Mondeo right from the start. The Contour's oval grille was modified slightly on the Mercury variant. The interior also was slightly different. The CDW27 project turned out not to be a true world car in the sense that the original Ford Focus and the Mk.6 Ford Fiesta
would later be, one design for the world.
.
Safety was a high priority in the Mondeo design with a driver's side airbag
(it was the first ever car sold from the beginning with a driver's airbag in all of its versions, which helped it achieve the ECOTY
title for 1994), side-impact bars, seat belt pretensioners, and ABS
(higher models) as standard features. Other features for its year included adaptive damping, self-levelling suspension
(top station wagon models), traction control
(V6 and 4WD versions), and heated front windscreen, branded Quickclear
.
The interiors were usually well-appointed, featuring velour
trim, an arm rest with CD and tape storage, central locking (frequently remote), power windows (all round on higher models), power mirrors, lights on ping, flat-folding rear seats, etc. Higher specification models had leather seats, trip computer
s, electric sunroof, CD changer and alloy wheels.
During its development, Ford used the 1986 Honda Accord
and 1990 Nissan Primera
as the class benchmarks that the CDW27 had to beat.. An official Ford brochure, which explains the development of the Mondeo, is freely available here.
.
Three versions of the 16-valve Zetec engine were used. The 1.6 L version (rated at 90 bhp) from the Escort was used, a 1.8 (115 bhp) also found in the Escort and Ford Fiesta
(105 bhp), while a new 136 bhp 2.0 L version was launched.
An alternative to the Zetec engines was the Endura-D
1.8 L turbodiesel
. This engine had origins in the older 1.6 L diesel
design used in the Fiesta
and elsewhere. Although not without merits, it was not seen as a strong competitor to other European diesels such as that produced by Peugeot
. The contrast between this unit and the competition seemed enormous by the time the engine was dropped in 2000. Strangely, the diesel powered vehicles could easily be distinguished by dint of their having a slightly redesigned grille.
A less popular engine (for the UK and Ireland) was introduced in 1994 in the form of the 170 bhp 2.5 L 24-valve V6 Duratec unit, primarily included for markets where four-cylinder petrol engines are not favored and are usually intended for the upmarket European buyer. This engine, first unveiled in the Mondeo's North American cousin, the Ford Contour
, is characterized by its smooth operation, chain-driven camshafts and an ability to operate using only half its 24 valves at low engine speeds. Fuel economy was poor, the automatic even worse than the manual (and far less reliable). This engine was originally branded 24v (when valve count was all important), but later on sold as the more glamorous sounding V6.
This engine was also used to introduce the new "ST" brand to the Mondeo range as a flagship model (with less specification than a Ghia or a Ghia X), the ST24 in 1997. The power of the engine stayed at 170 bhp, the same as other 2.5 L-engined models (so was slower than a Mk1 24v), but the ST featured unique cabin trim (half leather seats), unique 16 in alloy wheels (that were originally only available on a Ghia X Estate), and a full Rally Sport Appearance Pack body kit as standard, The bodykit option was listed as a delete option for those that did not want it fitted as standard. This was later replaced by the Limited Edition ST200 in 1999, featuring an SVT
version of the V6 Duratec with a power output of 200 bhp.
Although neither of these models ever sold in high numbers, the marketing was important to Ford, as it was an introduction to the ST range as a sportier side to the full range, especially significant as apart from the Focus RS, both the XR and RS model ranges were phased out during the 1990s.
Additional trim levels in other European markets included:
The Mk2 saw almost every external panel replaced, becoming in every respect, other than the rear elevation, the same as the American Contour. This left only the doors, the roof, and the rear panels on the estate the same as the original Mk1 model. Even the extractor vents on the rear doors were replaced by a panel bearing the name Mondeo. The most notable change was the introduction of the Contour's corporate 'oval' grille and big, wraparound lighting units. The saloon version featured some distinctive rear lights. These incorporated an additional reflector panel that extended around the top and the side of the rear wings. Unlike the iterations seen on the heavily facelifted Scorpio and Mk4 Fiesta during the previous year, this facelift was well-received.
The interior was also mildly revised, though the basic dashboard architecture was the same as before. Safety specification was improved, with the car gaining a full-size driver airbag in place of the smaller 'euro-bag' fitted in the Mk1 Mondeo. The Mk2 gained a 'flagged' 3 star rating in EuroNCAP testing, which was average for rivals of its time (the same as the Vauxhall Vectra, better than the Citroën Xantia
and Peugeot 406
, and worse than the Nissan Primera
).The cars structure suffering excessive footwell intrusion in the frontal impact and a disturbing B pillar displacement in the side test.
The Zetec engine was thoroughly revised in 1998. The updated version was far more refined at high revolutions, addressing a common criticism of the Zetec motor.
The Mk2 Mondeo was initially popular, being Britain's third best selling new car in 1996 through to 1998. However in 1999 it dipped into sixth place and had been outsold by its biggest rival, the Vauxhall Vectra.
Former British Labour Prime Minister, Tony Blair
, bought a MK2 Mondeo in 1997.
Although production of the MK2 Mondeo ceased in 2000 when it was replaced with the MK3, sales of the model continued into 2001 with models appearing on a UK Y-registration plate and some even on a 51-plate.
in 1994, ahead of PSA's new Xantia
model.
Ford briefly sold a version using the 2.0 L Zetec engine and four-wheel drive
, available between 1995 and 1996 on cars with Si, Ghia and Ghia X trim. The timing was not ideal though, as four-wheel drive had already become synonymous with large SUVs such as the Land Rover Discovery
, and the bottom dropped out of the four-wheel drive sedan market, with the notable exception of Subaru. People who would tolerate the knock on performance and economy, preferred to graduate to a full-blown SUV, rather than a sedan with good all-round traction, especially since SUVs had become fashionable at the time.
In Europe, the Mondeo sold well, but in other markets such as the United States and Australia, it had not fared well, as there were larger locally produced Ford models, such as the Taurus
and Falcon
that had stronger brand loyalty and offered better value for money. Ford claimed that it was a 'world car', but in a letter to Autocar
magazine in the UK, a Ford dealer retorted 'What world was it designed for?' Because of this, the Contour and Mystique proved unpopular with American buyers. While the Contour sold at an average rate, the Mystique fizzled. The Mondeo Mk3 was much larger than the Mk1/2 version, but was not sold in the United States and Canada, where Ford now offers the Fusion.
There is however another theory advanced by some motoring journalists: because the Contour and Mystique were not created in the United States, they suffered from a lack of enthusiasm from inside Ford's North American operations. Those same theorists point to the fact that the BMW 3 Series
— arguably a "world car", in the sense one version is sold globally, does quite well in the United States and it is the same size as the Contour and Mystique.
The Mondeo was released in Australia in 1995, but was not a sales success, where, similarly, there was a much larger local model, the Falcon
, and was dropped in 2001. Ford Australia
withdrew completely from the medium-sized segment of the Australian market, arguing that it was in decline. The wagon version, the first medium-sized Ford of its kind to be sold in Australia since the Cortina, was dropped in 1999. It struggled against Japanese models such as the Honda Accord
and Subaru Liberty
, as well as the Holden Vectra, also imported from Europe, although unlike the Mondeo, briefly assembled locally. The Mondeo has since returned to Australia in 2007 with an all-new model.
The Mondeo Mk2 was voted Car of the Year
in 2001 by Autocar New Zealand and National Business Review
. In addition, many earlier model Mondeos, imported used from Japan were also sold locally (Japan was also a good market for the Mondeo, a rare feat in a country with a high proportion of domestic automobiles). It was launched to replace the Telstar in New Zealand following the plant closure in 1997.
In Australia, the 1995-2001 Ford Mondeo was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "significantly better than average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.
In 1997, the Mondeo was introduced into South Africa as a replacement for the Mazda-based Ford Telstar. It was produced locally at their Silverton plant in 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre sedan models. As production was limited to one body style, Stationwagon (2.0-litre) Hatchback (2.5-litre V6) models were imported alongside the sedan models. The Mondeo was one of the first mainstream cars in South Africa to introduce airbags as standard equipment. Sedan sales were never a major success - fairly radical styling being cited as the main problem by a still conservative vehicle market. Styling was partly addressed by an Aspen model, which featured 15" alloy wheels, front fog lamps and full leather trim.
In its final year in China, the Ford Mondeo M2000 gained a front fascia not dissimilar from the outgoing Mercury Mystique, but had Ford badges. Its rear end was identical to that of the European models.
In South Africa, the trim levels offered were:
The ST200 was then launched as the Enthusiast's car, with a tuned 2.5 litre V6 24v engine producing 202 bhp. This engine made the ST200 go from standing to 62 mi/h in around 7.7 seconds, and reach a maximum speed of 151 mi/h. Tuning included a different throttle body, cams, flywheel, and upper manifold to name a few. This version of the Mondeo also had even harder sports suspension than the ST24, and came with half-leather Recaro
sports bucket-seats, full-leather was available as a cost option. The ST200 was released to the public in Imperial Blue colour, Moondust Silver and a very limited number in white (mainly for use by the police). The North American counterpart to this model was known as the Ford Contour SVT
.
In 1998, Ford released in Europe a sports car with a coupé
bodyshell based upon the Mk2 Mondeo called the Ford Cougar (or Mercury Cougar
in North America). This car shared the engines (2.0 I4, 2.5 V6), transmissions, suspension (partially) and floorpans from the Mondeo, but the body shell was unique to the Cougar, and was one of the last Ford cars to be designed under Ford's New Edge
philosophy.
This third generation model was launched in October 2000 and is known as the Mk3. This Mondeo was considerably larger than its predecessor, and although Ford abandoned its New Edge
design theme for the Mondeo Mk3, it was their first vehicle to fully benefit from the Prodigy concept car. This gave it an overall effect which many critics felt was more restrained and mature, if much less distinctive. Two of the old car's biggest weaknesses, the modest rear legroom, and uncompetitive diesel version were addressed by a longer wheelbase and the new Duratorq
diesel engine. The basic chassis and suspension design was carried over from the previous generation, which meant that the car continued its predecessor's reputation for class leading handling and ride. This Mondeo came to Mexico, replacing the North American built Ford Contour
, and was sold from 2001 to 2007, when the Ford Fusion replaced it. The North American market Fusion and Five Hundred/Taurus sported very similar styling, inside and out.
Following the standard setting interior of the Volkswagen Passat
Mk4 in 1996, Ford paid a great deal of attention to the Mk3's interior and was the first mainstream manufacturer to react to the new standard set by Volkswagen. Ford dispensed with the rounded American style interior of the Mk2, and developed a more sober 'Germanic' design, which not only seemed more sophisticated but, more importantly, was of a higher quality due to the use of more expensive materials.
As with its predecessor, passive safety was a major selling point of the 2000 Mondeo. With an even stronger bodyshell, Ford introduced its so-called "Intelligent Protection System" (IPS), which used an "intelligent" array of sensors based on a neural network
, to decide the best combination of safety devices (traditional front passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags) to deploy for a given crash situation. To enhance active safety, all models were fitted with anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution, with electronic stability program (ESP) available as an option. Ford's marketing of the time claimed the Mondeo was 'One of the safest places to be'. However, EURONCAP testing of the Mk3 found that it protected worse than most key rivals (Vauxhall Vectra, Citroën C5
, Toyota Avensis
, Volkswagen Passat
), achieving a lower-end 4 star rating. Ford redesigned part of the car and it was re-tested, but the higher-than-average risk of chest injury to the driver in the frontal impact remained.
The Mondeo established itself as Britain's most popular automobile in its class and held this position every year from 2001 onwards, though this size of car has fallen slightly in popularity during the 2000s. This version of the Mondeo has never come higher than sixth in the SMMT's official list of the top selling cars in the UK each year. In 2003, it came tenth in the list.
Unfortunately, there was a design flaw with the new 1.8 and 2.0 L petrol units with the butterfly valves in the inlet manifold, which could cause severe engine damage when they failed. The plastic components of the butterfly valves wear out too quickly and when loose enough can result in them falling apart and releasing metal and plastic parts into the engine cylinders, potentially causing severe engine damage (How to Diagnose) The part was uprated by Ford in late 2002 to early 2003 and this prevented the problem from occurring in later engines.
The archaic Endura-E 1.8 L turbodiesel engine was dropped, and replaced by a more sophisticated 2.0 L 16v Duratorq common rail
(TDCi) unit with a variable geometry turbine. This clever turbine system allows a certain amount of overboost, giving an extra 10% or so of torque
for short periods. This engine, known within Ford as the "Puma"-type Duratorq, was first seen in the Transit
in detuned form.
A new automatic transmission
was added to the range called the Durashift. This unit has five gears and may be shifted manually or shifted like an automatic.
In June 2003, the Mondeo was given a very mild upgrade, the new models being identifiable by the larger chrome honeycomb grille, a new central dashboard made from higher quality materials, with electronic climate control, either a standard Ford radio, Sony
radio, or a satellite navigation radio/CD player, which also has climate control built into the unit in lieu of the space taken up by the unit. The Durashift automatic is now available with steering wheel control. The petrol engines were revised at this stage also — the new SCI (common rail) version of the 1.8 L Duratec engine was introduced, which generates 4 kW (5 PS) more than the standard unit. In addition, equipment was upgraded across the range — with trip computer
now standard on all models, and cruise control
is also standard in selected trim levels and markets.
The main Sports version was the ST220, replacing the ST200 from the MK.2 range. This was available in Hatchback, Estate and Saloon form. The ST220 produced 223 bhp from the newly developed 3.0 litre V6 engine, which made it capable of 0 to 62 mi/h in 7.3 seconds, and on to a maximum speed of 157 mi/h. There was also a ST TDCi, a sports version of the regular diesel. This, available in all forms, had a 2.2 litre 4-cyl diesel engine, developing 153 bhp. It accelerated from 0 to 62 mi/h in 8.0 seconds, and had a maximum speed of 141 mi/h
In 2005, there were two new Duratorq common rail
(TDCi) options, a 2.2L with 114 kW (155 PS) and a detuned version of the 2.0L with 65 kW (89 PS). Also, the Seat Belt Warning System was added and is now standard, with an audible/visual warning signal reminding the driver to fasten his/her seat belt. The styling was upgraded again, the most notable difference being tweaked taillights.
, not claiming top spot in its sector until 2005.
Engines:
re-imported the Mondeo from 2002, until the Fusion replaced it in 2006.
The Mondeo was offered only as a sedan, and had the 2.0 143 hp inline-4 engine. The V6 version was sold only during the past generation (1999–2000). No flexifuel variant was available.
There was only one trim level, the Ghia, with manual or automatic gearbox.
. Trim levels were Core, Edge, Ghia and 100 units of the ST220 (sold as a limited edition), it was sold only with the 2.0 4-cylinder, 2.5 V6 and 3.0 V6 (for the ST220) petrol: no turbodiesel
or station wagon
versions were available in Mexico. Its nearest rival were the Chevrolet Vectra and Volkswagen Passat. 2007 was the last year of the Mondeo for Mexico, being sold together with the Ford Fusion until it finally replaced it.
developed with Volvo
, the platform is the same used in the new large MPVs Galaxy
and S-MAX
, but not the North American Ford Fusion
or the Mazda Atenza
in Japan. It will also possibly be used for several Volvos.
The Mk4 Ford Mondeo was released in May 2007 in the UK where it is currently available in five different trim levels: Edge, Zetec, Ghia, Titanium and Titanium X. In February 2008, Ford announced that in some European markets the Mondeo will be made available with a new Titanium S series trim. This model aims to add an even more 'sporty character' than the current Titanium series. In March 2008, a new 2.2 175 PS TDCi common-rail diesel engine will be available on Mondeo providing acceleration to 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds on the saloon and fuel consumption of returning 45.6 mpg combined (this engine was replaced with the 2.0l TDCi 163 returning a combined 53.3mpg imp gallons, with a marginal loss of performance). Also available in March 2008 will be Mondeo ECOnetic based on the Zetec series. The Mondeo ECOnetic is powered with a 2.0 115 PS TDCI diesel that returns CO2 ratings of just 139 g/km on the 5-door.
Although the fourth production model, after the Mk3 Galaxy, S-Max and C-Max, to adopt Ford's current 'kinetic' design language, the Mondeo's design theme was first shown at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, which gave an indication to the look of the Mk4 Mondeo. The new car, in estate bodystyle, was pre-launched in 'concept' form at the Paris Motor Show on 30 September 2006.
The new platform will allow for the use of Volvo's five-cylinder petrol engine, already featured in the Focus ST and S-Max. Also, Ford dropped the two V6 engines for this platform. The petrol engines include a 1.6-litre with two power outputs (110 PS & 125 PS), the 2.0-litre (145 PS), 2.3-litre (161 PS) for automatic models only, and a 2.5-litre five cylinder turbo with 220 PS. It was initially believed performance models may have featured engines from Jaguar and Volvo, but following Tata's purchase of Jaguar/Land Rover, performance variants are more likely to feature other 'in-house' Ford engines such as an uprated 2.5l T5 petrol(as found in the Focus RS) or Volvo's D5 diesel.
The new Mondeo uses the new electro-hydraulic steering system, first used on the C-Max, that sharpens the steering response, and helps to save fuel Inside, the Mk4 features Ford's Human-Machine Interface (HMI) first seen on the Galaxy and S-Max whilst an enhanced instrument cluster featuring a 5 inches (127 mm) LCD for displaying trip computer and satellite navigation is available as an option on all models. Like the facelift Mk3, base specification models have a manual heating/air-conditioning system in place of the climate control system. Also new on the Mk4 is the option of keyless starting of the engine via a "Ford Power" button on the dashboard.
A product placement
promotional initiative made the Mk4 Mondeo James Bond
's car for one incidental scene in Casino Royale
, introducing the new model to global audiences in November 2006 on the launch day of the movie.
As with the previous model, the Mk4 Mondeo is not marketed in the US or Canada because Ford currently sells the same-class Fusion
, which was launched in 2005. The new Mondeo is not sold currently in Venezuela
, Brazil or Colombia
because the Fusion is sold locally, nor is it offered in Mexico, although the Mk3 model was popular there. It is, however, sold in Argentina
. In Middle East and Central America, Ford Mondeo is sold along with the Ford Fusion.
The 2007 Mondeo marked the return to the Australian market after a six-year absence, due to a resurgence in popularity of medium-sized cars in the last few years. This is in no small part the result of high fuel prices making people reconsider purchasing large cars like the Ford Falcon
. Marketing for the Mondeo in Australia has so far focused on the theme that the Mondeo looks good but offers even more than style, with television commercials showing silly quotes from celebrities such as Britney Spears ("I've been to lots of overseas places... like Canada") interspersed with scenes of the vehicle and finally the slogan "more than just good looks".
The Australian spec Mondeo TDCi took out the award for Australia's Best Cars "Best Mid-Size Car over $28,000" for 2007 and was runner up for the Wheels Magazine
"Car of the Year" award.
Initial sales have been good in Australia, despite supply constraints from Europe (or possibly Thailand, where many Australian market world vehicles were built) limiting the car's success there. At this stage, the Mondeo is sold as a sedan (discontinued when the wagon was launched), hatch and wagon on the Australian market, in both diesel and petrol engines and in four trim levels; LX, TDCi, Zetec and XR5T. In June 2009, Ford Australia announced that the 'Titanium' badge would also be used on Australian spec Mondeos, along with the release of the MK4 Mondeo wagon. Only the 2.3L petrol, 2.5L petrol and 2.0L diesel engines are offered there, the 2.5 being the only model available with a manual transmission. The ECOnetic Mondeo is also now being considered for the Australian market.
The Mk4 Mondeo was named one of two cars for the 2007 "Car of the Year" award by Top Gear
on 23 December 2007 (the other being the Subaru Legacy Outback
).
By the end of 2010 a facelifted Mk4 Mondeo was introduced with changes such as the new ecoboost engines and LED daytime running lights. The final changes was shown at the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show
. The front and rear of the car have minor changes, the biggest being the new Kinetic Design. The interior is improved with a better use of materials. The Ghia trim line has been totally removed from UK markets, so the Titanium takes over as the top of the range models, along with the saloon. The new econetic has higher mpg and further reduced CO2 emissions thanks to Stop-Start technology. Also introduced is an improved version of the 2.2L PSA diesel engine, delivering a healthy 200PS. This facelift is prompted by similar revisions to the S-MAX which was launched in summer 2010.>
The Australian range has the following trim levels:
The Irish range has the following trim levels:
The Norwegian range has the following trim levels:
The Mondeo competed in the British Touring Car Championship
(BTCC) between 1993 and 2000. The cars, prepared by former series champion Andy Rouse
, did not enter the 1993 season
until the 8th round at Pembrey
in Wales. Rouse and Paul Radisich
were the drivers in the Mondeo's first season. Radisich went on to win the FIA World Touring Car Cup in both 1993 and 1994 driving a Mondeo.
Ford ran a factory-sponsored team, called Ford Team Mondeo, for eight seasons. As mentioned above, Andy Rouse Engineering
ran the cars from 1993 to 1995, at which point West Surrey Racing
ran the works team from 1996 to 1998, with Prodrive
taking over beginning 1999. In 2000, the team expanded from two cars to three when drivers Alain Menu
and Anthony Reid
were joined by 1998 series champion Rickard Rydell
, recruited from the disbanded Volvo
team. The team dominated the 2000 season
, finishing 1-2-3 (Menu-Reid-Rydell) in the drivers' standings and winning the manufacturers' championship by a staggering 104 points.
A complete overhaul of the BTCC following the 2000 season saw the supertouring
regulations scrapped as the series moved towards lighter and less expensive race cars based on compact car
chassis and not family saloons. Ford withdrew from BTCC competition prior to 2001.
The Touring Cars after their withdrawal went on sale to the public and are now in the hands of other drivers. Two of the 2000 series Mondeos have been spotted in the BRSCC series of LMA Euro saloons; drivers known to own them at present are Bernard Hogarth and Alvin Powell.
The Mk1 & Mk2 Mondeo have followed many other previous Ford models into the world of banger racing
in the UK, and with many plenty of older cars being available for very little money, the Mondeo is now a popular and relatively easy car to race. The Zetec engines are converted to run off a carb set up and the Mondeo bodyshell is fairly tough, but they are proving rather rigid, with many drivers getting injured in high speed impacts. Mondeos are proving more popular than the Sierra and Mk3 Granada.
In Argentina
, the Mondeo's design was employing for the manufacturing handcrafted racing cars in reforzed fiberglass, for the racing category Top Race. This model, is the most successful in the category, with 2 championships in the TRV6 and 1 championship in the TR Junior. The racedriver champions in the TRV6, was Omar Martínez
(2009) and José María López
(2009) with the Mondeo Mk2, and the racedirver champion in the TR Junior, was Gonzalo Perlo in 2008. In 2009, was presented the Mondeo Mk3 as a bodywork option, but the Mk2 is still used.
, Matchbox, Minichamps
, Gama
and Siku
. The Mk2 and Mk3 have both been produced by Minichamps
and Rietze
, in Saloon and Estate
variants. The Mk4 Mondeo has been produced by Powco Toys.
had just completed three years of being Britain's most popular new large family car, though Ford still held top spot in the supermini sector with the Fiesta
and in the small family sector with the Escort.
The Mondeo was something new for private buyers as well as the fleet market. It was one of the first cars in its sector to have a driver's airbag as standard, and other standard refinements included power steering, central locking and electric front windows (except basic "Aspen") on all models. Prices were competitive, the ride and handling were excellent, and the quality was at least a match for just about all of its competitors.
In its first year on sale, the Mondeo was Britain's fifth most popular new car, though it didn't quite arrive on time to finish above the Vauxhall Cavalier. In its second year, it was the second most popular new car in Britain with more than 120,000 sales. The 1996 facelift enhanced the Mondeo's popularity, and as the decade drew to a close it was still a hugely popular choice in its sector, though it was now bouncing to and from top spot in the large family car sector with the improved Vauxhall Vectra. Sales of the original Mondeo were still going strong towards the end of 2000 when its successor arrived.
The third generation Ford Mondeo went on sale before the end of 2000, and there was much excitement in anticipation of its launch. Ford had promised a class-leading large family car which set new sector benchmarks for driver appeal, comfort, specification, style and build quality. The new car was indeed a smooth riding, fun to drive, well built and well equipped car which had all the credentials of a class-leader. It was Britain's most popular large family car from its launch in late 2000 until its demise over the summer of 2007, although actual sales figures dipped slightly due to a rise in popularity of more practical Compact People Carriers and SUVs. Many would-be Mondeo buyers also downsized to the smaller Focus, which moved further upmarket on the launch of a second generation model at the end of 2004.
The fourth generation Mondeo was launched in May 2007, and is an even more upmarket effort than its predecessor, but most significantly it is even better value for money, with Ford being careful to ensure that each version of the new Mondeo is cheaper to buy than the equivalent version of the previous Mondeo. However, in 2009 the car was outsold by the slightly cheaper Vauxhall Insignia.
2008 The Caravan Club Tow Car of The Year (Mondeo 2.5t Estate)
Hatchback
A Hatchback is a car body style incorporating a shared passenger and cargo volume, with rearmost accessibility via a rear third or fifth door, typically a top-hinged liftgate—and features such as fold-down rear seats to enable flexibility within the shared passenger/cargo volume. As a two-box...
, and a five-door estate
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
, all models for the European market were produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
city of Genk
Genk
Genk is a city and municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg near Hasselt. The municipality only comprises the city of Genk itself...
. The Sierra had been built there since its launch in 1982, although until 1989, right hand drive Sierras had also been built in UK at the Dagenham
Dagenham
Dagenham is a large suburb in East London, forming the eastern part of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and located east of Charing Cross. It was historically an agrarian village in the county of Essex and remained mostly undeveloped until 1921 when the London County Council began...
plant.
Intended as a world car, it replaced the Ford Sierra
Ford Sierra
The Ford Sierra is a large family car that was built by Ford Europe from 1982 until 1993. It was designed by Uwe Bahnsen, Robert Lutz and Patrick le Quément. The code used during development was "Project Toni"....
in Europe, the Ford Telstar
Ford Telstar
The Ford Telstar is an automobile that was sold by the Ford Motor Company in Asia, Australasia and Africa, comparable in size to the European Ford Sierra and the American Ford Tempo. It has been progressively replaced by the Ford Mondeo....
in a large portion of Asia and other markets, while the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique replaced the Ford Tempo
Ford Tempo
The Ford Tempo is a coupe/sedan car model that was produced by Ford Motor Company for model years 1984 to 1994. It was a downsized successor to the boxy Ford Fairmont that introduced "jellybean" styling, which would later be shown on the larger 1986 Ford Taurus. and was replaced in 1994 by the...
and Mercury Topaz
Mercury Topaz
The Mercury Topaz is a compact car that was manufactured by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company for model years 1984 to 1994 as a slightly upscale variant of the Ford Tempo...
in North America. Unlike the Sierra, the Mondeo is front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and...
in its most common form, with a rarer four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
version available on the Mk1 car only. Instigated in 1986, the design of the car cost Ford US$6 billion
1000000000 (number)
1,000,000,000 is the natural number following 999,999,999 and preceding 1,000,000,001.In scientific notation, it is written as 109....
. It was one of the most expensive new car programs ever. The Mondeo was significant as its design and marketing was shared between Ford USA in Dearborn
Dearborn, Michigan
-Economy:Ford Motor Company has its world headquarters in Dearborn. In addition its Dearborn campus contains many research, testing, finance and some production facilities. Ford Land controls the numerous properties owned by Ford including sales and leasing to unrelated businesses such as the...
, and Ford of Europe. Its codename while under development reflected thus: CDW27 signified that it straddled the C & D size classes and was a "World Car".
The car was launched in the midst of turbulent times at Ford of Europe, when the division was haemorrhaging hundreds of millions of dollars, and had gained a reputation in the motoring press for selling products which had been designed by accountants rather than engineers. The fourth generation Escort
Ford Escort (European)
The Mark I Ford Escort was introduced in the United Kingdom at the end of 1967, making its show debut at Brussels Motor Show in January 1968. It replaced the successful long running Anglia. The car was presented in continental Europe as a product of Ford's European operation...
and Orion
Ford Orion
The Ford Orion is a saloon car built by the automaker Ford for the European market from 22 July 1983 until 19 September 1993. A total of 3,534,239 Orions were sold throughout the car's 10-year life....
of 1990 was the zenith of this cost-cutting/high price philosophy which was by then beginning to backfire on Ford, with the cars being slated for their substandard ride and handling, though a facelift in 1992 had seen things improve a little. The Sierra had sold well, but not as well as the all-conquering Cortina
Ford Cortina
As the 1960s dawned, BMC were revelling in the success of their new Mini – the first successful true minicar to be built in Britain in the postwar era...
before it, and in Britain, it had been overtaken in the sales charts by the newer Vauxhall Cavalier
Vauxhall Cavalier
The Vauxhall Cavalier is a large family car sold primarily in the UK by Vauxhall Motors, the British division of General Motors , from 1975 to 1995...
. Previously loyal customers were already turning to rival products and by the time of the Mondeo's launch, the future of Europe as a Ford manufacturing base was hanging in the balance. The new car had to be good, and it had to sell.
Despite being billed as a world car, the only external items the Mondeo shared initially with the Contour were the windscreen, front windows, front mirrors and door handles. The rear end of the American sedan was basically the same as the European saloon, but with a red, dummy lense connecting the tail lights. The front end treatment, however, skipped a generation, from the European viewpoint, being the same as the Mk2 Mondeo right from the start. The Contour's oval grille was modified slightly on the Mercury variant. The interior also was slightly different. The CDW27 project turned out not to be a true world car in the sense that the original Ford Focus and the Mk.6 Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a front wheel drive supermini/subcompact manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company and built in Europe, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, China, India, Thailand and South Africa...
would later be, one design for the world.
Design and engineering
A large proportion of the high development cost was due to the Mondeo being a completely new design, sharing very little, if anything, with the Ford Sierra. Over optimistically the floor pan was designed to accept virtually any conceivable drivetrain, from a transverse four to a longitudinal V-8. This resulted in a hugely obtrusive and mostly disused bellhousing cover and transmission tunnel. The resulting interior front of the car, especially the footwells, feel far more cramped than would be expected from a vehicle of this size. The Mondeo featured new manual and automatic transmissions and sophisticated suspension design, which give it class-leading handling and ride qualities, and subframes front and rear to give it executive car refinement. The automatic transmission featured electronic control with sport and economy modes plus switchable overdriveOverdrive (mechanics)
Overdrive is a term used to describe a mechanism that allows an automobile to cruise at sustained speed with reduced engine RPM, leading to better fuel economy, lower noise and lower wear...
.
Safety was a high priority in the Mondeo design with a driver's side airbag
Airbag
An Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
(it was the first ever car sold from the beginning with a driver's airbag in all of its versions, which helped it achieve the ECOTY
European Car of the Year
The European Car of the Year award was established in 1964 by a collective of automobile magazines from different countries in Europe. The current organisers of the award are Auto , Autocar , Autopista , Autovisie , L'Automobile Magazine , Stern and Vi Bilägare .The voting jury consists of motoring...
title for 1994), side-impact bars, seat belt pretensioners, and ABS
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
(higher models) as standard features. Other features for its year included adaptive damping, self-levelling suspension
Self-levelling suspension
Self-levelling refers to an automobile suspension system that maintains a constant ride height of the vehicle above the road, regardless of load....
(top station wagon models), traction control
Traction control system
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
(V6 and 4WD versions), and heated front windscreen, branded Quickclear
Quickclear
Quickclear is a European trademark used by the Ford Motor Company for its electrically heated windshield technology. Instaclear was the name used sometimes in the United States....
.
The interiors were usually well-appointed, featuring velour
Velour
Velour or velours is a plush, knitted fabric or textile. It is usually made from cotton but can also be made from synthetic materials such as polyester. Velour is used in a wide variety of applications, including clothing and upholstery....
trim, an arm rest with CD and tape storage, central locking (frequently remote), power windows (all round on higher models), power mirrors, lights on ping, flat-folding rear seats, etc. Higher specification models had leather seats, trip computer
Trip computer
A trip computer is an onboard computer device fitted to cars which can generally record distance travelled, average speed, average fuel consumption, and display real time fuel consumption information...
s, electric sunroof, CD changer and alloy wheels.
During its development, Ford used the 1986 Honda Accord
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a series of compact, mid-size and full-size automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, and sold in a majority of automotive markets throughout the world....
and 1990 Nissan Primera
Nissan Primera
The Nissan Primera is a medium sized family car produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan for the Japanese domestic and European markets.-Nissan Primera P10 :...
as the class benchmarks that the CDW27 had to beat.. An official Ford brochure, which explains the development of the Mondeo, is freely available here.
Engines
Along with an all-new platform, the Mondeo also used Ford's then-new Zetec engines, first seen in 1991 in the Ford Escort and Ford FiestaFord Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a front wheel drive supermini/subcompact manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company and built in Europe, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, China, India, Thailand and South Africa...
.
Three versions of the 16-valve Zetec engine were used. The 1.6 L version (rated at 90 bhp) from the Escort was used, a 1.8 (115 bhp) also found in the Escort and Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a front wheel drive supermini/subcompact manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company and built in Europe, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, China, India, Thailand and South Africa...
(105 bhp), while a new 136 bhp 2.0 L version was launched.
An alternative to the Zetec engines was the Endura-D
Endura-D
The Ford Endura-D engine is a 1,753cc diesel power unit used in a variety of vehicles made by the Ford Motor Company, including the Ford Escort , Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, Ford Mondeo, Ford Orion, Ford Sierra and Ford Transit Connect....
1.8 L turbodiesel
Turbodiesel
Turbodiesel refers to any diesel engine with a turbocharger. Turbocharging is the norm rather than the exception in modern car and truck diesel engines...
. This engine had origins in the older 1.6 L diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
design used in the Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a front wheel drive supermini/subcompact manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company and built in Europe, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, China, India, Thailand and South Africa...
and elsewhere. Although not without merits, it was not seen as a strong competitor to other European diesels such as that produced by Peugeot
Peugeot
Peugeot is a major French car brand, part of PSA Peugeot Citroën, the second largest carmaker based in Europe.The family business that precedes the current Peugeot company was founded in 1810, and manufactured coffee mills and bicycles. On 20 November 1858, Emile Peugeot applied for the lion...
. The contrast between this unit and the competition seemed enormous by the time the engine was dropped in 2000. Strangely, the diesel powered vehicles could easily be distinguished by dint of their having a slightly redesigned grille.
A less popular engine (for the UK and Ireland) was introduced in 1994 in the form of the 170 bhp 2.5 L 24-valve V6 Duratec unit, primarily included for markets where four-cylinder petrol engines are not favored and are usually intended for the upmarket European buyer. This engine, first unveiled in the Mondeo's North American cousin, the Ford Contour
Ford Contour
The Ford Contour, and its rebadged variant, the Mercury Mystique, were compact 4-door sedans marketed from model years 1995-2000 by Ford Motor Company in North America...
, is characterized by its smooth operation, chain-driven camshafts and an ability to operate using only half its 24 valves at low engine speeds. Fuel economy was poor, the automatic even worse than the manual (and far less reliable). This engine was originally branded 24v (when valve count was all important), but later on sold as the more glamorous sounding V6.
This engine was also used to introduce the new "ST" brand to the Mondeo range as a flagship model (with less specification than a Ghia or a Ghia X), the ST24 in 1997. The power of the engine stayed at 170 bhp, the same as other 2.5 L-engined models (so was slower than a Mk1 24v), but the ST featured unique cabin trim (half leather seats), unique 16 in alloy wheels (that were originally only available on a Ghia X Estate), and a full Rally Sport Appearance Pack body kit as standard, The bodykit option was listed as a delete option for those that did not want it fitted as standard. This was later replaced by the Limited Edition ST200 in 1999, featuring an SVT
Special Vehicle Team
Special Vehicle Team, also known as SVT, is an arm of Ford Motor Company responsible for the development of the company's highest-performance vehicles, much like Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, Chrysler's SRT division and GM's Performance Division. SVT is the successor to the SVO division.The current SVT...
version of the V6 Duratec with a power output of 200 bhp.
Although neither of these models ever sold in high numbers, the marketing was important to Ford, as it was an introduction to the ST range as a sportier side to the full range, especially significant as apart from the Focus RS, both the XR and RS model ranges were phased out during the 1990s.
UK market
- Base - 1.6L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, base trim level, 4-door saloon, 5-door liftback, estate (replaced by Aspen in 1995)
- Aspen - 1.6 L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, base trim level, 5-door liftback, estate
- LX - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate
- GLX - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, luxury trim level version of the LX, 4-door saloon, 5-door liftback, estate
- 24v - 2.5L Duratec V6, 4-door saloon, 5-door liftback, estate (1994-1995 only)
- Si - 2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L Duratec V6, sports version, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate, optional 4x4 on 2.0L Zetec
- Ghia - 1.8 L/2.0 L Zetec, 2.5 L Duratec V6, 1.8 L turbodiesel, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate, optional 4x4 on 2.0L Zetec
- Ghia X - 2.0L Zetec, 2.5 L Duratec V6, 1.8L turbodiesel, luxury trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, 5-door estate (from 1995), optional 4x4 on 2.0L Zetec
Additional trim levels in other European markets included:
- Mirage - 1.6 L Zetec, base trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate - only offered in the Netherlands
- CLX - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate - not offered in the UK
- Verona - 1.8 L, midrange trim level, 4-door saloon, 5-door liftback
- GLX - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, luxury trim level version of the CLX, 4-door saloon, 5-door liftback, estate
- Business Edition - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L V6, 1.8 L turbodiesel, luxury trim level version of LX, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate. - only offered in the Netherlands
- GT - 1.8 L/2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L V6, 1.8 L turbodiesel, sports version, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate. Only offered in the Netherlands, equivalent to UK-spec Si
- V6 - 2.5 L V6, luxury version, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate. Never offered with a V6 (base) in the Netherlands, only Business Edition or GT.
Mk2 (1996-2000)
The Mk2 Mondeo, known in some quarters as the Mk1 Face-lift, launched in October 1996 seeing three of the Mk1 Mondeo's biggest criticisms addressed: its bland styling, the bad performance of the headlights, the reflectors of which quickly yellowed and the cramped rear legroom. The lowering of specification levels around that time (e.g. air-conditioning and alloy wheels became optional on the UK Ghia models) may have indicated a desire by Ford to cut costs and recoup some of the huge sums invested in the original design. These specification levels were improved again in 1998 as the Mondeo approached replacement.The Mk2 saw almost every external panel replaced, becoming in every respect, other than the rear elevation, the same as the American Contour. This left only the doors, the roof, and the rear panels on the estate the same as the original Mk1 model. Even the extractor vents on the rear doors were replaced by a panel bearing the name Mondeo. The most notable change was the introduction of the Contour's corporate 'oval' grille and big, wraparound lighting units. The saloon version featured some distinctive rear lights. These incorporated an additional reflector panel that extended around the top and the side of the rear wings. Unlike the iterations seen on the heavily facelifted Scorpio and Mk4 Fiesta during the previous year, this facelift was well-received.
The interior was also mildly revised, though the basic dashboard architecture was the same as before. Safety specification was improved, with the car gaining a full-size driver airbag in place of the smaller 'euro-bag' fitted in the Mk1 Mondeo. The Mk2 gained a 'flagged' 3 star rating in EuroNCAP testing, which was average for rivals of its time (the same as the Vauxhall Vectra, better than the Citroën Xantia
Citroën Xantia
The Citroën Xantia, pronounced 'Zan-tia' is a large family car produced by the French automaker Citroën. First seen at the end of 1992, the car was produced between 1993 and 2001, with a facelift in 1998. Citroën sold over 1.2 million Xantias during its 8 years of production...
and Peugeot 406
Peugeot 406
The Peugeot 406 was a large family car made by the French automaker Peugeot from 1995 to 2004. Available in saloon, estate and coupé bodystyles with a choice of petrol or turbodiesel engines, the 406 replaced the Peugeot 405 in Peugeot's lineup, and was itself replaced by the Peugeot 407...
, and worse than the Nissan Primera
Nissan Primera
The Nissan Primera is a medium sized family car produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan for the Japanese domestic and European markets.-Nissan Primera P10 :...
).The cars structure suffering excessive footwell intrusion in the frontal impact and a disturbing B pillar displacement in the side test.
The Zetec engine was thoroughly revised in 1998. The updated version was far more refined at high revolutions, addressing a common criticism of the Zetec motor.
The Mk2 Mondeo was initially popular, being Britain's third best selling new car in 1996 through to 1998. However in 1999 it dipped into sixth place and had been outsold by its biggest rival, the Vauxhall Vectra.
Former British Labour Prime Minister, Tony Blair
Tony Blair
Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is a former British Labour Party politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2 May 1997 to 27 June 2007. He was the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007...
, bought a MK2 Mondeo in 1997.
Although production of the MK2 Mondeo ceased in 2000 when it was replaced with the MK3, sales of the model continued into 2001 with models appearing on a UK Y-registration plate and some even on a 51-plate.
Mixed sales success
In Europe, the Mondeo was instantly declared a class leader, It was elected Car of the YearEuropean Car of the Year
The European Car of the Year award was established in 1964 by a collective of automobile magazines from different countries in Europe. The current organisers of the award are Auto , Autocar , Autopista , Autovisie , L'Automobile Magazine , Stern and Vi Bilägare .The voting jury consists of motoring...
in 1994, ahead of PSA's new Xantia
Citroën Xantia
The Citroën Xantia, pronounced 'Zan-tia' is a large family car produced by the French automaker Citroën. First seen at the end of 1992, the car was produced between 1993 and 2001, with a facelift in 1998. Citroën sold over 1.2 million Xantias during its 8 years of production...
model.
Ford briefly sold a version using the 2.0 L Zetec engine and four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
, available between 1995 and 1996 on cars with Si, Ghia and Ghia X trim. The timing was not ideal though, as four-wheel drive had already become synonymous with large SUVs such as the Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover Discovery
The Discovery was introduced into the United Kingdom in 1989. The company code-named the vehicle "Project Jay". The new model was based on the chassis and drivetrain of the more upmarket Range Rover, but with a lower price aimed at a larger market segment and intended to compete with Japanese...
, and the bottom dropped out of the four-wheel drive sedan market, with the notable exception of Subaru. People who would tolerate the knock on performance and economy, preferred to graduate to a full-blown SUV, rather than a sedan with good all-round traction, especially since SUVs had become fashionable at the time.
In Europe, the Mondeo sold well, but in other markets such as the United States and Australia, it had not fared well, as there were larger locally produced Ford models, such as the Taurus
Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the United States. Originally introduced in the 1986 model year, it has remained in near-continuous production for more than two decades, making it the fourth oldest nameplate that is currently sold in the North American...
and Falcon
Ford Falcon (Australia)
The Ford Falcon is a full-size car which has been manufactured by Ford Australia since 1960. Each model from the XA series of 1972 onward has been designed, developed and built in Australia and/or New Zealand, following the phasing out of the American Falcon of 1960–71 which had been re-engineered...
that had stronger brand loyalty and offered better value for money. Ford claimed that it was a 'world car', but in a letter to Autocar
Autocar
Autocar is a weekly British automobile magazine published by Haymarket Motoring Publications Ltd. It refers to itself as "The World's oldest car magazine".-History:...
magazine in the UK, a Ford dealer retorted 'What world was it designed for?' Because of this, the Contour and Mystique proved unpopular with American buyers. While the Contour sold at an average rate, the Mystique fizzled. The Mondeo Mk3 was much larger than the Mk1/2 version, but was not sold in the United States and Canada, where Ford now offers the Fusion.
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the...
— arguably a "world car", in the sense one version is sold globally, does quite well in the United States and it is the same size as the Contour and Mystique.
The Mondeo was released in Australia in 1995, but was not a sales success, where, similarly, there was a much larger local model, the Falcon
Ford Falcon (Australia)
The Ford Falcon is a full-size car which has been manufactured by Ford Australia since 1960. Each model from the XA series of 1972 onward has been designed, developed and built in Australia and/or New Zealand, following the phasing out of the American Falcon of 1960–71 which had been re-engineered...
, and was dropped in 2001. Ford Australia
Ford Australia
Ford Australia is the Australian subsidiary of Ford Motor Company and was founded in Geelong, Victoria, in 1925 as an outpost of Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. At that time, Ford Canada was a separate company from Ford USA...
withdrew completely from the medium-sized segment of the Australian market, arguing that it was in decline. The wagon version, the first medium-sized Ford of its kind to be sold in Australia since the Cortina, was dropped in 1999. It struggled against Japanese models such as the Honda Accord
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a series of compact, mid-size and full-size automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, and sold in a majority of automotive markets throughout the world....
and Subaru Liberty
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car built by the Japanese company Fuji Heavy Industries, and manufactured by its division Subaru since 1989, and is available as a sedan or wagon. Part of the original design goals for the Legacy model was to provide Subaru a vehicle in which they could compete in...
, as well as the Holden Vectra, also imported from Europe, although unlike the Mondeo, briefly assembled locally. The Mondeo has since returned to Australia in 2007 with an all-new model.
The Mondeo Mk2 was voted Car of the Year
Car of the Year
Car of the Year is a phrase usually considered to have been invented by Motor Trend magazine in the 1950s for their annual award for best American automobile...
in 2001 by Autocar New Zealand and National Business Review
National Business Review
The National Business Review is a weekly New Zealand newspaper aimed at the business sector. The paper is owned by Barry Colman who also publishes the Grocers Review and several other small trade publications....
. In addition, many earlier model Mondeos, imported used from Japan were also sold locally (Japan was also a good market for the Mondeo, a rare feat in a country with a high proportion of domestic automobiles). It was launched to replace the Telstar in New Zealand following the plant closure in 1997.
In Australia, the 1995-2001 Ford Mondeo was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "significantly better than average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.
In 1997, the Mondeo was introduced into South Africa as a replacement for the Mazda-based Ford Telstar. It was produced locally at their Silverton plant in 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre sedan models. As production was limited to one body style, Stationwagon (2.0-litre) Hatchback (2.5-litre V6) models were imported alongside the sedan models. The Mondeo was one of the first mainstream cars in South Africa to introduce airbags as standard equipment. Sedan sales were never a major success - fairly radical styling being cited as the main problem by a still conservative vehicle market. Styling was partly addressed by an Aspen model, which featured 15" alloy wheels, front fog lamps and full leather trim.
In its final year in China, the Ford Mondeo M2000 gained a front fascia not dissimilar from the outgoing Mercury Mystique, but had Ford badges. Its rear end was identical to that of the European models.
Trim levels
The 1996-2000 range had the following trim levels:- Aspen - 1.6 L Zetec, 1.8 L TD Endura, base trim level, 5dr, Estate
- LX - 1.6/1.8/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L TD Endura, midrange trim level, 4dr, 5dr, Estate
- Verona - 1.8 L Zetec, midrange trim level, 5dr
- GLX - 1.8/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L TD Endura, midrange trim level, 4dr, 5dr, Estate
- Si - 2.0 L Zetec, 2.5 L V6 170 PS, sports version, 4dr, 5dr, Estate
- Zetec - 1.8/2.0 L Zetec, replaced Si, 5dr, Estate
- Zetec-S - 2.0 L Zetec, rare Zetec based special edition with ST bodykit, 5dr
- Ghia - 2.0 L Zetec, 2.5 L V6 170 PS, 1.8 L TD Endura, luxury trim level
- Ghia X - 2.0 L Zetec, 2.5 L V6 170 PS, 1.8 L TD Endura, top spec trim level
- ST24 - 2.5 L V6 170 PS, Sports Variant Luxury bucket seat half leather trim, sports-suspension, RSAP Kit
- ST200 - 2.5 L V6 205 PS, Sports Variant, Luxury Recaro leather trim, 17" alloys, tuned engine & suspension, RSAP Kit, digital Climate Control
In South Africa, the trim levels offered were:
- LX - 1.8 L Zetec, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan
- CLX - 2.0 L Zetec, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan
- 2.0 Aspen - 2.0 L Zetec, luxury trim level version of the LX, 4-door sedan
- Si - 2.5 L V6, sports version, 5-door liftback,
Sports variants
Mondeo Mk2 sports variants included the ST24 and the ST200. The ST24 produced 170 bhp from its 2.5 litre V6 24v engine and was launched with Rally Sport Appearance Pack body kits, along with sports suspension and half-leather sports bucket-seats. Its standard setup saw the ST24 from standstill to 62 mi/h in 8.0 seconds, coupled with a maximum speed of 148 mi/h. North America got an SE "Sport" Version of the Contour, which featured exclusive wheels and the coveted 9" Sport Drum rear brakes. Rear disc brakes eventually became available in North America on certain Contour and Mystique models, although some customers bemoaned the reduced level of feel over the original sport drums.The ST200 was then launched as the Enthusiast's car, with a tuned 2.5 litre V6 24v engine producing 202 bhp. This engine made the ST200 go from standing to 62 mi/h in around 7.7 seconds, and reach a maximum speed of 151 mi/h. Tuning included a different throttle body, cams, flywheel, and upper manifold to name a few. This version of the Mondeo also had even harder sports suspension than the ST24, and came with half-leather Recaro
Recaro
RECARO GmbH & Co. KG, commonly known as Recaro, is a German company based in Kirchheim unter Teck in the vicinity of Stuttgart, known for their automobile bucket seats...
sports bucket-seats, full-leather was available as a cost option. The ST200 was released to the public in Imperial Blue colour, Moondust Silver and a very limited number in white (mainly for use by the police). The North American counterpart to this model was known as the Ford Contour SVT
Ford Contour
The Ford Contour, and its rebadged variant, the Mercury Mystique, were compact 4-door sedans marketed from model years 1995-2000 by Ford Motor Company in North America...
.
In 1998, Ford released in Europe a sports car with a coupé
Coupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
bodyshell based upon the Mk2 Mondeo called the Ford Cougar (or Mercury Cougar
Mercury Cougar
The Mercury Cougar is an automobile which was sold under the Mercury brand of the Ford Motor Company's Lincoln-Mercury Division from 1967 to 2002. The name was first used in 1967 and was carried by a diverse series of cars over the next three decades. As is common with Mercury vehicles, the Cougar...
in North America). This car shared the engines (2.0 I4, 2.5 V6), transmissions, suspension (partially) and floorpans from the Mondeo, but the body shell was unique to the Cougar, and was one of the last Ford cars to be designed under Ford's New Edge
New Edge
New Edge was a styling theme used by Ford Motor Company for many of its passenger vehicles in the late 1990s and early 2000s and initially authored by Jack Telnack, who served as Vice President of Design for Ford from 1980 to 1997...
philosophy.
Engines
| Model | Years | Engine and type | Displ. | Power | Torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 1993–1999 | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... 16V Multi-valve In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design... |
Zetec Ford Zetec engine Ford Motor Company used the Zetec name on a variety of Inline-4-cylinder automobile engines. It was coined to replace "Zeta" on a range of 1.6 L to 2.0 L multi-valve engines introduced in 1991... |
1597 cc | 66 kW @ 5250 rpm | 135 newton metre @ 3500 rpm |
| 1.6 | 1999–2000 | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... 16V Multi-valve In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design... |
Zetec Ford Zetec engine Ford Motor Company used the Zetec name on a variety of Inline-4-cylinder automobile engines. It was coined to replace "Zeta" on a range of 1.6 L to 2.0 L multi-valve engines introduced in 1991... |
1597 cc | 70 kW @ 5250 rpm | 142 newton metre @ 3600 rpm |
| 1.8 | 1993–2000 | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... 16V Multi-valve In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design... |
Zetec Ford Zetec engine Ford Motor Company used the Zetec name on a variety of Inline-4-cylinder automobile engines. It was coined to replace "Zeta" on a range of 1.6 L to 2.0 L multi-valve engines introduced in 1991... |
1796 cc | 85 kW @ 5750 rpm | 158 newton metre @ 3750 rpm |
| 2.0 | 1993–1996 | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... 16V Multi-valve In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design... |
Zetec Ford Zetec engine Ford Motor Company used the Zetec name on a variety of Inline-4-cylinder automobile engines. It was coined to replace "Zeta" on a range of 1.6 L to 2.0 L multi-valve engines introduced in 1991... |
1988 cc | 100 kW @ 6000 rpm | 175 newton metre @ 4000 rpm |
| 2.0 | 1996–2000 | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... 16V Multi-valve In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design... |
Zetec Ford Zetec engine Ford Motor Company used the Zetec name on a variety of Inline-4-cylinder automobile engines. It was coined to replace "Zeta" on a range of 1.6 L to 2.0 L multi-valve engines introduced in 1991... |
1988 cc | 96 kW @ 5600 rpm | 178 newton metre @ 4000 rpm |
| 2.0 4x4 | 1993–1996 | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... 16V Multi-valve In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design... |
Zetec Ford Zetec engine Ford Motor Company used the Zetec name on a variety of Inline-4-cylinder automobile engines. It was coined to replace "Zeta" on a range of 1.6 L to 2.0 L multi-valve engines introduced in 1991... |
1988 cc | 97 kW @ 6000 rpm | 175 newton metre @ 4000 rpm |
| 2.5 | 1994–1996 | V6 V6 engine A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft... 24V Multi-valve In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design... |
Duratec Ford Duratec engine The Duratec is a range of four, five, and six-cylinder gasoline engines produced by the Ford Motor Company, used in Ford, Mazda, Volvo, Caterham, Morgan, Tiger, Ginetta cars and by specialist engine tuner Cosworth.... |
2544 cc | 130 kW @ 6250 rpm | 220 newton metre @ 4250 rpm |
| 2.5 | 1996–2000 | V6 V6 engine A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft... 24V Multi-valve In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design... |
Duratec Ford Duratec engine The Duratec is a range of four, five, and six-cylinder gasoline engines produced by the Ford Motor Company, used in Ford, Mazda, Volvo, Caterham, Morgan, Tiger, Ginetta cars and by specialist engine tuner Cosworth.... |
2495 cc | 130 kW @ 6250 rpm | 220 newton metre @ 4250 rpm |
| 2.5 ST200 | 1999–2000 | V6 V6 engine A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft... 24V Multi-valve In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design... |
Duratec Ford Duratec engine The Duratec is a range of four, five, and six-cylinder gasoline engines produced by the Ford Motor Company, used in Ford, Mazda, Volvo, Caterham, Morgan, Tiger, Ginetta cars and by specialist engine tuner Cosworth.... |
2495 cc | 151 kW @ 6500 rpm | 235 newton metre @ 5500 rpm |
| 1.8 TD Turbodiesel Turbodiesel refers to any diesel engine with a turbocharger. Turbocharging is the norm rather than the exception in modern car and truck diesel engines... |
1993–2000 | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... 8V |
Endura-D | 1753 cc | 66 kW @ 4500 rpm | 177 newton metre @ 2250 rpm |
Mk3 (2000–2007)
New Edge
New Edge was a styling theme used by Ford Motor Company for many of its passenger vehicles in the late 1990s and early 2000s and initially authored by Jack Telnack, who served as Vice President of Design for Ford from 1980 to 1997...
design theme for the Mondeo Mk3, it was their first vehicle to fully benefit from the Prodigy concept car. This gave it an overall effect which many critics felt was more restrained and mature, if much less distinctive. Two of the old car's biggest weaknesses, the modest rear legroom, and uncompetitive diesel version were addressed by a longer wheelbase and the new Duratorq
Ford Duratorq engine
The Ford Duratorq engine, commonly referred to as Duratorq, is the marketing name of a range of Ford diesel engines first introduced in 2000 for the Ford Mondeo range of cars....
diesel engine. The basic chassis and suspension design was carried over from the previous generation, which meant that the car continued its predecessor's reputation for class leading handling and ride. This Mondeo came to Mexico, replacing the North American built Ford Contour
Ford Contour
The Ford Contour, and its rebadged variant, the Mercury Mystique, were compact 4-door sedans marketed from model years 1995-2000 by Ford Motor Company in North America...
, and was sold from 2001 to 2007, when the Ford Fusion replaced it. The North American market Fusion and Five Hundred/Taurus sported very similar styling, inside and out.
Following the standard setting interior of the Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat is a large family car marketed by Volkswagen Passenger Cars through six design generations since 1973. Between the Volkswagen Golf / Volkswagen Jetta and the Volkswagen Phaeton in the current Volkswagen line-up, the Passat and its derivatives have been badged variously as...
Mk4 in 1996, Ford paid a great deal of attention to the Mk3's interior and was the first mainstream manufacturer to react to the new standard set by Volkswagen. Ford dispensed with the rounded American style interior of the Mk2, and developed a more sober 'Germanic' design, which not only seemed more sophisticated but, more importantly, was of a higher quality due to the use of more expensive materials.
As with its predecessor, passive safety was a major selling point of the 2000 Mondeo. With an even stronger bodyshell, Ford introduced its so-called "Intelligent Protection System" (IPS), which used an "intelligent" array of sensors based on a neural network
Neural network
The term neural network was traditionally used to refer to a network or circuit of biological neurons. The modern usage of the term often refers to artificial neural networks, which are composed of artificial neurons or nodes...
, to decide the best combination of safety devices (traditional front passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags) to deploy for a given crash situation. To enhance active safety, all models were fitted with anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution, with electronic stability program (ESP) available as an option. Ford's marketing of the time claimed the Mondeo was 'One of the safest places to be'. However, EURONCAP testing of the Mk3 found that it protected worse than most key rivals (Vauxhall Vectra, Citroën C5
Citroën C5
The Citroën C5 is a large family car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën since early 2001. The C5 replaced the Citroën Xantia in the large family car class.-First generation :...
, Toyota Avensis
Toyota Avensis
The Toyota Avensis is a large family car built in Derbyshire, United Kingdom by Japanese carmaker Toyota since 1997. It is the direct successor to the Carina E and is available as a four-door saloon, five-door liftback and estate...
, Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat is a large family car marketed by Volkswagen Passenger Cars through six design generations since 1973. Between the Volkswagen Golf / Volkswagen Jetta and the Volkswagen Phaeton in the current Volkswagen line-up, the Passat and its derivatives have been badged variously as...
), achieving a lower-end 4 star rating. Ford redesigned part of the car and it was re-tested, but the higher-than-average risk of chest injury to the driver in the frontal impact remained.
The Mondeo established itself as Britain's most popular automobile in its class and held this position every year from 2001 onwards, though this size of car has fallen slightly in popularity during the 2000s. This version of the Mondeo has never come higher than sixth in the SMMT's official list of the top selling cars in the UK each year. In 2003, it came tenth in the list.
Engines
For the Mk3, the Zetec engine was dropped, while the all-new 1.8 and 2.0 L Duratec engines were introduced. The standard 2.5 L V6 engine was carried over, while a 3.0 L version was developed for the ST220 model.Unfortunately, there was a design flaw with the new 1.8 and 2.0 L petrol units with the butterfly valves in the inlet manifold, which could cause severe engine damage when they failed. The plastic components of the butterfly valves wear out too quickly and when loose enough can result in them falling apart and releasing metal and plastic parts into the engine cylinders, potentially causing severe engine damage (How to Diagnose) The part was uprated by Ford in late 2002 to early 2003 and this prevented the problem from occurring in later engines.
The archaic Endura-E 1.8 L turbodiesel engine was dropped, and replaced by a more sophisticated 2.0 L 16v Duratorq common rail
Common rail
Common rail direct fuel injection is a modern variant of direct fuel injection system for petrol and diesel engines.On diesel engines, it features a high-pressure fuel rail feeding individual solenoid valves, as opposed to low-pressure fuel pump feeding unit injectors...
(TDCi) unit with a variable geometry turbine. This clever turbine system allows a certain amount of overboost, giving an extra 10% or so of torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
for short periods. This engine, known within Ford as the "Puma"-type Duratorq, was first seen in the Transit
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit is a range of panel vans, minibuses, and pickup trucks, produced by the Ford Motor Company in Europe.The Transit has been the best-selling light commercial vehicle in Europe for 40 years, and in some countries the term "Transit" has passed into common usage as a generic term...
in detuned form.
A new automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
was added to the range called the Durashift. This unit has five gears and may be shifted manually or shifted like an automatic.
In June 2003, the Mondeo was given a very mild upgrade, the new models being identifiable by the larger chrome honeycomb grille, a new central dashboard made from higher quality materials, with electronic climate control, either a standard Ford radio, Sony
Sony
, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
radio, or a satellite navigation radio/CD player, which also has climate control built into the unit in lieu of the space taken up by the unit. The Durashift automatic is now available with steering wheel control. The petrol engines were revised at this stage also — the new SCI (common rail) version of the 1.8 L Duratec engine was introduced, which generates 4 kW (5 PS) more than the standard unit. In addition, equipment was upgraded across the range — with trip computer
Trip computer
A trip computer is an onboard computer device fitted to cars which can generally record distance travelled, average speed, average fuel consumption, and display real time fuel consumption information...
now standard on all models, and cruise control
Cruise control
Cruise control is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a steady speed as set by the driver.-History:...
is also standard in selected trim levels and markets.
The main Sports version was the ST220, replacing the ST200 from the MK.2 range. This was available in Hatchback, Estate and Saloon form. The ST220 produced 223 bhp from the newly developed 3.0 litre V6 engine, which made it capable of 0 to 62 mi/h in 7.3 seconds, and on to a maximum speed of 157 mi/h. There was also a ST TDCi, a sports version of the regular diesel. This, available in all forms, had a 2.2 litre 4-cyl diesel engine, developing 153 bhp. It accelerated from 0 to 62 mi/h in 8.0 seconds, and had a maximum speed of 141 mi/h
In 2005, there were two new Duratorq common rail
Common rail
Common rail direct fuel injection is a modern variant of direct fuel injection system for petrol and diesel engines.On diesel engines, it features a high-pressure fuel rail feeding individual solenoid valves, as opposed to low-pressure fuel pump feeding unit injectors...
(TDCi) options, a 2.2L with 114 kW (155 PS) and a detuned version of the 2.0L with 65 kW (89 PS). Also, the Seat Belt Warning System was added and is now standard, with an audible/visual warning signal reminding the driver to fasten his/her seat belt. The styling was upgraded again, the most notable difference being tweaked taillights.
Sales figures
In 2002, it was the fifth best selling new car in the UK, but was pushed down to third place in the large family car charts by the Vauxhall Vectra and Peugeot 406Peugeot 406
The Peugeot 406 was a large family car made by the French automaker Peugeot from 1995 to 2004. Available in saloon, estate and coupé bodystyles with a choice of petrol or turbodiesel engines, the 406 replaced the Peugeot 405 in Peugeot's lineup, and was itself replaced by the Peugeot 407...
, not claiming top spot in its sector until 2005.
Europe/Eastern Asia
- 1.8 L (1798 cc) Duratec I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 110 PS (108 hp and 122 lbft) (1.8) - 1.8 L (1798 cc) Duratec I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 125 PS (123 hp and 125 lbft) (1.8) - 1.8 L (1798 cc) Duratec SCi I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 131 PS (129 hp and 129 lbft) (1.8 SCi) - 2.0 L (1999 cc) Duratec I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 145 PS (143 hp and 140 lbft) (2.0) - 2.5 L (2495 cc) Duratec 24v V6, 170 PS (168 hp and 162 lbft) (2.5)
- 3.0 L (2967 cc) Duratec 30 V6, 204 PS (201 hp and 207 lbft) (3.0)
- 3.0 L (2967 cc) Duratec 30 V6, 226 PS (223 hp and 210 lbft) (3.0 ST220)
- 2.0 L (1998 cc) Duratorq I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 90 PS (89 hp and 155 lbft) (2.0 TDDi 90) - 2.0 L (1998 cc) Duratorq I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 116 PS (114 hp and 207 lbft) (2.0 TDCi 115) - 2.0 L (1998 cc) Duratorq I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 131 PS (129 hp and 244 lbft) (2.0 TDCi 130) - 2.2 L (2198 cc) DuratorqFord Duratorq engineThe Ford Duratorq engine, commonly referred to as Duratorq, is the marketing name of a range of Ford diesel engines first introduced in 2000 for the Ford Mondeo range of cars....
I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 155 PS (153 hp and 265 lbft) (2.2 TDCi 155)
Brazil
In Brazil, Ford do BrasilFord do Brasil
Ford do Brasil is a subsidiary of American automaker Ford Motor Company, founded on April 24, 1919. The operation started out importing the Ford Model T cars and the Ford Model TT trucks in kit form from the US for assembly in Brazil...
re-imported the Mondeo from 2002, until the Fusion replaced it in 2006.
The Mondeo was offered only as a sedan, and had the 2.0 143 hp inline-4 engine. The V6 version was sold only during the past generation (1999–2000). No flexifuel variant was available.
There was only one trim level, the Ghia, with manual or automatic gearbox.
Mexico
In Mexico, the model was similar to the European version to replace the Ford ContourFord Contour
The Ford Contour, and its rebadged variant, the Mercury Mystique, were compact 4-door sedans marketed from model years 1995-2000 by Ford Motor Company in North America...
. Trim levels were Core, Edge, Ghia and 100 units of the ST220 (sold as a limited edition), it was sold only with the 2.0 4-cylinder, 2.5 V6 and 3.0 V6 (for the ST220) petrol: no turbodiesel
Turbodiesel
Turbodiesel refers to any diesel engine with a turbocharger. Turbocharging is the norm rather than the exception in modern car and truck diesel engines...
or station wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
versions were available in Mexico. Its nearest rival were the Chevrolet Vectra and Volkswagen Passat. 2007 was the last year of the Mondeo for Mexico, being sold together with the Ford Fusion until it finally replaced it.
Mk4 (2007-present)
The fourth generation Mondeo (codename: CD345) was officially unveiled in 5-door production form in late 2006. Based on the EUCD platformFord EUCD platform
The Ford EUCD platform is Ford's global midsize car automobile platform. It is loosely based on Ford's compact Ford C1 platform...
developed with Volvo
Volvo Cars
Volvo Car Corporation, or Volvo Personvagnar AB, is a Swedish automobile manufacturer founded in 1927, in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Volvo was originally formed as a subsidiary company to the ball bearing maker SKF. When Volvo AB was introduced on the Swedish...
, the platform is the same used in the new large MPVs Galaxy
Ford Galaxy
The first Galaxy was designed as a joint venture product between Ford and the Volkswagen Group. Produced at the joint-venture AutoEuropa plant in Palmela, Portugal, the vehicle was badge-engineered to create three vehicles: the Ford Galaxy; by Volkswagen Passenger Cars as the Volkswagen Sharan;...
and S-MAX
Ford S-MAX
The Ford S-Max is an MPV/saloon produced by the Ford Motor Company for the European market and by Chang'an Ford Automobile Co., Ltd for the Chinese market. Introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, the S-Max went on sale alongside the new generation Galaxy in June 2006. It is intended to be...
, but not the North American Ford Fusion
Ford Fusion (North America)
The Ford Fusion is a mid-size car produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 2006 model year. The 2010 model was awarded the Motor Trend Car of the Year and its hybrid version won the 2010 North American Car of the Year Award...
or the Mazda Atenza
Mazda Atenza
The Mazda6 or Mazda 6 is a mid-size car produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Mazda since 2002...
in Japan. It will also possibly be used for several Volvos.
The Mk4 Ford Mondeo was released in May 2007 in the UK where it is currently available in five different trim levels: Edge, Zetec, Ghia, Titanium and Titanium X. In February 2008, Ford announced that in some European markets the Mondeo will be made available with a new Titanium S series trim. This model aims to add an even more 'sporty character' than the current Titanium series. In March 2008, a new 2.2 175 PS TDCi common-rail diesel engine will be available on Mondeo providing acceleration to 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds on the saloon and fuel consumption of returning 45.6 mpg combined (this engine was replaced with the 2.0l TDCi 163 returning a combined 53.3mpg imp gallons, with a marginal loss of performance). Also available in March 2008 will be Mondeo ECOnetic based on the Zetec series. The Mondeo ECOnetic is powered with a 2.0 115 PS TDCI diesel that returns CO2 ratings of just 139 g/km on the 5-door.
Although the fourth production model, after the Mk3 Galaxy, S-Max and C-Max, to adopt Ford's current 'kinetic' design language, the Mondeo's design theme was first shown at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, which gave an indication to the look of the Mk4 Mondeo. The new car, in estate bodystyle, was pre-launched in 'concept' form at the Paris Motor Show on 30 September 2006.
The new platform will allow for the use of Volvo's five-cylinder petrol engine, already featured in the Focus ST and S-Max. Also, Ford dropped the two V6 engines for this platform. The petrol engines include a 1.6-litre with two power outputs (110 PS & 125 PS), the 2.0-litre (145 PS), 2.3-litre (161 PS) for automatic models only, and a 2.5-litre five cylinder turbo with 220 PS. It was initially believed performance models may have featured engines from Jaguar and Volvo, but following Tata's purchase of Jaguar/Land Rover, performance variants are more likely to feature other 'in-house' Ford engines such as an uprated 2.5l T5 petrol(as found in the Focus RS) or Volvo's D5 diesel.
The new Mondeo uses the new electro-hydraulic steering system, first used on the C-Max, that sharpens the steering response, and helps to save fuel Inside, the Mk4 features Ford's Human-Machine Interface (HMI) first seen on the Galaxy and S-Max whilst an enhanced instrument cluster featuring a 5 inches (127 mm) LCD for displaying trip computer and satellite navigation is available as an option on all models. Like the facelift Mk3, base specification models have a manual heating/air-conditioning system in place of the climate control system. Also new on the Mk4 is the option of keyless starting of the engine via a "Ford Power" button on the dashboard.
A product placement
Product placement
Product placement, or embedded marketing, is a form of advertisement, where branded goods or services are placed in a context usually devoid of ads, such as movies, music videos, the story line of television shows, or news programs. The product placement is often not disclosed at the time that the...
promotional initiative made the Mk4 Mondeo James Bond
James Bond
James Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short story collections. There have been a six other authors who wrote authorised Bond novels or novelizations after Fleming's death in 1964: Kingsley Amis,...
's car for one incidental scene in Casino Royale
Casino Royale (2006 film)
Casino Royale is the twenty-first film in the James Bond film series and the first to star Daniel Craig as fictional MI6 agent James Bond...
, introducing the new model to global audiences in November 2006 on the launch day of the movie.
As with the previous model, the Mk4 Mondeo is not marketed in the US or Canada because Ford currently sells the same-class Fusion
Ford Fusion (North America)
The Ford Fusion is a mid-size car produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 2006 model year. The 2010 model was awarded the Motor Trend Car of the Year and its hybrid version won the 2010 North American Car of the Year Award...
, which was launched in 2005. The new Mondeo is not sold currently in Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
, Brazil or Colombia
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
because the Fusion is sold locally, nor is it offered in Mexico, although the Mk3 model was popular there. It is, however, sold in Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
. In Middle East and Central America, Ford Mondeo is sold along with the Ford Fusion.
The 2007 Mondeo marked the return to the Australian market after a six-year absence, due to a resurgence in popularity of medium-sized cars in the last few years. This is in no small part the result of high fuel prices making people reconsider purchasing large cars like the Ford Falcon
Ford Falcon (Australia)
The Ford Falcon is a full-size car which has been manufactured by Ford Australia since 1960. Each model from the XA series of 1972 onward has been designed, developed and built in Australia and/or New Zealand, following the phasing out of the American Falcon of 1960–71 which had been re-engineered...
. Marketing for the Mondeo in Australia has so far focused on the theme that the Mondeo looks good but offers even more than style, with television commercials showing silly quotes from celebrities such as Britney Spears ("I've been to lots of overseas places... like Canada") interspersed with scenes of the vehicle and finally the slogan "more than just good looks".
The Australian spec Mondeo TDCi took out the award for Australia's Best Cars "Best Mid-Size Car over $28,000" for 2007 and was runner up for the Wheels Magazine
Wheels magazine
Wheels is an Australian automotive magazine published monthly by ACP Magazines. The publication is well-renowned by Australian car enthusiasts...
"Car of the Year" award.
Initial sales have been good in Australia, despite supply constraints from Europe (or possibly Thailand, where many Australian market world vehicles were built) limiting the car's success there. At this stage, the Mondeo is sold as a sedan (discontinued when the wagon was launched), hatch and wagon on the Australian market, in both diesel and petrol engines and in four trim levels; LX, TDCi, Zetec and XR5T. In June 2009, Ford Australia announced that the 'Titanium' badge would also be used on Australian spec Mondeos, along with the release of the MK4 Mondeo wagon. Only the 2.3L petrol, 2.5L petrol and 2.0L diesel engines are offered there, the 2.5 being the only model available with a manual transmission. The ECOnetic Mondeo is also now being considered for the Australian market.
The Mk4 Mondeo was named one of two cars for the 2007 "Car of the Year" award by Top Gear
Top Gear (current format)
Top Gear is a British television series about motor vehicles, primarily cars. It began in 1977 as a conventional motoring magazine show. Over time, and especially since a relaunch in 2002, it has developed a quirky, humorous style...
on 23 December 2007 (the other being the Subaru Legacy Outback
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car built by the Japanese company Fuji Heavy Industries, and manufactured by its division Subaru since 1989, and is available as a sedan or wagon. Part of the original design goals for the Legacy model was to provide Subaru a vehicle in which they could compete in...
).
By the end of 2010 a facelifted Mk4 Mondeo was introduced with changes such as the new ecoboost engines and LED daytime running lights. The final changes was shown at the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show
Moscow International Motor Show
The Moscow International Motor Show or MIMS is the annual autoshow in Moscow, Russia.- History :The first motor show occurred in Moscow in 1992 at "Krasnay Presnya" ExpoCenter.From 2008, the motor show is situated at Crocus Expo.-2010:...
. The front and rear of the car have minor changes, the biggest being the new Kinetic Design. The interior is improved with a better use of materials. The Ghia trim line has been totally removed from UK markets, so the Titanium takes over as the top of the range models, along with the saloon. The new econetic has higher mpg and further reduced CO2 emissions thanks to Stop-Start technology. Also introduced is an improved version of the 2.2L PSA diesel engine, delivering a healthy 200PS. This facelift is prompted by similar revisions to the S-MAX which was launched in summer 2010.>
Trim levels
The 2008 UK range has the following trim levels:- Edge
- Zetec
- ECOnetic
- Ghia
- Titanium
- Titanium X
- Titanium X Sport
The Australian range has the following trim levels:
- LX
- Zetec
- Titanium
- XR5 Turbo (discontinued 2010)
The Irish range has the following trim levels:
- Style
- ECOnetic
- Zetec
- Titanium X
- Titanium X Sport
The Norwegian range has the following trim levels:
- Trend
- Ghia
- Titanium
- Premium
- Titanium S
Motorsport
British Touring Car Championship
The British Touring Car Championship is a touring car racing series held each year in the United Kingdom. The Championship was established in 1958 as the British Saloon Car Championship and has run to various rules over the years – "production cars", then FIA Group 1 or 2 in the late 1960s...
(BTCC) between 1993 and 2000. The cars, prepared by former series champion Andy Rouse
Andy Rouse
Andrew "Andy" Rouse is an English racing driver, most notably in the BTCC. He won the BTCC in 1975, 1983, 1984 and 1985....
, did not enter the 1993 season
1993 British Touring Car Championship season
The 1993 Auto Trader RAC British Touring Car Championship season was 36th British Touring Car Championship season.-Season summary:At the end of 1992 BMW GB withdrew from the championship after the rules had been changed in a direction which BMW felt disadvantaged them...
until the 8th round at Pembrey
Pembrey Circuit
Pembrey Circuit is a racing circuit outside Pembrey village, south Wales. It is deemed to be the home of Welsh motorsport, providing racing for cars, motorcycles, karts and trucks...
in Wales. Rouse and Paul Radisich
Paul Radisich
Paul Radisich is a New Zealand racing driver of Croat origin. He has competed in saloon cars for many years - both European-style tourers and the V8 Supercars of Australia and New Zealand.-Early years:...
were the drivers in the Mondeo's first season. Radisich went on to win the FIA World Touring Car Cup in both 1993 and 1994 driving a Mondeo.
Ford ran a factory-sponsored team, called Ford Team Mondeo, for eight seasons. As mentioned above, Andy Rouse Engineering
Andy Rouse
Andrew "Andy" Rouse is an English racing driver, most notably in the BTCC. He won the BTCC in 1975, 1983, 1984 and 1985....
ran the cars from 1993 to 1995, at which point West Surrey Racing
West Surrey Racing
Founded in 1981, West Surrey Racing is a UK-based motorsport team run by New Zealander Dick Bennetts. He is responsible for masterminding the careers of such names as Ayrton Senna, Mika Häkkinen, Jonathan Palmer, Rubens Barrichello, Maurício Gugelmin and Eddie Irvine with his involvement in F3 and...
ran the works team from 1996 to 1998, with Prodrive
Prodrive
Prodrive is a British motorsport and automotive engineering group based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, England. It designs, constructs and races cars for companies and teams such as Subaru, Aston Martin and Ford...
taking over beginning 1999. In 2000, the team expanded from two cars to three when drivers Alain Menu
Alain Menu
Alain Menu is a Swiss racing driver. He was one of the most successful touring car drivers of the 1990s, winning the prestigious British Touring Car Championship twice . He currently races for Chevrolet in the World Touring Car Championship.- BTCC :He is the son of a farmer...
and Anthony Reid
Anthony Reid
Anthony Reid is a British auto racing driver, born on 17 May 1957 in Glasgow, Scotland. Although Scottish he now lives in England.-Formula cars:...
were joined by 1998 series champion Rickard Rydell
Rickard Rydell
Rickard Rydell is a Swedish racing driver. He won the 1998 British Touring Car Championship, the 2011 Scandinavian Touring Car Championship, and has also been a frontrunner in the European/World Touring Car Championship.-Early career:In the early 1990s, Rydell raced in various Formula Three series...
, recruited from the disbanded Volvo
Tom Walkinshaw Racing
Tom Walkinshaw Racing , was an auto racing team and engineering firm founded in 1976 by touring car racer Tom Walkinshaw.-History:TWR started by modifying BMW 3.0 CSLs, but soon was contracted to head Mazda's works program in the British Touring Car Championship. The TWR developed RX-7, with Win...
team. The team dominated the 2000 season
2000 British Touring Car Championship season
The 2000 Auto Trader RAC British Touring Car Championship season was the 43rd British Touring Car Championship season and marked the final year for Super Touring specification cars in the championship.-Changes for 2000:...
, finishing 1-2-3 (Menu-Reid-Rydell) in the drivers' standings and winning the manufacturers' championship by a staggering 104 points.
A complete overhaul of the BTCC following the 2000 season saw the supertouring
Supertouring
Super Touring, Class 2 or Class II was a motor racing Touring Cars category defined by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile for national touring car racing in 1993. It was based on the "2 litre Touring Car Formula" created for the British Touring Car Championship in 1990...
regulations scrapped as the series moved towards lighter and less expensive race cars based on compact car
Compact car
A compact car , or small family car , is a classification of cars which are larger than a supermini but smaller than or equal to a mid-size car...
chassis and not family saloons. Ford withdrew from BTCC competition prior to 2001.
The Touring Cars after their withdrawal went on sale to the public and are now in the hands of other drivers. Two of the 2000 series Mondeos have been spotted in the BRSCC series of LMA Euro saloons; drivers known to own them at present are Bernard Hogarth and Alvin Powell.
The Mk1 & Mk2 Mondeo have followed many other previous Ford models into the world of banger racing
Banger racing
Banger Racing is a tarmac or dirt track racing type of motorsport event popularised in both North America and Europe and especially United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands in which drivers of old vehicles race against one another around a race track and the race is...
in the UK, and with many plenty of older cars being available for very little money, the Mondeo is now a popular and relatively easy car to race. The Zetec engines are converted to run off a carb set up and the Mondeo bodyshell is fairly tough, but they are proving rather rigid, with many drivers getting injured in high speed impacts. Mondeos are proving more popular than the Sierra and Mk3 Granada.
In Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
, the Mondeo's design was employing for the manufacturing handcrafted racing cars in reforzed fiberglass, for the racing category Top Race. This model, is the most successful in the category, with 2 championships in the TRV6 and 1 championship in the TR Junior. The racedriver champions in the TRV6, was Omar Martínez
Omar Martínez
Omar Gurí Martínez is an Argentine racing driver. He currently competes in Turismo Carretera, TC2000 and Top Race V6. His nickname Gurí is a common Guaraní term used in his hometown to refer to a young boy.-Career:Martínez started his career in domestical Formula Entrerriana in 1983, being...
(2009) and José María López
José María López
José María "Pechito" López is a race car driver. He raced in the 2006 GP2 Series for the Super Nova team, and previously for the DAMS team, and the CMS team in Formula 3000. He was also at Renault F1 as a test driver...
(2009) with the Mondeo Mk2, and the racedirver champion in the TR Junior, was Gonzalo Perlo in 2008. In 2009, was presented the Mondeo Mk3 as a bodywork option, but the Mk2 is still used.
Model car releases
The Mk1 Mondeo has been produced by MajoretteMajorette
Majorette is a French toy manufacturer which mostly produces small die-cast cars, particularly in 1:64 scale. Traditionally, Majorette was centered in the area of Lyon.-History:...
, Matchbox, Minichamps
Minichamps
Minichamps is a die-cast car producer founded as Paul's Model Art GmbH in 1990 in Aachen, Germany, best known for its 1:43 scale models. The company grew out of the Danhausen trade catalog of miniature vehicles and specially made Danhausen releases during the 1970s.-The Danhausen Legacy:Danhausen...
, Gama
Gama Toys
Gama is a German maker of toys, usually cars and trucks, dating from before World War I. The company is headquartered in Furth, Bavaria, near Nurnberg, a traditional German toymaking center.-History:...
and Siku
Siku (trademark)
SIKU is the range of toy vehicles and related products produced by the German company Sieper Lüdenscheid GmbH & Co. KG. There is quite a variety within the range, but the Super Series 1:55 die-cast vehicles is the core product and is the highlight among collectors.-History:The Sieper company was...
. The Mk2 and Mk3 have both been produced by Minichamps
Minichamps
Minichamps is a die-cast car producer founded as Paul's Model Art GmbH in 1990 in Aachen, Germany, best known for its 1:43 scale models. The company grew out of the Danhausen trade catalog of miniature vehicles and specially made Danhausen releases during the 1970s.-The Danhausen Legacy:Danhausen...
and Rietze
Herpa
Herpa, or Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH, is a German manufacturer of die-cast model aircraft under the Herpa Wings trademark and plastic car models under the Herpa Cars & Trucks trademark. The mainstay of Herpa Wings is in the 1/500 scale, although models are also produced in the 1/400, 1/200, and...
, in Saloon and Estate
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
variants. The Mk4 Mondeo has been produced by Powco Toys.
Awards
- 1993 What Car?What Car?What Car? is a long-running UK monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Fowler and published by Haymarket Motoring. First published in 1973, it is intended primarily as a magazine for consumers rather than dedicated automobile enthusiasts...
Car of The Year - 1994 Semperit Irish Car of the YearSemperit Irish Car of the YearThe Semperit Irish Car of the Year award was established in 1978. It is organised and judged by the Irish Motoring Writers Association . It is sponsored by tyre manufactuer Semperit and specifically by their brand - 'Semperit'....
- 1994 European Car of the YearEuropean Car of the YearThe European Car of the Year award was established in 1964 by a collective of automobile magazines from different countries in Europe. The current organisers of the award are Auto , Autocar , Autopista , Autovisie , L'Automobile Magazine , Stern and Vi Bilägare .The voting jury consists of motoring...
- 1997 Top 10 in the most reliable cars made in Britain.
- 1998 Best selling family car in the UK.
- 2001 What Car?What Car?What Car? is a long-running UK monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Fowler and published by Haymarket Motoring. First published in 1973, it is intended primarily as a magazine for consumers rather than dedicated automobile enthusiasts...
Car of The Year - 2001 Top Gear Car of the year Award
- 2005 Award for 'excellent' by Euro NCAP, crash test.
- 2006 What Car?What Car?What Car? is a long-running UK monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Fowler and published by Haymarket Motoring. First published in 1973, it is intended primarily as a magazine for consumers rather than dedicated automobile enthusiasts...
Best Used Family Car - 2007 Auto ExpressAuto ExpressAuto Express is a weekly motoring magazine sold in the United Kingdom published by Dennis Publishing. The Editor-in-Chief is Steve Fowler.Launched in September 1988, its 1000th issue was published on 20 February 2008. It's only weekly competitor in Britain is the long established Autocar...
Car of The Year (British magazine said that all-new Mondeo is "Ford's finest ever car") - 2007 Fifth GearFifth GearFifth Gear is a motoring television magazine show from the United Kingdom. Originally shown on Channel 5, the show is currently presented by Tiff Needell, Vicki Butler-Henderson, Jason Plato, Jonny Smith and Ben Collins...
Award for best Family newcomer - 2007 Top GearTop Gear (current format)Top Gear is a British television series about motor vehicles, primarily cars. It began in 1977 as a conventional motoring magazine show. Over time, and especially since a relaunch in 2002, it has developed a quirky, humorous style...
Car of the Year Award (note, they did mention that this and the Subaru Legacy Outback were both winners) - 2007 RACV Best Mid-size car over $28,000
- 2007 Drive Car of The Year: Best Medium Car
- 2008 Semperit Irish Car of the YearSemperit Irish Car of the YearThe Semperit Irish Car of the Year award was established in 1978. It is organised and judged by the Irish Motoring Writers Association . It is sponsored by tyre manufactuer Semperit and specifically by their brand - 'Semperit'....
- 2008 What Car?What Car?What Car? is a long-running UK monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Fowler and published by Haymarket Motoring. First published in 1973, it is intended primarily as a magazine for consumers rather than dedicated automobile enthusiasts...
Best Estate Car - 2008 What Car?What Car?What Car? is a long-running UK monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Fowler and published by Haymarket Motoring. First published in 1973, it is intended primarily as a magazine for consumers rather than dedicated automobile enthusiasts...
Best Family Car - 2008 Top 10 Car by Motor TrendMotor TrendMotor Trend is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, issued by Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles, and bearing the tag line "The Magazine for a Motoring World". Petersen Publishing was sold to British publisher EMAP in 1998, who sold the former Petersen...
- 2008 10 Best Car by Car and DriverCar and DriverCar and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
- 2008 Best Domestic Large Sedan by Car News Magazine (TaiwanTaiwanTaiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
) - 2008 Best Driving Performance Car by Sina
- 2008 Drive Car of The Year: Best Medium Car
- 2009 What Car?What Car?What Car? is a long-running UK monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Fowler and published by Haymarket Motoring. First published in 1973, it is intended primarily as a magazine for consumers rather than dedicated automobile enthusiasts...
Best Estate Car - 2009 What Car?What Car?What Car? is a long-running UK monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Fowler and published by Haymarket Motoring. First published in 1973, it is intended primarily as a magazine for consumers rather than dedicated automobile enthusiasts...
Best Family Car - 2009 Best Medium Car by New Zealand Automobile Association
- 2010 Drive Car of The Year: Best Medium Car
- 2011 What Car?What Car?What Car? is a long-running UK monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Fowler and published by Haymarket Motoring. First published in 1973, it is intended primarily as a magazine for consumers rather than dedicated automobile enthusiasts...
Best Estate Car - 2011 What Car?What Car?What Car? is a long-running UK monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Fowler and published by Haymarket Motoring. First published in 1973, it is intended primarily as a magazine for consumers rather than dedicated automobile enthusiasts...
Best Family Car
Mondeo in the UK
British sales of the Mondeo began in March 1993, just as the new car market was enjoying a recent rise in popularity following a disappointing 1992. The Vauxhall CavalierVauxhall Cavalier
The Vauxhall Cavalier is a large family car sold primarily in the UK by Vauxhall Motors, the British division of General Motors , from 1975 to 1995...
had just completed three years of being Britain's most popular new large family car, though Ford still held top spot in the supermini sector with the Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a front wheel drive supermini/subcompact manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company and built in Europe, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, China, India, Thailand and South Africa...
and in the small family sector with the Escort.
The Mondeo was something new for private buyers as well as the fleet market. It was one of the first cars in its sector to have a driver's airbag as standard, and other standard refinements included power steering, central locking and electric front windows (except basic "Aspen") on all models. Prices were competitive, the ride and handling were excellent, and the quality was at least a match for just about all of its competitors.
In its first year on sale, the Mondeo was Britain's fifth most popular new car, though it didn't quite arrive on time to finish above the Vauxhall Cavalier. In its second year, it was the second most popular new car in Britain with more than 120,000 sales. The 1996 facelift enhanced the Mondeo's popularity, and as the decade drew to a close it was still a hugely popular choice in its sector, though it was now bouncing to and from top spot in the large family car sector with the improved Vauxhall Vectra. Sales of the original Mondeo were still going strong towards the end of 2000 when its successor arrived.
The third generation Ford Mondeo went on sale before the end of 2000, and there was much excitement in anticipation of its launch. Ford had promised a class-leading large family car which set new sector benchmarks for driver appeal, comfort, specification, style and build quality. The new car was indeed a smooth riding, fun to drive, well built and well equipped car which had all the credentials of a class-leader. It was Britain's most popular large family car from its launch in late 2000 until its demise over the summer of 2007, although actual sales figures dipped slightly due to a rise in popularity of more practical Compact People Carriers and SUVs. Many would-be Mondeo buyers also downsized to the smaller Focus, which moved further upmarket on the launch of a second generation model at the end of 2004.
The fourth generation Mondeo was launched in May 2007, and is an even more upmarket effort than its predecessor, but most significantly it is even better value for money, with Ford being careful to ensure that each version of the new Mondeo is cheaper to buy than the equivalent version of the previous Mondeo. However, in 2009 the car was outsold by the slightly cheaper Vauxhall Insignia.
See also
- Ford ContourFord ContourThe Ford Contour, and its rebadged variant, the Mercury Mystique, were compact 4-door sedans marketed from model years 1995-2000 by Ford Motor Company in North America...
- The North American version of the Ford Mondeo - Mondeo Man
2008 The Caravan Club Tow Car of The Year (Mondeo 2.5t Estate)
External links
- Ford Mondeo UK - Ford.co.uk/mondeo
- FordMondeo.org - FordMondeo.org - Now renamed TalkFord.com TalkFord.com
- Mondeo.mobi Official Ford Mondeo .mobi.mobiThe domain name mobi is a top-level domain in the Domain Name System of the Internet. Its name is derived from the adjective mobile, indicating its use by mobile devices for accessing Internet resources via the Mobile Web....
website - Scottish Mondeo Forum - ScottishMondeoForum.com
- Mondeo Motor Club @ Taiwan - Mondeo Motor Club