October 11, 2007

Ford Australia today released details of the most eagerly anticipated new model launch of 2007, the all-new European-engineered Mondeo.

Dramatic design, state of the art safety, innovative features and an attractive recommended retail price will see the new model enjoy the same success in Australia as it has already experienced in Europe.

"Mondeo will introduce new levels of style, refinement and safety to the medium size segment and set a new benchmark for how a car should drive," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.

"Exemplary driving dynamics is a key element of Ford DNA and Mondeo is no exception. The new model delivers an outstanding driving experience and customers will be extremely impressed with just how good the overall package is."

Mondeo is the first production iteration of Ford's exciting new 'kinetic design' philosophy, creating a sleek and dynamic profile expressing energy in motion.

"The best way to describe kinetic design is to think about a sprinter at the starting blocks, tilting forward and poised for action – it's all about creating an athletic and purposeful stance. This is the image that the new Mondeo portrays, in motion or stationary," said Mr Gorman.

"Elements of kinetic design also apply to the interior of the vehicle and are evident in the ambient lighting, soft-touch materials and attention to detail in the cabin environment."

There are four stylish vehicles in the range including the feature laden LX, a higher specification Zetec, an economical low emission turbo diesel and the range-topping sports performance Mondeo XR5 Turbo.

All models in the range provide for an intuitive, flexible and spacious interior package, offering an intelligent use of space with exceptionally generous luggage capacity.

Mondeo LX is available as a four-door sedan and offers impressive levels of features and safety equipment as standard.

These features include an enhanced Intelligent Protection System (IPS) complemented by Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability Control and seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and full length side curtain airbags.

Other innovative developments consist of a capless refuelling feature with mis-fuel inhibitor, an automatic hazard warning light and optional voice control command of Bluetooth®, audio, climate and phone control systems.

The higher specification Mondeo Zetec is available in either four-door sedan or five-door hatch and comes standard with the same IPS as appears on the LX model.

It is differentiated externally by 17-inch alloy wheels and enhanced grille and fog lamps. Features over and above the LX include a Sony premium sound system (a six-disc CD player with eight speakers and MP3 compatibility), rain sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, cruise control and a leather wrapped steering wheel.

Both the LX and Zetec feature the 2.3-litre Duratec four-cylinder petrol engine producing 118kW and 208Nm, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift.

The new Mondeo TDCi features an advanced 2.0-litre Duratorq four-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel engine that delivers on the key expectations of a modern diesel car - impressive refinement, large car performance and superior fuel efficiency.

The acclaimed TDCi diesel engine produces 96kW of power and peak torque of 320Nm from an easily accessible 1750rpm.

The stylish four-door sedan or five-door hatch comes with all the comforts found in a Zetec model and also has a six-speed automatic transmission as standard.

"The automatic provides for a smoother drive and better performance," said Mr Gorman.

"Gear changes in automatic guise become virtually indiscernible and the six-speed transmission's more efficient delivery of power to the ground is able to provide exceptional fuel economy."

The exciting new Mondeo XR5 Turbo is the sports-performance model of the range. Utilising the same 2.5-litre Duratec 20-valve five-cylinder turbo engine as appears in the Focus XR5 Turbo, it will sit alongside other XR performance variants in the Ford portfolio.

It offers the same safety and creature comforts as the Zetec and TDCi variants, but is given further visual appeal through the addition of 18-inch alloy wheels, lowered sport suspension and a performance-styled bodykit consisting of front and rear bumpers, fog lamps, and unique upper and lower grilles and rocker panel moulding.

New driver-focused technologies found in the XR5 Turbo include keyless start via a 'Ford Power' start button.

Ford's new Human Machine Interface is available across the range. Consisting of easily accessible steering wheel mounted controls and an easy to read cluster display, HMI means the driver's hands never have to leave the wheel to read relevant vehicle related information such as radio, phone and personalised settings.

The Mondeo XR5 Turbo offers an enhanced cluster display featuring a 15cm premium colour screen.

Peak power of 162kW is realised at 5000 rpm and the maximum 320Nm of torque is available from a user-friendly 1500rpm all the way through to 4800rpm.

To further enhance the sports pedigree of the XR5 Turbo, it is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The two petrol Mondeo powertrains deliver fuel economy of 9.5-litres per 100km, which improves to an excellent 7.3-litres per 100 km with the diesel engine.

"In the case of the diesel this equates to a range of more than 950km^, or enough to travel from Melbourne to Sydney with enough remaining to drive around once you arrive," said Mr Gorman.

In light of the impressive array of safety equipment and standard specification, the recommended retail price of all models sets a new benchmark for the segment.

The LX has a recommended retail price of $29,990, the Zetec and TDCi have recommended retail prices of $34,990 and $37,990 respectively, and the Mondeo XR5 Turbo is $41,990*.

There is also an optional 'Cruise Pack' available to LX customers to further enhance and personalise their new vehicle.

It consists of 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, a leather wrapped steering wheel and rear power windows. It has a recommended retail price of $1,500.

"New Ford Mondeo marks a step change for Ford in terms of design and technology," said Mr Gorman.

"With the arrival of Mondeo, Ford now has our strongest ever portfolio of imported small to medium passenger cars, giving us the ability to deliver an even greater range of desirable new vehicles to our customers."

FORD MONDEO RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE AND OPTIONS LIST

Model $RRP*
LX 4-door 6-speed automatic $29,990
Zetec 4-door 6-speed automatic $34,990
Zetec 5-door 6-speed automatic $34,990
TDCi 4-door 6-speed automatic $37,990
TDCi 5-door 6-speed automatic $37,990
Mondeo XR5 Turbo 5-door 6-speed manual $41,990

Options
Prestige paint $350
Voice control with Bluetooth $450
LX 'Cruise Pack' option (Cruise control, rear power windows, 16" alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel) $1,500
Sunroof (Zetec, TDCi and Mondeo XR5 only) $1,900
Leather trim with heated front seats (Zetec/ TDCi only) $2,000

* All prices exclude dealer delivery and statutory charges ^Range calculated based on ADR 81/01 fuel consumption of 7.3l/100km with 70-litre fuel tank