New Ford Mondeo: flagship Ford heralds greater technology and craftmanship

Ford Eurpoe May 29, 2003; On the tenth anniversary of its original launch, Ford’s flagship Mondeo range heralds its highest ever levels of technology and craftsmanship. Over 1500 new parts lie behind a significant package of new technologies, interior and exterior enhancements, focused on keeping Ford Mondeo at the top of its class.

Key in the new range is the 1.8-litre Duratec SCi engine, the debut of Ford’s direct-injection petrol technology, offering significant fuel-economy benefits over conventional petrol engines. Also introduced are further refinements to the Duratorq TDCi common-rail turbodiesel engine, and expanded availability of the new Durashift six-speed manual transmission.

Latest Technology For Maximum Choice

The new Ford Mondeo heralds the introduction of Ford’s Duratec SCi direct-injection petrol technology, in 1.8-litre, 130PS engine form.

Duratec SCi uses direct petrol injection to provide improved fuel economy, less noise and lower emissions. Named for its Smart Charge injection system, this new member of the Duratec engine family delivers reductions fuel economy improvements of between 6 and 8 per cent under normal driving conditions, along with increased power output and acoustic refinement.

Duratec SCi uses less fuel at low engine speeds, under idle or light throttle conditions, which makes it ideal for saving fuel in everyday, real-world driving.

In order to enhance the real world fuel economy, Mondeo Duratec SCi is also equipped with the new Durashift 6-speed manual transmission. This combination of technologies offers excellent performance feel and extremely comfortable, fuel-efficient motorway cruising.

Mondeo Duratec SCi with six-speed manual transmission is targeted to achieve fuel consumption levels of: 28.5mpg urban, 49.5mpg extra urban and 39.2mpg combined on the official European driving cycle, while emitting 173 grams per kilometre of CO2. This equates to a 7.7 per cent fuel economy improvement over the standard 125PS, 1.8-litre Duratec HE, with even greater savings predicted in real-world driving.

Targeted performance for Mondeo Duratec SCi is zero to 62mph in 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 128mph.

Six Appeal: Durashift Six-Speed Manual Transmission

Ford is widening the availability of its new Durashift six-speed manual transmission in the Mondeo range. Specially designed for higher output engines, the six-speed debuted in early 2003 on the 130PS Mondeo TDCi.

With new Mondeo, it will also be available in the 226PS, 3.0-litre Mondeo ST220, the new Duratec SCi direct-injection engine, 115PS TDCi and 170PS 2.5-litre V6 models.

The Durashift six-speed’s longer top gear gives Mondeo ST220 a boost in potential top speed from 151mph to 155mph, for more relaxed cruising at motorway speed. Zero-to-62mph acceleration is maintained at 7.6 seconds. Official fuel consumption is certified at 19.5mpg urban, 35.3mpg extra urban and 27.1mpg combined, with CO2 emissions of 249 grams per kilometre.

Durashift 5-tronic: F1 technology for refined automatic

F1-style, steering-wheel-mounted pushbutton shifting now adds to the sophistication of Ford Mondeo’s five-speed Durashift 5-tronic automatic transmission.

Durashift 5-tronic operates as a conventional automatic transmission, with the added freedom to select gears manually using its sequential ‘Select-Shift Manual’ feature. The driver can now use new steering-wheel-mounted button shift actuators instead of the gear lever and further improve control by keeping both hands on the wheel.

Refined environment: new interior features and craftsmanship

To create a relaxed and comfortable environment, an impressive collection of new premium interior features is available in new Mondeo including: heated and ventilated climate seats, colour, touch-screen DVD navigation system, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and new Sony™ audio systems – all ‘firsts’ in a European Ford.

"In 2000, the all-new Mondeo introduced a leap in craftsmanship for Ford that was obvious at first glance," said Chris Bird, Ford of Europe director of design. "With new Mondeo, we have built on that achievement with new luxury features and touches of craftsmanship which are evident not only to the eye, but also to the ear and to the touch. It builds on the strengths it inherited."

Most noticeable at first glance is new Mondeo’s revised centre console, with new levels of quality clear from the look and feel of the thoughtfully-placed switches and controls, high quality finish and the larger Sony™ audio systems, available in a Ford for the first time.

Mondeo’s new climate seat option is also a first in its class. A feature more commonly found in luxury cars, climate seats augment heating with ventilation in warmer conditions, to keep occupants cool and comfortable. Climate seats have a choice of five heating or ventilation levels. Rear-seat passengers are not left out either, with Mondeo’s new heated rear seat option, another first for a European Ford.

Another new luxury convenience feature is Mondeo’s rain-sensing wipers, with automatic "afterwipe" windscreen-cleaning feature.

Subtle Exterior Changes

Mondeo’s exterior design changes have focused on attention to detail.

New chrome highlights feature on the grille opening and Mondeo’s reprofiled front bumper, with the new-look Mondeo face completed by Ford’s signature trapezoidal fog lamps.

Ford designers have also created larger door mirrors for the new model, which power-fold on Ghia, Ghia X and ST220 and feature ‘puddle lamps’ – integral lights that illuminate the ground around the door area.

New Mondeo’s tail lamps now have a distinctive, metallic look, with silvered indicator lenses, while side repeater lamps also now feature clear lenses.

Added chrome accents on the upper doorline, door handle inserts and tailgate handle complete the premium look, while estate customers can now also opt for new metallic roof rails.

Quiet and Refined

As important as Mondeo’s new features and interior style are Eenhancements made under the skin are as important as Mondeo’s new features and interior style. Engineering efforts concentrated on keeping the cabin isolated from unwanted wind and road noise and powertrain vibration.

Mondeo’s premium TDCi range features a series of enhancements aimed at extending the inherent refinement of Ford’s latest diesel engine technology. A revised cylinder head incorporates new injectors for quieter operation, especially when started from cold.

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