2008 Ford Mondeo Details
October 15, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
Ford Australia has released details of the car we’ve all been waiting for, the all-new Ford Mondeo. With an eye-catching exterior design, high levels of standard safety and a reasonable entry price, the Mondeo should help the blue oval boost sales considerably.
Offered in four variants, the entry model LX, the mid-spec Zetec, a much needed turbo diesel TDci and the range-topping turbocharged Mondeo XR5, Ford has kindly answered calls for diesel and performance variants.
The entry model LX is available only as a Sedan but comes equipped with a variety of standard safety features:
- Intelligent Protection System (IPS)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA),
- Dynamic Stability Control
- Seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and full length side curtain airbags.
Moving up, the Zetec variant is available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatch and comes standard with all the features of the LX plus 17-inch alloy wheels and enhanced grille and fog lamps, 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 naturally aspirated petrol variants are powered by a 2.3-litre Duratec four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 118kW and 208Nm.
There is no manual transmission, both variants are only available with a six-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift. Fuel economy rates at 9.5 litres per 100km, which is a little on the high side.
In response to demands for a mid-size diesel model, Ford Australia has approved Mondeo TDCi. The variant is powered by a 2.0-litre Duratorq four-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel engine (96kW – 320Nm).
Available in both four-door sedan or five-door shapes, the Diesel variant share the same specification level (including the six-speed automatic gearbox) as the Zetec model. Of course the diesel engine wins on fuel, using just 7.3-litre per 100km. It can theoretically last for 950kms on the highway on one tank!
The car which started all this excitement for us is the new Mondeo XR5 Turbo. We spotted an XR5 a few weeks ago in Melbourne and initially many “in-the-know” claimed it was a dummy – obviously not.
Powered by the same 2.5-litre turbocharged engine as Ford’s hothatch, the Focus XR5 Turbo, (engines are built by Volvo) the Mondeo XR5 manages 162kW and 320Nm (0-100km/h figures are not available). The new performance model will add another name to the XR stable, and most probably lead to a locally tuned FPV Mondeo.
In addition to all the features of the Zetec variant, the XR5 receives 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless start via a ‘Ford Power’ start button, 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.
As the only model in the lineup that is not offered in an automatic, the XR5 Turbo is shipped exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.
Pricing and options are below:
|
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 |
$RRP |
|
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 |
Print it: 
We have the 2.0l petrol wagons and sedans here in NZ now, the 2.3’s (all 6 speeders auto) are arriving in about 5 weeks time,including the hatch models.I have read in the UK that the 2.3 is s bit rowdy,I have driven the 2.0 litre petrol 5 speed wagon and thats not bad. I would be aiming for a diesel wagon or maybe a Zetec hatch with diesel. Very nice car, far nicer than the 2.3 mazda 6 I have now.I had 3 modeo wagons before the mazda and I would go back to the Mondy tomorrow if I could.Diesel models are supposed to be here early 2008.
How can you describe this as a meduim size car
Mondeo 4.778 long Falcon 4.930 long; Mondy 1.886 wide falcon 1.864 wide; mondy 1.550 high falcon 1.440 high; Mondy wheelbase 2.850m Falcon 2.829.
OK the Mondy is 152mm shorter. Now whats big/medium.
apart form the mondys sensible engine sizes its a match for the Falcon anyday.
i have seen the falcon up against the mondeo and i’ll agree that they are exactly the same size. from some angles the mondeo actually looks bigger!
If you read dieselhead’s post above, you would know that the mondeo is actually bigger in some areas…
Ford will do well with this car… look at the competition:
Camry: Boring and underpowered… a fridge with wheels.
Mazda6: Ok, but pricier.
Honda Accord: Ok, but bland.
Subaru Liberty: Ok, but pricier, not a sedan.
Anything from Korea: crap (including the Epica).
Ford are delivering a well priced, high quality mid-sized car with excellent dynamics. About time!
Have been looking to buy a second hand Mazda 6 MPS but thought I would check out the XR5 for maybe a bit more money.
Must say I fell in love with the interior but after test driving a Civic Type R (which interior I also liked a lot) I felt a little flat with that cars performance so how a car drives is essential to me buying it. I dont care about how fast a car is on paper – I just want something which feels fast.
So I may well have been in the market for the XR5 but the sales guy told me I couldnt test drive it without signing the contract first. Now call me old fashioned but I think you decide what car you want first then sign the contract to buy it. As a single father with a 40 hour a week job, I dont have time to muck around with contracts for a car I might not even like drive wise.
Oh, well back to the MPS.
Ian
I got to drive the XR5 and promptly ordered one. 7.3 sec 0-100km may not be that fast from the lights but the torque is amazing in any gear from right down low. I have a twin turb soarer – very quick – but no regrets in moving on to the manual XR5. Am amazed at the solid quality, handling, safety features and good looks. I’ll add a chip, free flow exhaust and airbox. That’ll give it the same output as the MPS. Insist on a drive before going to the MPS!
Been a Ford fan/owner for years, but purchased a VW Turbo Petrol Jetta earlier this year. Has everyone forgot about this car??? 0-100kmh in 7.2secs, standard dual clutch auto, all the usual standard features you’d expect these days (plus more), all for $39,990 plus on road costs! May or may not be better than the new Mondeo, but definitely worth mentioning.
I also bought a Jetta…and it is superb.
Looked at all the competitors…and this one won hands down.
VW are onto a good thing with this car worldwide…as they cannot make enough of them.
Besides Mexico China and South Africa…new factories are being built in Russia and India for Jettas for the world markets.
Prospective Mondeo owners…look at the Jetta as well.
You will not be disapointed.
I am a Mazda6 driver about to change to a 2008 Mondeo Zetec Hatch. Can anyone tell me when Ford will be able to provide the model with a towbar. That seems to be the only negative I can see to the change so far
Wazza,
I picked up my xr5 last week and the towbar was available.