2008 Ford Mondeo Details
15 Oct, 2007
111 Comments 
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 |
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October 15th, 2007 at 7:02 am
FPV MONDEO WOULD BE FANTASTIC, baby bro to the Typhoon!
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October 15th, 2007 at 8:15 am
Looking good! yeah i agree the new ST mondeo would make a great FPV.
Rumours suggest the new ST will be a volvo sourced 3.0 inline turbo 6! possibily with AWD…yum
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October 15th, 2007 at 8:31 am
The XR5 goes 0-100km in 7.3sec. The mondeo will be Australia’s new medium car darling.
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October 15th, 2007 at 8:40 am
Hey Adam [Aka Mada] do you mean Mondeo RS? Because isn’t the ST the XR5 turbo here?
And yes…I can’t wait for my current loan on my focus to finish…for when I trade in I will be trading up to the Mondeo!
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:02 am
If I wasn’t so dead set on an Orion ‘Phoon I think Modeo XR5Turbo would be my next pick. Fantastic looking car.
Surely this and the rest of Ford’s small/medium range will give Ford a big leg up because the quality and price are both impressive.
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:03 am
Haven’t had my cuppa yet, that should read “Mondeo”
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:10 am
John…
Sorry you may be right, i can’t quite remember the name of the high performance mondeo…but when it’s released hopefully we will get it as the FPV version, as the ST is the XR5 version.
If this mondeo does not sell well it won’t be the fault of the car itself…
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:11 am
Anyone else notice how on the interior pic of the LX mondeo the T-bar auto has no visible selectable italics or symbols?? weird…maybe they are only located in the dash panel?
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:27 am
I think the gear selector panel is hidden from view in the pic just behind the gear lever itself…doh
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:28 am
This will lift Ford up the ladder with monthly sales and diminish Holden and Toyota downwards. Now if we remember that Holden and Toyota have a huuuge range and do huuuge deals and freebies compared to Ford (Holden in particular does freebies heaps) then it augers great if Ford sharpens its act as well! Now what the hell is the stance on Kuga and Verve cars as well as Ford need products and not some fat bonehead CEO standing at Holden stand and being silent on more products that look classy as??? Maybe he should also upgrade Territory to bring it up to speed for refreshed style to compete better!
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Col K…
The verve will be our fiesta replacement in the next 12-15 months…while kuga will be considered.
I’m itching to know what orion will be like, you would think that the new falcon will have to at least compete with mondeo for feature content and options.
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Its quite pricey and I personally dont like the look of the rear… and judging by the limited rear shots Ford media doesnt think its great either.
That aside, the front looks awesome and it should be a hit
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:42 am
As a Holden fan and a driver of one of the last Vectra’s CDXi, I hope Ford do really well with these Mondeo’s and show Holden which is the right direction for medium/small size cars.
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:47 am
toyota paul…
How is it pricey!? it beats the camry for spec and price…?
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:56 am
Quite pricey! Are you sure you dont work for toyota!
I think this represents excelent value for money! i will be lining up!
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October 15th, 2007 at 10:03 am
exactly…i don’t understand how some people can’t see whats in front of them:)
Besides, can enyone think of a better car in the segment it competes in currently? so it could afford to be more expensive.
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October 15th, 2007 at 10:15 am
yeah toyota paul with a name like that im sure you’re working for the toyota pr department.
the mondeo comes standard with dsc, ebd, 6 speed auto, 7 airbags…last i checked the camry had just only added dsc to its spec sheet, only has a 5 speed auto and 4 airbags standard on its entry level model…
and the camry is priced at $29,990…hmmm…quite the same as the higher speced $29,990 mondeo…where’s your argument?
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October 15th, 2007 at 10:17 am
Will a station wagon model be released?
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October 15th, 2007 at 10:20 am
not at the moment azza85…im not sure how the mazda 6 wagon is going…because toyota scrapped their camry wagon…so there must be some move away from estates…but the wagon of the mondeo and focus are classy as!
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October 15th, 2007 at 10:20 am
the more i read the UK reviews of the mondeo the more and more it shapes up as my next car. Especially the XR5, my only slight disappointment (very slight) is that only the XR5 comes with a manual, but I can understand that most people in that segment like auto’s, and it is a good 6 speed auto at that.
And yeah, toyota paul, look at the spec sheet, and then compare each model with the equivalent camry. No way can you say the mondeo is pricy without implying that the camry is even more so, given the feature deficiency.
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October 15th, 2007 at 10:23 am
Thanks for the reply John. The wagons are hot little European things!
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October 15th, 2007 at 10:24 am
and adam an fpv for everything would be nice! imagine an fpv fiesta, fpv focus, fpv mondeo, fpv kuga, fpv territory [woot woot], fpv falcon, and if only ford would bring down those hot people movers - the SMAX and Galaxy…and make them into FPV variants too!
and i reckon ford should bring the lincoln brand down from the states…i may be alone in this, but their new concepts look better than any ford branded cars in the US at the moment. then they could bring back the fairlane nameplate as a lincoln. does anyone else agree?
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October 15th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Guys, i just had a drive day with the new Mondeo and it drives better than it looks and it looks great. XR5 is just the best mid car ive driven for a long time. If anyone is looking to buy one, BE QUICK. We are selling at least 1 a day at the moment and the cars havent even left Europe yet. Our first demo (TDCi) will be here this week. Contact me on darrenc@binks.com.au if anyone is interested.
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October 15th, 2007 at 10:42 am
just another reply to toyota paul…i actually applaud ford australia for keeping the value of the euro sourced hotties at such an affordable price!
my reasoning is…the mondeo retails for retail of the entry level price of 17,745pounds! So if you convert that with the current exchange rate of 43 pence per dollar you end up with $41,267!!!! thats the price of the xr5! so $29,990 is not pricey at all toyota paul…get your neck out of the sand and look at the new king of cool in the medium car segment.
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October 15th, 2007 at 10:44 am
QUOTE
Be Happy Says:
October 15th, 2007 at 9:42 am
As a Holden fan and a driver of one of the last Vectra’s CDXi, I hope Ford do really well with these Mondeo’s and show Holden which is the right direction for medium/small size cars.
———————————————————-
Vectra was a great car, I think your comment is spot on because the Daewoo lineup Holden have now doesn’t impress me at all, many people feel the same.
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October 15th, 2007 at 11:23 am
YEAH SPOT ON…. Don’t worry BE HAPPY!
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October 15th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Great car, but unfortunately, Mazda 6 looks so much better, and has a proven track record, as well as more badge cred. This will be the only thorn in Mondeo’s crown. It’s a lot better than anything Holden can offer in the same size/market though.
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October 15th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
nick j…yes the mazda looks good…but its typical japanese styling…almost looks like a lexus, slash, anything else japanese…
the mondeo is truly a european style leader…and yes i agree holden should be running scared because that epic-crap shouldn’t deserve to be in the same league as the 6 or mondeo…even their ad is such false advertising…i didn’t see james bond drive anything else than a mondeo!
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October 15th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Falcon Fantastic and John .Rod Barret has plans to extend the FPV range as he has set high sales targets for FPV and the way to achieve this is by bringing out more models . I would look forward many more additions in the FPV range.
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October 15th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
The important factore here is the mondeo will give the new 6 a run for it’s money, while being a better package than the segment sales leader, the camry…
I wonder if Ford will chase fleet sales like Toyota does with camry or keep sales primarily retail like Honda and Mazda do.
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October 15th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
bavarian missile…i read that too…i just hope that ford doesnt scared off by the bureaucrats like in the 70s and 80s and kill off anything that is deemed too powerful…imagine an fpv fiesta with the 2.5 volvo sourced engine…oh how sweet it is…
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October 15th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
although fleets boost sales, i reckon they cheapen the image of any car…
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October 15th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
john…
I agree, i hope Ford holds out for solid retail sales while avoiding huge fleet deals.
I think they will, the estimation on mondeo monthly sales has been pegged around 500 units, mazda 6 does around a 1000 units per month and thats on retails sales primarily.
It appears Ford is prepared to have lower overall sales in order to build a solid repuation and more profitable retail sales.
Good idea imo, just have a look at Mazda.
Keep bigger fleets for falcon.
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October 15th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Yer John I know what you mean,but Australia also has to compete in the world market now .
Hey power to weight would scary stuff in a Fiesta…….
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October 15th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
yeah i agree that the falcon should be the fleets bread and butter…but you must realise one thing…when company fleets choose a car for a long time, it means they know its reliable…hence the falcon wagon and telstra…i reckon though if i had a cool company i would like all my execs driving the xr5’s! imagine a parking lot full of xr variants! very nice indeed!
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October 15th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
its good to see some positive feedback here for the mondeo…and even for some of the other ford models…but what i want to know is…the mondeo is bar-none the best new medium car launched in the country at the moment. but question to ford is…where are the ads? hello marketing department at ford…please dont kill this mondeo like you did with the previous model due to your lack of interest in marketing this modest beauty!
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October 15th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
TV Ads are no existant and even print media is tiny and Holden and Toyota do big pages in papers = Tom Gorman what the stuff you doing aside from getting rotund and hanging out at Holden stand of motor show!!! Sleeping on a name the used to be big!!!
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October 15th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
I’m still disappointed that the XR5 has no auto option. We know that engine can handle an auto (Volvo C30 and S40 is the same engine I think).
And I don’t want to hear the crap about only ‘real’ drivers have manuals. It’s been said before that the uptake of autos in Oz is quite high.
Unless Ford re-think this and include an auto option they will lose sales to the Jetta, Mazda6 and Octavia (which will have the DSG for the RS next year).
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October 15th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
hey grumps…yeah i hear ya…maybe when sales pickup they will include an auto version…all the mondeo variants in the uk have either an auto and or manual…even the sassy xr4 would be lovely if there was an auto option too.
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October 15th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
The marketing hasn’t actually started for the mondeo as yet, give it another month or so…
As for the auto, they have no standard 6 speed autos that can handle the turbo inline 5, while Ford of Europe has a DSG gearbox under development, hence why invest in traditional 6 speed autos when your going to be releasing a new DSG in 2-3 years time.
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October 15th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
There is NO auto option for the inline 5 turbo at all in Europe.
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October 15th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
oops my bad…i must’ve read the spec sheet wrong!
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October 15th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
I remember reading in MOTOR that ford has set their sales expectations for the mondeo at 500 a month, which is very low, so I suspect they don’t have fleet sales for the mondeo on the agenda. Which is good, should stop the resale value tanking. I think the back half of the mazda 6 is better looking than the mondeo, but I prefer the front end of the mondeo over the mazda. And I suspect the mondeo will be better equiped coming from the european market, although we’ll have to wait for more details on the mazda 6 before we know for sure.
When I was reading reviews of the UK mondeo I stumbled across lots of reports on how ford australia had no plans to import the mondeo, even up to sept last year. And to now see them on their website, its quite a backflip. And a good one, if only Ford US could move this quickly, then maybe ford wouldn’t be bleeding money out its man spadge.
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October 15th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
I don’t see how $29990 for a six-speed auto with 7 airbags and ESP as standard, can be seen as expensive for a medium sized car. Toyota clearly have you hypnotised Paul.
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October 15th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Ford are on a winner with the Mondeo - seems to be well priced too.
If your Falcon spy shots remain true to the metal then Ford will have some strong order books on the way.
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October 15th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
notice how paul has gone quiet…. has a cat got his tounge?
I have just sat in a XR5 while i was working at the motorshow and it is very impressive, i can see why there comparing it to bmw in the UK!
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October 15th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
yes Paul has gone very quiet…!
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October 15th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
I think you’re right Tony, Ford are on a winner. I hope it is successful, otherwise Ford may think that Holden’s way (dodgy Daewoos) is the most economically viable solution. Let us all hope that doesn’t happen.
The front looks great, back isn’t as good but still acceptable. We may be a bit hopeful in asking for a FPV version, but it would be one hell of a car if they did!
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October 15th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
tonyn i am very jealous!!!
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October 15th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Holden have absolutely no hope with the Epica now. The Mondeo is not that much more expensive then the Epica and the Mondeo is a far superior car.
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October 15th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Similar power outputs to its competitors, a very competitive price and good looks should see this car do very well. From what I’ve seen from UK reviews, this car should be a great success for Ford, as long as they give it the advertising it deserves. Wouldn’t this make a great addition to the FPV lineup!
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October 15th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
hey adam [aka mada] i just realised there is no st version of the mondeo in europe or uk…australia is the first to have a performance version…how cool is that…but i do wonder why the turbo engine is 4 kilowatts less power in the mondeo guise compared to the focus equivalent…
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October 15th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
FALCON FANTASTIC Said…
FPV MONDEO WOULD BE FANTASTIC, baby bro to the Typhoon!
That would be verry good, more of a range for FPV.
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October 15th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
why are you jealous john? working at the motorshow or sitting in a mondeo? lol….
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October 15th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
John…
The european version of the turbo mondeo is really no different to the aussie badged XR5 turbo we get here.
Ford AUS pretty much mixed and set it’s own versions to sell here, even the type of grilles have been chosen.
The upper spec mondeos get the 5 cyl trubos engine.
The new ST mondeo is still in the works in Europe and word is it will be launched with an inline 3.0 turbo 6 with the possibility of AWD, that will make the mondy a very heavy vehicle…
The ST is the version i hope we get as an FPV variant.
The 2.5 turbo we have and Europe gets is really only a warm version.
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October 15th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Tonyn was a male model at the show thats why he was sitting in the Mondeo..he he he ……….
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October 15th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
hehehehe…. i would scare the punters away…. i dont work on the ford stand.. even though thats where my heart is!
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October 15th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
LOL…Not all the punters!!
Must be hard working at another stand when you want the Ford stand:)
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October 15th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
i enjoy working there, no i have a soft spot for the brand i work for, so its all good!
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October 15th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
well not all is lost then…:))
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October 15th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
I do not see Toyota Pauls non-sensical comment, but then who cares as he does not make sense most times and skirts issues too easy.
Whilst on car what do others think of grille and air intake with vertical and horizontal pattern. Looks tad too tartan or pedestrian for me (minor point). Dont get me wrong the car is still hot!
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October 15th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
No I have not gone quiet, people do have commitments…. I find it funny how 20 post followed 2 words by me, talk about Ford faires.
I made an honest mistake… still dont like the rear end though.
Klink… yes Im the one who doesnt make sense most of the time abit rich coming from you!
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October 15th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Paul with all due respect, do you feel a need to criticise every car that isn’t a Toyota? Because whenever/if ever you complement a non-Toyota, it seems to be followed with a BUT…
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October 15th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Paul, you seem to hate every car, EVEN TOYOTA LANDCRUSERS so hope you don’t go on about wanting us to just love Toyota .
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October 15th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Oh OK Paul, mate coming from you with your mindset. You were the one who concluded that builders make $30K PA. Get back onto your Aurion thread and have a look at NO ALLEGIANCE and my comments! You are obtusely delicately stuck in your mindset all the time with Toyota this or Toyota that or bulletproof relability Toyota’s. You polarise people more then me and you must appreciate whilst we are on here I have no biase unlike you!
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October 15th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
And Paul, mate have you heard of humour as you need it (like most on here)
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October 15th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
KFC, probably find you don’t polarise people as you say because most can’t understand what you are trying to say in your posts.
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October 15th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
JasonDill…. You do not fully know what you are on about as NO ALLEGIANCE has touched on it and your so called checkmate thing on drive website is not crystal clear one sided as you lot try to waffle on about a lot!
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October 15th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
What’s with this “no allegiance” stuff? Still not making sense KFC…
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October 15th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
no allegiance was the screen name of some person who wandered onto this website, and made a comment on what he as an outsider observed of Toyota Paul and blinky. Its in the TRD Aurion 3500 thread
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October 15th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Like the front - but the rear… hmm not so much. Interior looks a bit s15 200sx but not too bad. Fuel economy is a bit high for 118KW on tap. Love that silver one, would like to see it without the orange plastic indicators and black bezel headlights
I don’t know much about these new fords - is this RWD or FWD? (guessing the latter).
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October 15th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Thanks for clearing that up Tom.
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October 15th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
OK… so JasonD, you are not Toyota Paul as suspected you were!
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
Paul you didnt make an honest you simply had a “knee jerk reaction” to this article as it is about a ford.
while you are admitting you are wrong can you please make your way over to the Aurion posts to apologise to me for yet another one of your outrageous ill educated comments that resulted in you calling me? the liar.
Adam, mate no gear selection indicators as the sticks in the pictures are manuals.
this is definately going to be a good car for ford. i see the only real competition for it at the moment being the Mazda 6. (well win win for ford as they profit from mazda aswell)
i think a big deciding factor in favor of the mondeo might be size. reports pin the mondeo as actually quite large and not far off falcon size.
i havent heard comments on size of the new mazda 6 has anyone? maybe the 6 might be too small for some (thats if the 6 is a bit smaller)
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
i can see the diesel being the hot seller here too.
what you only have to lose say 20kw to gain 115nm (round figures)
and then the fuel consumption on the diesel.
did it say consumption figures for diesel or did i miss it?
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
ah yes it did now i double check 7.3L
i suppose i should have done that first.
(i was just thinking out loud i suppose)
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October 15th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
Just one thing… if 7.3L/100km is the average cycle figure on the 70 litre tank, 950 km is the AVERAGE range. Highway range then if say around 6.0L/100km (guessing) would be theoretically 1167km!!! More if the highway figure drops lower. So it’s even better!
9.5L/100km average for the 2.3 petrol is still 0.4L/100km better than Camry, the market leader, which whilst not as low as Mazda6 is still 5% better than what Camry gets. What hurts more is that Camry doesn’t offer the Diesel option. Will be interesting to see how Camry retail sales go with new 6 and new Mondeo.
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October 15th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
No manual in the standard models?? I think they are giving up a fair few sales to the Mazda 6 just for that. Oh and the engine is disappointing as well considering the Mazda 6 will come with the newer larger capacity version. Really strange considering it is mostly Ford tech to begin with and Ford itself gets an inferior selection
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October 15th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
Just checked whatcar in the UK, it gives a MPG of 50.4 on highway cycle. This is equivalent to 4.66L/100km. If we bring it up to 5L/100km just to account for air conditioning and other variables, even a figure of 5L/100km gives a possible 1,300 - 1,400km range on the highway. Nice.
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October 16th, 2007 at 12:20 am
For me, new Mondeo is the biggest disappointment of the year. All I wanted is sedan with automatic transmission and 2.5L Turbo engine and Converse+ interface. I don’t understand why australian branch of Ford has desided not to put those things together. I had 2 Ford cars, I have Ford car now, but my next car definetly be something else
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October 16th, 2007 at 7:35 am
Cuper…
If you actually read the comments made here, the 2.5 turbo 5 cyl does not come a with an automatic transmission at all, not here or in Europe.
Ford is not too far away from DSG gearboxes.
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October 16th, 2007 at 10:53 am
I would definitely consider that turbo Mondeo with a DSG gearbox.
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October 16th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
wow the middle of this thread was almost like a daytime soapie between lovers of ford and lovers of toyota…
toyota paul…oh what a feeling…your cars are boring…
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October 16th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Did anyone else notice that the Epicas were hidden way out of sight on the Holden stand?
The new Mondeo looks nice, has quality features and engines and is well priced. BUT…they don’t seem to be importing the Wagon, so it still looks like my only options remain the Subaru Liberty/Outback and the new Mazda 6 (or something european). Wake up car manufacturers - not all people want a Captiva/Territory/CR-V/RAV 4/Kluger. Some of us still want a mid sized wagon! (I have an Outback)
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October 16th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
So…who ever test drove this new mondeo, please let me know your experience because dealer close to me only can get it end of Oct. AND which one do you think it is better compare to Toyota aurion (around $40k). Is the mondeo has a smart key? or just push button? please let me know. Thanks.
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October 16th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Tommo the Epica’s been on sale for about five months, at the Melbourne Motorshow the Epicas were at the front.
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October 16th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Adam [aka Mada]
Probably, I should feel much better knowing that Ford does not equipe 2.5L engines with automatic transmission at all. But I feel that Ford has stolen my Christmas gift.
For me, it looks very stupid, that the most expesive configuration comes with manual gear. And why just hatch, not sedan as well?
I’m even trying to recall such cases in the past, but…. can’t. I don’t remember a car that hadn’t automatic transmission in its top version. Do you?
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October 16th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
the only reason you would buy the sedan is because you would prefer the look of the sedan. Here’s what you lose by getting the hatch.
1. 1.1 cm of rear headroom
2. 7L of boot space with seats up, put the seats down and you gain 913L, which is a fair trade-off.
Honestly, thats it. The hatch is also 7 cm shorter externally than the sedan, which will make it 7 cm easier to park, if that matters.
Normally I hate the look of hatches, like hatch mazda 3’s and corollas. I know, some people love hatches, and good on them, glad they’re happy. I just don’t. But liftbacks like the mondeo and mazda 6 are awesome because you get the look of a sedan with the storage space of a hatchback. They’re still not quite as practical as a hatchback, but overall I reckon they are a better compromise.
As more manual or not, personally I reckon ford should just offer manual and automatic in the whole range, but I guess because they have to import them from belgium in limited quantities it wouldn’t make economic sense. Hopefully they sell enough volume for that to not be a problem anymore.
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October 16th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Cuper…
I understand your point and i’d like an auto option for the XR5 turbo too.
But reality dictates that Ford is working towards DSG transmissions, which i think is a more desirable investment in the long run.
It’s primarily a sports car with a mix of luxury, it’s no XR5 focus turbo.
I’m stoked that we even have the option of purchasing the mondeo! The US doesn’t have the same luxury…
One black mark for the mondeo, but when you consider that it’s primary rivals lack many of mondeos alternative options, it doesn’t appear that negative.
1. 6 speed tiptronic autos, not 4 or 5.
2. hatch, sedan and diesel options.
3. cheap comparative pricing.
4. high standard spec list, particuarly saftey, what other midsizer has 7 airbags, TC and ESC standard for a $30,000 base price? and it’s an imported European vehicle?
Holden keeps telling us it’s too expensive for them to import it’s Euro range, maybe for them.
It’s not as boring as the camry to look at and it doesn’t look Japenese.
5. It will be one of the few vehicles that comes close to the dynamic abilities of a BMW 3 series, while being a big family car.
Lets hope it’s not too much longer to wait for an automatic transmission for the XR turbo.
A manual is not difficult to use and it’s fun to drive, if people don’t have a manaul license, imo thats their issue.
Have a look at the major specs of the 2.3l 4cyl and compare it to the 2.5 turbo 5 cyl…they are very similar in comsumption while the turbo is faster and better performing, maybe a manual isn’t such a negative?
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October 16th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Adam (aka mada)
In my case, manual transmission is a huge problem. I have about 6 year experience with manual, but all the time the gear handle was on the right side, not on the left
I’m just moving to Australia for a few years, and manual transmission together with the left-side traffic makes me horrified. Besides, my wife likes automatic too.
Anyway, I’m starting to think about Zetec, cause I don’t see a better car for me…
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October 16th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Oh yeah, Cuper, I understand that. Having to shift with the opposite hand AND drive on the other side of the road would be scary. That must take some getting used to.
I hope you do get the variant you want with the auto, because it’d be a shame to rule out the all new Mondeo just for that.
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October 17th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Watto_Cobra
I hope so, thanks.
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October 17th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
ive never driven LHD but cuper raises a point i bet not many people have experienced. having wipers on the RHS is bad enough let alone the gears being in a different location, which would mean to most using the un coordinated and weaker hand (the left hand).
first gear would have been towards yourself but now it is away.
i bet it would keep one second guessing and nervous about making sure they get the right gear.
im bad enough when i get into an auto every now and then. having owned only manuals my self it takes me a few k’s to tell myself i dont need to look for a clutch and it is ok to dive into corners without anything but steer
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October 17th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
It’s a shame the LX and Zetec models won’t be available with a manual transmission. Although the majority of Australians prefer autos, there’s still a strong market for manual transmissions here. You see plenty of manual Mazda 6 and Accord Euros driving around because they appeal to a younger market, where-as it would make more sense to have auto-only Camrys and Epicas.
Disappointing…
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October 17th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
I said that same thing re the Focus last night Andrew… bet if you get a Focus you will switch on the wipers , I still do it when I swap cars ,then you have to remember what side the fuel caps on too!
Maybe your better getting an old farts Fairmont and pimping it to stay safe !hehehehe For the MRSSS god I hate that term!
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October 18th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
yeah missile i know you mentioned the wipers and boy didnt i look like a dick when i drove my service loaner out of the ford dealership one time.
yep i looked like a dick because i was driving a focus and then i even stuffed up the wipers.
i was short changed that day…… give them my falcon for the day to service and they give me a focus???? WTF
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October 18th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
im sure you wont make fun of a fairmont as an old mans car when it comes with an optional hairdryer next year!!!!!!!
now that is what i would love. a luxurious cruiser with street cred and a bucket load of oooommph
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October 18th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
hahaha….you a little thin skinned tonight….I will stop stirring you promise on the Fairmont! The hair dryer for her or you ……sorry couldn’t resist!!hehe Promise to be good now! That gets you back for the ash tray remarks on the M3 ….
I know what your saying re the loaners………we got one of their Fairlanes once ………that was boring as hell to drive!
I would have preferred the focus I think!
Wouldn’t you think they would up grade you like another blue and white badged company does when you get a loaner! Give you something better than what you’ve got and when you get yours back it seems like crap! Good marketing I think!
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October 18th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
im thinking 2 birds one stone with the hairdryer idea
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October 18th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
hahahah……
Isn’t that how most guys think!
Ill tell her I am buying her a new car ,but I will add my little extras,just to personalize it!!
I am sure shes not that blonde…..hehehe
What colour do you …..sorry she want?
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October 20th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
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.
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November 13th, 2007 at 2:21 am
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.
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November 13th, 2007 at 10:37 am
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!
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November 13th, 2007 at 10:49 am
If you read dieselhead’s post above, you would know that the mondeo is actually bigger in some areas…
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November 23rd, 2007 at 11:37 am
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!
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November 28th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
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.
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December 11th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
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!
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December 18th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
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.
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December 23rd, 2007 at 3:35 pm
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.
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February 7th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
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
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March 1st, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Wazza,
I picked up my xr5 last week and the towbar was available.
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