Deciding to buy a Ford Mondeo is the easy part. Choosing which model, style and optional extras to go for is where things start to get tricky. The problem is that there's just so much choice. For a start, there are seven models, most of which are available in four-door, five-door or estate variations. Then there are the engines, which range from 1.6 - 2.5 Duratec petrol engines, to 1.8 - 2.2 Duratorq diesel engines.
The Ford Mondeo range starts with the Edge. It comes with 16" Y-spoke wheel covers, air-conditioning, CD and radio, central locking a heated front windscreen, voice controlled Bluetooth, clever Electronic Stability Programme, capless refuelling, Curtsey Delay headlights, seven airbags, a leather steering wheel and more.
The Zetec features some great additions to the Edge, such as 16" Y-spoke alloy wheels, front fog lights, body coloured door handles, brushed-finish front-door-opening scuff plates, a chrome lower grille surround, a duel-zone automatic temperature control, a leather gearshift knob and illuminated sun visor mirrors.
The ECOnetic is the car for those who are environmentally conscious. Its 1.8 or 2.0 Duratorq diesel engines give a lot of power, but doesn't compromise its environmental mission. It also has low rolling resistance tyres and front grille air deflectors, which, when coupled with the rear spoiler, makes the car ultra dynamic. There's also an up shift gear change indicator, helping you drive economically, and lowered sports suspension.
The Ghia is another great Mondeo model, which looks stylish with 17" 7X3 spoke alloy wheels, and has sensitive automatic headlights, a chrome upper grille, chrome finished upper door line, and a coloured lower grille. It also features a Sony 6CD and DAB radio system, power heated and folding door mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, map reading lights and a front interior ambient light. The handbrake is wrapped in leather, and stylish wood-effect interior trim.
There are also the three Titanium models; the Titanium, Titanium X and Titanium X Sport. The Titanium's additions to the Zetec include 17" Y-spoke alloy wheels, silver painted upper and lower grilles, blue glass, brushed-chrome interior trim, cllever Ford Convers+ instrument cluster, and sports style front seats.
The Titanium X also includes the addition of 18" Y-spoke alloy wheels and Halogen Adaptive front lights with static cornering lights. There are front and rear parking sensors and heated seats. For gadget lovers, there's a FordPower start button and variable heated front seats. And for rear seat passengers, there's a central armrest with cup holders.
The last model in the Ford Mondeo range is the Titanium X Sport. It had a sports exterior design and a rear spoiler for added aerodynamics, as well as sports suspension. Its leather seats, steering wheel, door panel inserts, and gearshift are trimmed with red stitching, making even the inside look ultra luxurious. Whatever your life style and budget, the Ford Mondeo comes in a model to suit you.
Pete J Ridgard is a writer and a car enthusiast. He currently writes for the automotive industry. Here he discusses Ford Online cars.
At the AMI Leipzig Motor Show in Germany that runs from March 28 to April 5, 2009, Ford will pull the covers off a new tri-fuel variant of the Mondeo capable of running on gasoline, bio-ethanol (E85) or any mix of these two, as well as on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Available in four-door sedan, five-door liftback and in station wagon forms, the tri-fuel Mondeo uses a 2.0-liter Duratec petrol engine and comes equipped with two gas tanks, one with a volume of 70-liters for petrol and E85 and one with 48.8 liters (40 for the Estate) for LPG.
According to Ford, the 2.0-liter Duratec engine produces an output of 145HP when running on petrol and/or E85, and 141HP on LPG. With LPG, the Mondeo Sedan and Liftback models can cover an estimated total of 460 km (286 miles) while the Estate, 380 km (236 miles), before running dry. When running on conventional fuel and/or E85, the Mondeo has a range of 850 km (529 miles), meaning that the combined range is over 1,200 km (746 miles).
Ford said that its tri-fuel Mondeo cars will go on sale in selected European markets from April with prices starting in Germany from €27,500 ($35,150 with today's rates). This means that the tri-fuel Mondeo is €250 cheaper than the comparable diesel-powered, Mondeo 2.0-liter TDCi 140HP.
(Photos: Standard Mondeo)
