From Drive 13 Nov. Mondeo Underated Car in Australia

csv8 · 14-11-2010, 10:54 AM

Pitched as an alternative to the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore, which dominate the Australian fleet and family-car scene, the Mondeo is an enticing package with lots of cabin and hatch space, an excellent and economical diesel engine and impeccable European road manners. Stylish inside and out, with helpful splashes of class, the mid-sized Mondeo has no shortage of aesthetic appeal, either.

All Mondeos have a standard five-star ANCAP safety arsenal including seven airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes.

The range has just been enhanced visually with more standard inclusions, with the premium Titanium version scoring a welter of new safety-related functions, many usually found only in expensive European brands.

The 118kW/208Nm 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine struggles a little with the Mondeo's weight. Our preference is for the 2.0-litre turbo diesel (120kW/340Nm) with loads of pulling power from low revs and fuel use of a mere 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres (LX model). Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic.

Prices range from $30,990 (plus on-road and dealer costs) for the base LX hatch to $46,240 for the richly equipped Titanium TDCi hatch.

It's baffling that the Mondeo range managed only 3897 sales between January and October this year. But sales are up marginally on last year, so maybe consumers are slowly wising up.

Could this be because of FORDS lack of advertising the Mondeo!!!!!!!!!

mondo_broady · 15-11-2010, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Could this be because of FORDS lack of advertising the Mondeo!!!!!!!!!

of course it is. i used to get peeved off about it till i read someone's comment on here. ford aus can't really afford to market a falcon killer... falcon is still too important to the company on a local level.

apstar · 15-11-2010, 12:00 PM

And because Ford is protecting the Falcon they are restricting the updates to the basic configuration for the Mondeo rather loose a few Mondeo sales to protect a car thats not even in the same sector WAKEUP FORD

apstar

ps even the new 2011 508 PUG will eat into Mondeo sales

roguex2x · 15-11-2010, 12:34 PM

Hi all,
I'm new to the Mondeo family. Loving the car at the moment.
In regards to the thread, I personally like that they haven't advertised the Mondeo a huge amount. Makes the Mondeo more unique in a way. The down side to that, is it's damn hard to find accessories easily (like the window trim to stop rain, bonnet protector, dash mat, etc), otherwise it's back to Ford for the premium price they charge for these.
If they did do more advertising, it at least should be for the Mondeo wagons, as I believe they've stopped making the Falcon wagons. That shouldn't affect the Falcon sedans and possibly give Holden sportswagons a challenge.

XWGT · 15-11-2010, 02:18 PM

Drove a Titanium all over the UK and Europe. Bloody great car!

2 adults plus 12 month old baby, baby seat 3 suitacses , portable cot, pram, 10 bags blah blah and still plenty of room

Avg 140kph on the motorway no problem
Great economy
Great technology
Great features
Great big bloody blind spot on the A pillar :-(

However, a really great drive.

allanv6gt · 15-11-2010, 07:59 PM

Just back from a trip down to NSW South Coast.
Mondeo XR5 is effortless GT-style cruiser. Lopes along with little juice and plenty of oomph for overtaking or blasting back up the mountain (oh, all that torque !!!). At one stage it looked like I was going to get 900km from a tank of petrol, and even now, should be around 800km (thirstier on the way back up the Mtn...he he). Can't wait until Tas trip in Jan, with all that freeway. Just clicked up 7000km, and getting better all the time.

Pity the they killed off the XR5...and no sign of EcoBoost.

And yes, earlier threads have discussed at length the marketing strategy of Ford Oz for these vehicles....or lack thereof.
But I did see two others today commuting to work....in a city pop'n of 300K.

allanv6gt · 15-11-2010, 08:01 PM

Forgot to add that the twisty bits were really great fun. Car stuck to the road and was very predictable. I'd hate to find out where the 'limit' is !!!

Ditto above........a really great drive.

ian b · 15-11-2010, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanv6gt

Pity the they killed off the XR5...and no sign of EcoBoost.

I just changed to an MB XR5 rather than have to drive the 2.3 petrol in an MC.

Ford would have got an MC sale from me if the Ecoboost was a certainty next February.

Happy with the MB, drives well and plenty new toys over the MA.

Maybe the Ecoboost will be here when I change again in 3 years.