New Mondeo comes with same old prices

DAVID LINKLATER previews Ford's Mondeo launch in New Zealand next month.

Ford New Zealand has announced that its all-new Mondeo will go on sale at the same price as the outgoing car.

Speaking to a small group of journalists in Auckland last week, managing director Nigel Harris announced prices of $35,900 for the Zetec hatchback, $37,400 for the spacious new wagon and $42,900 for the leather-trimmed Ghia hatchback.

Examples of all three variants were on display. An entry-level sedan and sporty ST24 will also join the lineup in time for the Mondeo's launch next month.

"I think we could have justified a 5 or 6 per cent price increase," said Harris. "But it's more important to get buyers into the car right from the start."

The same-again prices are significant for a model that's much better equipped than its predecessor, and pushes the class boundaries forward for interior styling, space and driver entertainment.

The Belgian-built Mondeo also looks and feels like a credible rival for the $7000-more expensive Volkswagen Passat - not so surprising when you consider that both Ford styling boss J. Mays and European design director Chris Bird came to the Blue Oval via Audi.

The new Mondeo is a big car - nearly 150mm longer than the old model, with 50mm more metal in the wheelbase, 30mm extra width and tracks that have grown 19mm up front and 50mm at the rear.

The platform is completely new, as is the 2-litre Duratec HE engine that powers most of the New Zealand lineup. The powerplant makes 105kW at 6000 rpm and 185Nm at 4500 rpm, or 11kW and 15Nm more than the current car.

The only carry-over engine is the 2.5-litre V6 for the ST24, which keeps its 125kW at 6000 rpm and 220Nm at 4250 rpm. Changes to the mountings are intended to improve refinement.

The cabin is incredibly spacious front and rear and features Audi-like brushed alloy trim on the instruments and steering wheel. Fit and finish is almost in the luxury car league.

Standard equipment includes air-conditioning and a CD player. Sixteen-inch wheels are fitted across the range, though the ST24 moves up to 17-inch rims. Ford's display wagon hunkered down on optional 18-inch wheels. Anti-lock brakes with electronic force distribution are fitted to all variants.

Four airbags and anti-whiplash head restraints are standard even on the entry models. The front airbags have two-stage operation and work in conjunction with seat track sensors and an occupancy detector for the passenger's side. The Ghia and ST24 models also have side curtain airbags.

The Mondeo is yet to turn a wheel in New Zealand, but Weekend Drive tested a European-specification version in France late last year. The car's superb refinement stood out under demanding driving conditions, but the Mondeo also impressed with a firm ride, informative steering and an entertaining chassis.

The 2-litre engine is flexible, while slightly shorter gearing than the current model makes for sprightly performance without sacrificing relaxed motorway cruising.

Before the Mondeo launch, Ford is also putting some extra sparkle into the Laser lineup with the launch of a 2-litre XRi variant above the existing 1.6 and 1.8-litre models.

The bigger engine produces 98kW at 6000 rpm and 171Nm at 4500 rpm and is available with either manual or automatic transmission.

Extra equipment includes 16-inch alloys, lowered suspension, roof rails, different bumpers and a rear spoiler.

The $31,200 Ford is cheaper than Mazda's just-launched $34,495, 2-litre 323 SP20, but the Blue Oval's hot hatchback lacks the full body kit of its Mazda sibling. Instead, sporty spoilers and skirts are available as an extra-cost option.