Ford Mondeo

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ford Mondeo
Also called:	Ford Contour Mercury Mystique
Manufacturer:	Ford Motor Company
Production:	1993—present
Predecessor:	Ford Sierra Ford Telstar Ford Versailles Ford Royale
Class:	Large family car
Body style:	5-door liftback 5-door station wagon 4-door sedan
Engine:	1.6 L Zetec I4 1.8 L Zetec I4 1.8 L Endura-D turbodiesel I4 2.0 L Zetec I4 2.0 L Duratorq turbodiesel I4 2.0 L Duratec I4 2.2 L Duratorq turbodiesel I4 2.5 L Duratec V6 3.0 L Duratec V6
Length:	Mk 3 4731-4804 mm
Width:	Mk 3 1958 mm
Height:	Mk 3 1429-1481 mm
Curb weight:	Mk 3 1895-2335 kg
Related:	Ford/Mercury Cougar Jaguar X-Type
Similar:	Renault Laguna Opel Vectra Peugeot 406 Volkswagen Passat Toyota Avensis Nissan Primera Honda Accord Citroën C5 Mazda6

The Ford Mondeo is a large family car sold by the Ford Motor Company in various markets throughout the world. The name "Mondeo" is derived from the Latin for world, mundus.

Contents 1 Mk I (1993-1996)/Mk II (1997-2000) 1.1 Design and engineering 1.2 Engines 1.3 Trim levels 1.3.1 Mk I 1.3.2 Mk II 1.4 Mixed sales success 2 Mk III (2000-2007) 2.1 Engines 2.2 Eastern Asia 3 Mk IV (2007) 4 Media References 4.1 "Mondeo Man" 5 Awards 6 See also 7 References 8 External links 9 Owners Clubs

[edit] Mk I (1993-1996)/Mk II (1997-2000)

The first and second generation generation Mondeo was launched in March 1993. Avaliable as a four-door saloon, a five-door liftback and a five-door estate, it was produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian city, Genk.

Intended as a world car, it replaced the Ford Sierra in Europe, the Ford Telstar in a large portion of Asia and other markets, while the Contour and Mercury Mystique replaced the Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz in North America. Unlike the Sierra, the Mondeo is front-wheel drive. Instigated in 1986, the design of the car cost Ford US$6 billion. It was one of the most expensive new car programs ever. The Mondeo was significant as its design and marketing was shared between Ford USA in Dearborn, and Ford of Europe. Its codename while under development reflected this; CDW27 signified that it straddled the C & D size classes and was a "World Car".

The car was launched in the midst of turbulent times at Ford of Europe, when the division was bleeding hundreds of millions of dollars and had gained a reputation in the motoring press for selling products which had been designed by accountants rather than engineers. The infamous and much maligned fourth generation Escort of 1990 was the zenith of this cost-cutting/high price philosophy which was by then beginning to backfire on Ford. The Sierra had never sold as well as the all-conquering Cortina before it, its archaic engines and rear-wheel drive layout were out of step technologically with the opposition, and sales were dwindling fast. Previously loyal customers were already turning to rival products and by the time of the Mondeo's launch, the future of Europe as a Ford manufacturing base was hanging in the balance. The new car had to be good, and it had to sell.

Despite being billed as a world car, the only external items the Mondeo shared with the Contour were the windscreen, front windows, front mirrors and door handles. Even the interior was slightly different. The CDW27 project turned out not to be a true world car in the sense that the original Ford Focus was; one design for the world.

[edit] Design and engineering

A large proportion of the high development cost was due to the Mondeo being a completely new design, sharing very little, if nothing, with the Ford Sierra. Using an all-new platform, the Mondeo featured new manual and automatic transmissions and sophisticated suspension design, which Ford hope would give it class-leading handling and ride qualities, and subframes front and rear to give it executive car refinement. The automatic transmission featured electronic control with sport and economy modes plus switchable overdrive.

Safety was a high priority in the Mondeo design with a driver's side airbag, side-impact bars, seat belt pretensioners, and ABS (higher models) as standard features. Other features for its year included adaptive damping, self-leveling suspension (top station wagon models), traction control (V6) and heated front windscreen, branded Quickclear.

The interiors were usually well appointed, featuring velour trim, an arm rest with CD and tape storage, central locking (frequently remote), power windows (all round on higher models), power mirrors, flat-folding rear seats, etc. Higher specification models had leather seats, trip computers, electric sunroof, CD changer and alloy wheels.

During its development, Ford used the 1986 Honda Accord and Nissan Primera as the class benchmarks that the CDW27 had to beat.

[edit] Engines

Along with an all-new platform, the Mondeo also used Ford's then-new Zetec engines, first seen in 1991 in a revised version of the Ford Escort.

Three versions of the 16-valve Zetec engine were used. The 1.6 L version (rated at 90 bhp) of engine from the Escort was used, a 1.8 (115bhp) also previously found in the Escort Si (sometimes in 130bhp form), while a new 136 bhp 2.0 L version was launched.

An alternative to the Zetec engines was the Endura-D 1.8 L turbodiesel. This engine had origins in the older 1.6 L diesel design used in the Fiesta and elsewhere. Although not without merits, it was not seen as a strong competitor to other European diesels such as that produced by Peugeot. The contrast between this unit and the competition seemed enormous by the time the engine was dropped in 2000.

A less popular engine (for the UK and Ireland) was introduced in 1994 in the form of the 170 bhp 2.5 L 24-valve V6 Duratec unit, primarily included for markets where four-cylinder petrol engines are not favored and are usually intended for the upmarket European buyer. This engine, first unveiled in the Mondeo's North American cousin, the Ford Contour, is characterized by its smooth operation, chain-driven camshafts and an ability to operate using only half its 24 valves at low engine speeds. Fuel economy was reasonable, with the automatic barely much worse than the manual. This engine was originally branded 24v (when valve count was all important) but later on sold as the more glamorous sounding V6.

This engine was also used to introduce the new ST brand to the Mondeo range as a flagship model, the ST24, in 1997. The power of the engine stayed at 170 bhp, the same as other 2.5 L-engined models, but the ST featured unique cabin trim, unique 16 in alloy wheels and a full RSA (Rally Sport Appearance) bodykit as standard. The bodykit option was listed as a delete option for those that did not want it fitted as standard. This was later replaced by the ST200 in 2000, featuring a modified version of the V6 Duratec with a power output of 200 bhp.

Although neither of these models ever sold in high numbers, the marketing was important to Ford as it was an introduction to the ST range as a sportier side to the full range, something not seen since the death of the XR range from the Eighties.

[edit] Trim levels

[edit] Mk I

The 1993-1996 range had the following trim levels:

• Mirage - 1.6 L Zetec, base trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, 4-door wagon - only offered in the Netherlands
• LX - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, 4-door wagon
• CLX - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, 4-door wagon - not offered in UK
• GLX - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, luxury trim level version of the LX, 4-door saloon, 5-door liftback, 4-door wagon
• Business Edition - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L V6, 1.8 L turbodiesel, luxury trim level version of LX, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, 4-door wagon. - only offered in the Netherlands
• Ghia - 1.8 L/2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L V6, 1.8 L turbodiesel, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, 4-door wagon
• Ghia X - 2.5 L V6, luxury trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, 4-door wagon
• Si - 2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L V6, sports version, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, 4-door wagon.
• GT - 1.8 L/2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L V6, 1.8 L turbodiesel, sports version, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, 4-door wagon. Only offered in the Netherlands, equivalent to UK-spec Si
• V6 - 2.5 L V6, luxury version, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, 4-door wagon. Never offered with a V6 (base) in the Netherlands, only Business Edition or GT.

[edit] Mk II

The 1997-2000 range had the following trim levels:

• South Africa
  • LX - 1.8 L Zetec, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan
  • CLX - 2.0 L Zetec, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan
  • 2.0 Aspen - 2.0 L Zetec, luxury trim level version of the LX, 4-door saloon
  • Si - 2.5 L V6, sports version, 5-door liftback,

[edit] Mixed sales success

In Europe, the Mondeo was instantly declared a class leader, and was elected Car of the Year in 1994. A major facelifted version launched in October 1996 saw three of the Mondeo's biggest criticisms addressed, namely its bland styling, the bad performance of the headlights, and the cramped rear legroom. The lowering of specification levels around that time (e.g. air-conditioning and alloy wheels became optional on the UK Ghia models) may have indicated a desire by Ford to cut costs and recoup some of the huge sums invested in the original design. These specification levels were improved again in 1998 as the Mondeo approached replacement.

Ford briefly sold a version using the 2.0 L Zetec engine and four-wheel drive. The timing was not ideal though as four-wheel drive had already become synonymous with large SUVs such as the Land Rover Discovery and the bottom dropped out of the four-wheel drive sedan market. People who would tolerate the knock on performance and economy preferred to graduate to a full-blown SUV rather than a sedan with good all-round traction; especially since SUVs had become fashionable at the time.

In Europe, the Mondeo is considered large, but in other markets such as the United States and Australia, it had not fared well, as there were larger models that had stronger brand loyalty and offered better value for money. Ford claimed that it was a 'world car', but in a letter to Autocar magazine in the UK, a Ford dealer retorted 'What world was it designed for?' Because of this, the Contour and Mystique proved unpopular with American buyers. While the Contour sold at an average rate, the Mystique bombed. The Mondeo Mk 3 was much larger than the Mk 1/2 version but was not sold in North America, where Ford now offers the Fusion.

There is however, another theory advanced by some motoring journalists: that because the Contour and Mystique were not created in the United States, it suffered from a lack of enthusiasm from inside Ford's North American operations. Those same theorists point to the fact that the BMW 3 Series — arguably a "world car" in the sense one version is sold globally — does quite well in the United States and it is the same size as the Contour and Mystique.

The Mondeo fared badly in Australia, where, similarly, there was a much larger local model, the Falcon, and was dropped in 2001. Ford Australia withdrew completely from the medium-sized segment of the Australian market, arguing that it was in decline. The wagon version, the first medium-sized Ford of its kind to be sold in Australia since the Cortina, was dropped in 1999. It struggled against Japanese models such as the Honda Accord and Subaru Liberty, as well as the Holden Vectra, also imported from Europe, although unlike the Mondeo, briefly assembled locally.

By contrast, the Mondeo (like the Cortina long before it) was a success story in New Zealand, the Mk III model in particular being voted Car of the Year in 2001 by Autocar New Zealand and National Business Review. In addition, many earlier model Mondeos, imported used from Japan were also sold locally (Japan was also a good market for the Mondeo, a rare feat in a country with a high amount of domestic automobiles).

In Australia, the 1995-2001 Ford Mondeo was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "significantly better than average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.[1]

In its final year in China, the Ford Mondeo M2000 gained a front fascia not dissimilar from the outgoing Mercury Mystique's, but had Ford badges. Its rear end was identical to that of the European models.

[edit] Mk III (2000-2007)

Launched in October 2000, the third generation Mondeo was considerably larger than its predecessor, but is still based on the Mk I's floorpan and running gear. Although Ford abandoned its New Edge design theme for the Mondeo Mk III, it still borrowed some styling cues from the Focus Mk I, giving it an overall effect which many critics felt was more restrained and mature than the Focus if much less distinctive. Two of the old car's biggest weaknesses, the modest rear legroom and uncompetitive diesel version were addressed by a longer wheelbase and the new Duratorq diesel engine.

Following the standard setting interior of the Volkswagen Passat Mk IV in 1996, Ford paid a great deal of attention to the Mk III's interior and was the first mainstream manufacturer to react to the new standard set by Volkswagen. Ford dispensed with the rounded American style interior of the Mk I and developed a more sober 'Germanic' design which not only seemed more sophisticated but, more importantly, was of a higher quality due to the use of more expensive materials and was much nicer than any German manufacurer had to offer.

As with its predecessor, passive safety was a major selling point of the 2000 Mondeo. With an even stronger bodyshell, Ford introduced its so-called "Intelligent Protection System" (IPS), which used an "intelligent" array of sensors based on a neural network to decide the best combination of safety devices (traditional front passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags) to deploy for a given crash situation. To enhance active safety, all models were fitted with anti-lock brakes and electronic brake distribution, with electronic stability program (ESP) available as an option.

[edit] Engines

For the Mk III, the 1.6 L Zetec engine was dropped while the 1.8 and 2.0 L engines were heavily revised and were renamed Duratec. The standard 2.5 L V6 engine was carried over, while a 3.0 L version was developed for the ST220 model.

The archaic Endura-E 1.8 L turbodiesel engine was dropped and replaced by a more sophisticated 2.0 L Duratorq direct-injection (TDCi) unit with a variable geometry turbine. This clever turbine system allows a certain amount of overboost, giving an extra 10% or so of torque for short periods. This engine, known within Ford as the "Puma"-type Duratorq, was first seen in the Transit in detuned form.

A new automatic transmission was added to the range called the Durashift. This unit has five gears and may be shifted manually or shifted like an automatic.

For 2004, the Mondeo was given a very mild upgrade, the new models being identifiable by the larger chrome honeycomb grille, a new central dashboard made from higher quality materials with electronic climate control, either a standard Ford radio, Sony radio or a satellite navigation radio/CD player which also has climate control built into the unit in lieu of the space taken up by the unit. The Durashift automatic is now available with steering wheel control, while a 96 kW (130 PS) common rail version of the Duratorq turbodiesel engine became available. The petrol engines were revised at this stage also — the new SCI (direct-injection) version of the 1.8 L Duratec engine was introduced which generates 4 kW (5 PS) more than the standard unit. In addition, equipment was upgraded across the range — with cruise control and a trip computer now standard on all models.

In 2005, there were two new Duratorq direct-injection (TDCi) options, a 2.2L with 114 kW (155 PS) and a detuned version of the 2.0L with 65 kW (89 PS). Also, the Seat Belt Warning System was added and is now standard, with an audible/visual warning signal reminding the driver to fasten his/her seat belt. The styling was upgraded again, the most notable difference being tweaked taillights.

[edit] Eastern Asia

Engines:

• 1.8 L (1798 cc) Zetec I4, 110 PS (108 hp/81 kW) and 122 ft·lbf (165 N·m) (1.8i)
• 1.8 L (1798 cc) Zetec I4, 125 PS (123 hp/92 kW) and 125 ft·lbf (170 N·m) (1.8i and 1.8 Zetec)
• 1.8 L (1798 cc) Duratec SCi I4, 131 PS (129 hp/96 kW) and 129 ft·lbf (175 N·m) (1.8 SCi)
• 2.0 L (1999 cc) Zetec I4, 146 PS (144 hp/107 kW) and 140 ft·lbf (190 N·m) (2.0i)
• 2.5 L (2495 cc) AJ25 V6, 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) and 162 ft·lbf (220 N·m) (2.5 Ghia)
• 3.0 L (2967 cc) Duratec 30 V6, 204 PS (201 hp/150 kW) and 207 ft·lbf (280 N·m) (3.0)
• 3.0 L (2967 cc) Duratec 30 V6, 226 PS (223 hp/166 kW) and 210 ft·lbf (285 N·m) (3.0 ST220)
• 2.0 L (1998 cc) Duratorq I4, 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW) and 155 ft·lbf (210 N·m) (2.0 TDCi 90)
• 2.0 L (1998 cc) Duratorq I4, 116 PS (114 hp/85 kW) and 207 ft·lbf (280 N·m) (2.0 TDCi 115)
• 2.0 L (1998 cc) Duratorq I4, 131 PS (129 hp/96 kW) and 244 ft·lbf (330 N·m) (2.0 TDCi 130)
• 2.2 L (2198 cc) Duratorq I4, 155 PS (153 hp/114 kW) and 265 ft·lbf (360 N·m) (2.2 TDCi 155)

[edit] Mk IV (2007)

This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated future automobile. It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle.

The fourth generation Mondeo (codename: CD345) is expected to be released in 2007, based on the EUCD platform developed with Volvo. This platform is the same used in the new large MPVs Galaxy and S-MAX, but not the North American Ford Fusion or the Mazda6 in Japan. It will also be used for several Volvos, for the new Land Rover Freelander and even for the new Jaguar X-Type.

The new Mondeo adopts design elements from the Iosis concept shown at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show as part of the company's new family look. The new car was pre-launched at the Paris Motor Show on 30 September 2006^[1].

The new platform will allow for the use of Volvo’s five-cylinder engine, already featured on the Focus ST and S-Max. The petrol engines will include the new 1.8-liter SCi engine with direct petrol injection and 130 bhp, the-2 liter (145 bhp), 2.5-liter five cylinder turbo with 220 bhp, and an ST (Sports Technologies) version using a turbocharged 3.2 litre six cylinder engine, with around 250 bhp. Diesel available power units will most likely include the 2-liter (136 bhp) developed together with PSA and the 2.2-liter offering 155 bhp. Mondeo will use the new electro-hydraulic steering system, first used on the C-MAX, that sharpens the steering response and helps to save fuel ^[2]

A product placement promotional initiative made the Mondeo IV James Bond's car for a few scenes of Casino Royale, introducing the new model to global audiences in November 2006 on the launch day of the movie. Ford Group models have been prominent in the Bond Franchise since 2002's "Die Another Day", which featured an Aston Martin, a Jaguar convertible and a Ford Thunderbird.

[edit] Media References

• The original Mk.1 car was allegedly nicknamed the "Mundano" by Ford engineers during the latter stages of its development, in recognition of its bland styling. This was built upon by the motoring press who dubbed it the "Mundane Mundano": The very first Grand Theft Auto game featured a drivable car very similar to the Mondeo named Mundano.
• A red first generation Mondeo was frequently crashed by the character of Jill in the first series of BBC comedy series Nighty Night.
• The 2007 model Ford Mondeo is featured in the James Bond film Casino Royale.
• The Ford Mondeo was namechecked in When the Sun Goes Down by Arctic Monkeys.
• The Ford Mondeo is credited as one of Jeremy Clarkson's favourite cars. On one episode of Top Gear he used figures to show that the ST220 version was a more exclusive car than an Aston Martin DB9.

[edit] "Mondeo Man"

• "Mondeo man" has become an archetype for "middle England" due in large part to a (possibly apocryphal) anecdote regarding one of Tony Blair's electioneering visits round his constituency of Sedgefield in the 1992 General Election:

Tony Blair, then just a normal MP met the owner of a house cleaning his new car, a Ford Mondeo. Tony Blair asked the man if he intended to vote Labour. "No way" he exclaimed, puffing out his chest, "I'm voting Tory". Blair could tell by his accent that he came from a working class background and he asked him why he wouldn't vote Labour. He replied "I used to vote Labour, but now I'm successful. I've got a nice house. I go on good holidays. I've got this new Ford Mondeo. Why would I want to vote Labour?"

This is cited by numerous sources as a pivotal moment in Blair's vision of New Labour, however it is a misquote. Blair originally said "Sierra Man" - as, it being 1992, the Mondeo had not yet been introduced.

[edit] Awards

• 1994 European Car of the Year
• 1997 Top 10 in the most reliable cars made in Britain.
• 1998 Best selling family car in the UK.
• 1999 Car of the Year for Reliability.
• 2001 Car Of The Year for performance and reliability.
• 2002 Ghia X and ST, awarded for best Prestige Family Cars In Europe.
• 2005 Award for 'excellent' by NCAP, crash test.

[edit] See also

• Ford Contour - The North American version of the Ford Mondeo

[edit] References

1. ^ http://www.autoblog.nl/archive/2006/01/08/ford_mondeo_impressies
2. ^ http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/ford-mondeo-sedanfirst-images-ar13609.html

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ford Mondeo

• Ford Mondeo Specifications and Road Test
• Mondeo Enthusiasts Group
• Mondeo Owners Club
• Used Car Safety Ratings - Ford Mondeo

[edit] Owners Clubs

• Ford ST Owners Club

<- Previous	Ford car timeline, European market, 1980s-present - [edit]
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
City car																	Ka
Supermini				Fiesta II						Fiesta III						Fiesta IV				Fiesta V			Fiesta VI / Fusion					Fiesta VI
Small family car	Escort III / Orion I						Escort IV / Orion II				Escort V / Orion III			Escort Vb		Escort VI			Focus I						Focus II
Large family car			Sierra											Mondeo I				Mondeo II			Mondeo III							Mondeo IV
Executive car	Granada II					Scorpio I / Granada III									Scorpio II
Coupé	Capri																	Puma
										Probe										Cougar
Compact MPV																								Focus C-MAX
Large MPV																											S-MAX
																Galaxy I											Galaxy II

Ford cars made for the European market

Köln | Y | Rheinland | Eifel | C Ten | 7Y | 7W | Prefect | Anglia | Pilot | Zephyr | Consul | Squire | Taunus Vedette | Comète | Cortina | Popular | Classic | Corsair | Escort | Capri | Granada | Fiesta | Sierra | RS200 | Orion | Scorpio | Probe | Mondeo | Galaxy | Ka | Puma | Focus | Cougar | Maverick | Fusion | GT | Focus C-MAX | S-MAX

Edit this template