- Brian Byrne
Ford makes Mondeo changes
29 May 2003: Ford has made 1,500 changes to its Mondeo on the 10th anniversary of the nameplate's launch, including adding the 6-speed gearbox first provided in the TDCi Mondeo earlier this year to all the high-powered versions.
The enhancements include the first Ford direct-injection petrol engine, the 1.8-litre 130ps Duratec SCi as well as further refinement of the Duratorq TDCi common rail diesel engine.
The SCi engine delivers fuel economy improvements of between 6-8 per cent, has more power and is less noisy. It is also equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission.
The engine is targeted to return up to 39.2mpg on the official combined cycle.
The 6-speed gearbox on the top-of-the-line Mondeo ST220 increases the top speed of the car and provides more relaxed motorway performance, while maintaining its 7.6sec o-100 km/h performance.
In other changes, Ford's 5-speed Durashift 5-tronic automatic now comes with steering wheel button shifting.
Exterior changes include new chrome highlights on the grille opening and a reprofiled front bumper. Larder door mirrors include a 'puddle light', and power-fold on higher spec cars. There are chrome accents on doors and boot handles, and there have also been changes to the rear lights design.
Inside there are new materials and a redesigned centre console, and a Sony audio system. A 'climate seat' option is the first in this class of car, with five heating or ventilation levels.
Rain-sensing wipers are also available, and there have been improvements to the climate control system in the higher-specification models.
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