Ford Mondeo Powers Into 2003

Two further engine options are now available for the best-selling Ford Mondeo range, including a new version of the popular common-rail TDCi diesel.

Already responsible for a 45 per cent increase in Mondeo UK diesel sales, the 2.0-litre, 130PS TDCi will be joined by an 115PS version. Performance is assured with 280Nm of torque, while fuel economy improves over the more powerful diesel by up to 5mpg in real world driving, to return an impressive combined 49.6mpg and 152g/km CO2. The 115PS TDCi powers Mondeo from 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds and on to 121mph top speed.

The new TDCi replaces Mondeo’s 2.0-litre TDDi, all diesel models will be offered at the same price as the outgoing direct injection engine, starting from £15,645 on-the-road.

Like its common-rail brother, the new TDCi is built at Ford’s Dagenham Centre for Diesel Excellence and will come with a choice of manual transmission, or the new Dursahift 5-tronic automatic (a £1,500 option).

At the same time, there’s more choice for Mondeo Zetec-S, with the addition of the popular 2.0-litre 16-valve petrol engine, alongside the 2.5-litre V6 and 2.0-litre TDCi. In the 2.0-litre Zetec-S, 0-62mph comes in 9.8 seconds and top speed is 134mph, while fuel economy of 34.0mpg and 199g/km CO2 combine to ensure Zetec-S is now even more affordable. Prices start from £17,245 on-the-road – £1,000 less than the 130PS TDCi and V6 models.

These are not the limit of the changes to Mondeo however, with ESP (£750) and Cruise Control (£250) now available as options on all models where not standard. Two new exterior colours (Ink Blue, Machine Silver) are introduced, as is a revised Ford Beltminder ™ system, which now detects any unbelted front passenger or driver and sounds an alarm – earning Mondeo yet another Euro NCAP safety point.

Other options, such as Ford’s unique DVD-based multimedia system and advanced satellite navigation system, continue to be offered across the Mondeo range.

"Mondeo remains the benchmark for safety, technology and superior driving quality. These changes reinforce its position as class leader – and as Ford’s flagship large car," said Keith Kershaw, brand manager for large cars, Ford Motor Company Limited.