Beauty With Brains. Review on Ford Mondeo

''The all-new Ford Mondeo was developed in a record time of just 24 months. For the first time, we have used absolutely state-of-the-art engineering resources to achieve new levels of precision and quality throughout the vehicle, including its significant new powertrains, class-leading safety systems and a completely new interior. We’ve paid attention to the minute details – like xenon headlights, 16-inch wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, available rear-seat entertainment and navigation systems and new standard inflatable side curtain airbagair bags – to produce a car with all-around strengths to match its confident stance. It’s fitting that the new Mondeo is the flagship for Ford of Europe’s aggressive new product development commitment.''

-Paul Mascarenas, Chief Programme Engineer

FORD, THE second biggest car manufacturer in the world, came to India with another quality product in the D segment _ the Mondeo. This car is nothing new to the automobile enthusiasts and it has been rated in Europe, especially the U.K., as the ``Car of the Year.'' It has made a mark in its segment by giving the user the worth of owning a car from style and comfort to safety, economy and ease of maintenance. Ford India has launched this car to successfully compete with other product offerings in this segment, namely, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and the Hyundai Sonata.

More on the Beauty

The Mondeo has a fresh, distinctive design with optimised interior space and a new family of engines which offer improved performance and fuel efficiency. And with its no-compromise Intelligent Protection System, the Ford Mondeo is one of the safest places to be. The car is manufactured at the Ford's plant in Genk, one of the most modern automobile production facilities in Europe. The car has aristocratic look, elegant European styling and impeccable German engineering, offering a five star ownership experience to consumers. The Mondeo has a dynamic front that is an aesthetic treat while watching it approach in your rear view mirror. The front three-quarter view is a visual delight. This product has all that one could ask for starting from alloy wheels (made in India and being exported to Europe), tilt and adjustable steering wheel, all around large air-vented 300mm disc-rotors for front and 250mm. for rear with a ABS thrown in as well. These are the largest disc rotors made available in its class that give fade safe braking under severe and most demanding driving conditions, heated rear view mirrors with aspheric mirror for driver side. This is the only car in India (in its catagory) offering Xenon self leveling polycarbonate-stone impact resistant head lamps that can help the driver identify even a small pin on the road. It boasts of a strong head light washer that pops up to wash the head lights every time the windscreen washer function is operated. The front and rear fog lamps, of course, come in as standard equipment.

Interiors...Just Hop In

The Ford Mondeo’s interior echoes the contemporary theme of the rest of the car. Air conditioning and a leather wrapped steering wheel incorporating remote audio-controls are just two examples of the features that combine to produce an inspiring and relaxing driving environment. The interiors are speak of class with leather seats, side impact beams, and air bags for front passengers with side impact air bags to give protection from being hit on the side. Front and rear windows have the safety feature of `finger trap' mechanism that will prevent any mishap in the event of a brat pushing up the window glass while somebody's peeping out of the door. A fully computerised Speedo Cluster with on board fuel and trip computer and an outside temperature display are thrown in as well, located with an ergonomic precision to ensure that they are in full view of the driver all the time. For making that ride even more exotic, an electronic computer controlled air-conditioning system inside and an auto dimming rear view mirror to keep that glare away form the drivers eyes, are added. The car has the most unique audio system that can stack upto six CDs in the in dash audio along with a six speaker system that gives the same audio levels whereever one sits in the car. High quality materials with softer moldings, metallic finishes and chromed details highlight the interior craftsmanship enhancing the luxurious feel of the car.

Beauty with Brains

The new intelligent protection system of the car has a detection system that analyses the severity of the crash and automatically activates the adaptive dual-stage front air bags for the front seat occupants. The car also boasts self deploying head restraints and a retractable brake pedal in case of a severe crash where the pedals will automatically collapse onto the floor, thereby reducing chances of injury to the lower limbs. The passenger compartment is further protected by side and curtain air bags in case of a bad crash or rollover. The comprehensive safety package that is standard also includes emergency brake assist and an option designed to help drivers in stopping the car in shorter distance under panic braking conditions.

What Do I Get

Engine: 1999cc, DOHC 16V in-line four, 145bhp, 190Nm

Max Speed 190km/h 0-100km/h, 10.9sec

City: 8km/pl, Highway: 11km/pl

Final Verdict

Very, very good. Diesel technology just keeps getting better, making the Mondeo even better than its predecessors. Extremely smooth and quiet, Ford offfers a car that is fun and thoroughly enjoyable to drive as well as having the credentials to challenge most cars higher than its class.