>>Ford Mondeo

Ford Mondeo

Ford Mondeo

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Also called	Ford Contour Ford Fusion (USA)
Production	1992–present
Assembly	Genk, Belgium
Predecessor	Ford Sierra
Class	Large family car

The Ford Mondeo is a large family car sold by the Ford Motor Company in various markets throughout the world. The name "Mondeo" derives from the Latin wordmundus, meaning "world". The initial generation of the Mondeo was developed as a "world car", along with North American models marketed as the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique until 2000, and as the Ford Fusion from model year 2013 and on.

First generation (1993–1996)

First generation

Also called	Ford Contour Mercury Mystique (North America)
Production	23 November 1992–1996
Assembly	Genk, Belgium
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door hatchback 5-door estate
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform	Ford CDW27 platform

1995 Ford Mondeo hatchback

The Mondeo was launched on 8 January 1993, and sales began on 22 March 1993. Available as a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback, and a five-door estate, all models for the European market were produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian city of Genk. The Sierra had been built there since its launch in 1982, although until 1989, right hand drive Sierras had also been built in UK at the Dagenham plant.

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 Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique replaced the Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz in North America. Unlike the Sierra, the Mondeo is front-wheel drive in its most common form, with a rarer four-wheel drive version available on the Mk I car only. 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 thus: 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 haemorrhaging 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 fourth generation Escort and Orion of 1990 was the zenith of this cost-cutting/high price philosophy which was by then beginning to backfire on Ford, with the cars being slated for their substandard ride and handling, though a facelift in 1992 had seen things improve a little. The Sierra had sold well, but not as well as the all-conquering Cortina before it, and in Britain, it had been overtaken in the sales charts by the newer Vauxhall Cavalier. 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 hadto be good, and it had to sell.

Despite being billed as a world car, the only external items the Mondeo shared initially with the Contour were the windscreen, front windows, front mirrors and door handles. The CDW27 project turned out not to be a true world car in the sense that the original Ford Focus, the Mk V Mondeo (known in the US as the 2013 Ford Fusion) and the Mk VI Ford Fiesta would later be, one design for the world.

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 anything, with the Ford Sierra. Over optimistically the floor pan was designed to accept virtually any conceivable drivetrain, from a transverse four to a longitudinal V-8. This resulted in a hugely obtrusive and mostly disused bellhousing cover and transmission tunnel. The resulting interior front of the car, especially the footwells, feel far more cramped than would be expected from a vehicle of this size. The Mondeo featured new manual and automatic transmissions and sophisticated suspension design, which 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 (it was the first ever car sold from the beginning with a driver's airbag in all of its versions, which helped it achieve the ECOTY title for 1994), side-impact bars, seat belt pretensioners, and ABS(higher models) as standard features. Other features for its year included adaptive damping, self-levelling suspension (top estate models), traction control (V6 and 4WD versions), 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, illuminated entry, 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 1990 Nissan Primera as the class benchmarks that the CDW27 had to beat.. An official Ford brochure, which explains the development of the Mondeo, is freely available here.

Mondeo Mk I rear view

Engines

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

Three versions of the 16-valve Zetec engine were used. The 1.6 L version (rated at 90 brake horsepower (67 kW)) from the Escort was used, a 1.8 (115 brake horsepower (86 kW)) also found in the Escort and Ford Fiesta (105 and 130 brake horsepower (78 and 97 kW)), while a new 136 brake horsepower (101 kW) 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. Strangely, the diesel powered vehicles could easily be distinguished by dint of their having a slightly redesigned grille.

A less popular engine (for the UK and Ireland) was introduced in 1994 in the form of the 170 brake horsepower (130 kW) 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 poor, the automatic even worse than the manual (and far less reliable). 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 (with less specification than a Ghia or a Ghia X), the ST24 in 1997. The power of the engine stayed at 170 bhp (130 kW), the same as other 2.5 L-engined models (so was slower than a Mk I 24v), but the ST featured unique cabin trim (half leather seats), unique 16 in alloy wheels (that were originally only available on a Ghia X Estate), and a full Rally Sport Appearance Pack body kit 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 Limited Edition ST200 in 1999, featuring an SVTversion of the V6 Duratec with a power output of 200 bhp (150 kW).

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, especially significant as apart from the Focus RS, both the XR and RS model ranges were phased out during the 1990s.

Trim levels

The 1993–1996 range had the following trim levels:

UK market

• Base - 1.6L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, base trim level, 4-door saloon, 5-door hatchback, estate (replaced by Aspen in 1995)
• Aspen - 1.6 L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, base trim level, 5-door hatchback, estate
• LX - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, midrange trim level, 4-door saloon, 5-door hatchback, estate
• 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 hatchback, estate
• 24v - 2.5L Duratec V6, 4-door saloon, 5-door hatchback, estate (1994–1995 only)
• Si - 2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L Duratec V6, sports version, 4-door saloon, 5-door hatchback, estate, optional 4x4 on 2.0L Zetec
• Ghia - 1.8 L/2.0 L Zetec, 2.5 L Duratec V6, 1.8 L turbodiesel, midrange trim level, 4-door saloon, 5-door hatchback, estate, optional 4x4 on 2.0L Zetec
• Ghia X - 2.0L Zetec, 2.5 L Duratec V6, 1.8L turbodiesel, luxury trim level, 4-door saloon, 5-door hatchback, 5-door estate (from 1995), optional 4x4 on 2.0L Zetec

Additional trim levels in other European markets included:

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

Second generation (1996–2000)

Second generation

Production	1996–2000
Assembly	Genk, Belgium
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door hatchback 5-door estate
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Wheelbase	2,704 mm (106.5 in)
Length	4,556 mm (179.4 in) (saloon, hatchback) 4,671 mm (183.9 in) (estate)
Width	1,749 mm (68.9 in) (ex. mirrors) 1,925 mm (75.8 in) (inc. mirrors)
Height	1,372 mm (54.0 in) (saloon, hatchback) 1,391 mm (54.8 in) (estate)
Related	Ford Contour Ford Cougar Mercury Cougar Mercury Mystique

The Mondeo Mk II, known in some quarters as the Mk I facelift, launched in October 1996 seeing three of the Mk I Mondeo's biggest criticisms addressed: its bland styling, the poor headlight performance, the reflectors of which quickly yellowed 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 considerable sums invested in the original design. These specification levels were improved again in 1998 as the Mondeo approached replacement.

2000 Ford Mondeo (HE) Ghia hatchback (Australia)

1996–1998 Ford Mondeo (HC) LX wagon (Australia)

The Mk II saw almost every external panel replaced. This left only the doors, the roof, and the rear panels on the estate the same as the original Mk I model. Even the extractor vents on the rear doors were replaced by a panel bearing the name Mondeo. The most notable change was the introduction of the grille and larger, wraparound lighting units. The saloon version featured some distinctive rear lights. These incorporated an additional reflector panel that extended around the top and the side of the rear wings. Unlike the iterations seen on the heavily facelifted Scorpio and Mk IV Fiesta during the previous year, this facelift was well received.

The interior was also mildly revised, though the basic dashboard architecture was the same as before. Safety specification was improved, with the car gaining a full-size driver airbag in place of the smaller 'euro-bag' fitted in the Mk I Mondeo. The Mk II gained a 'flagged' 3 star rating in EuroNCAP testing, which was average for rivals of its time (the same as the Vauxhall Vectra, better than the Citroën Xantia and Peugeot 406, and worse than the Nissan Primera).The cars structure suffering excessive footwell intrusion in the frontal impact and a disturbing B pillar displacement in the side test.

The Zetec engine was thoroughly revised in 1998. The updated version was far more refined at high revolutions, addressing a common criticism of the Zetec motor.

The Mk II Mondeo was initially popular, being Britain's third best selling new car in 1996 through to 1998. However in 1999 it dipped into sixth place and had been outsold by its biggest rival, the Vauxhall Vectra.

Former British Labour Prime Minister, Tony Blair, bought a Mk II Mondeo in 1997.

Although production of the Mk II Mondeo ceased in 2000 when it was replaced with the Mk III, sales of the model continued into 2001 with models appearing on a UK Y-registration plate and some even on a 51-plate.

Mixed sales success

In Europe, the Mondeo was instantly declared a class leader. It was elected Car of the Year in 1994, ahead of PSA's new Xantia model.

Ford briefly sold a version using the 2.0 L Zetec engine and four-wheel drive, available between 1995 and 1996 on cars with Si, Ghia and Ghia X trim.

In Europe, the Mondeo sold well, initial sales were strong as Ford had learned from the Cortina-Sierra debacle ten years earlier and made sure that all surplus Sierras had been sold before the Mondeo went on sale. but in other markets such as the United States and Australia, it had not fared well, as there were larger locally produced Ford models, such as the Taurus and Falcon 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 fizzled. The Mondeo Mk III was much larger than the Mk I/II version, but was not sold in the United States and Canada, where Ford now offers the Fusion.

The Mondeo was sold in North America as the Ford Contour

There is however another theory advanced by some motoring journalists: because the Contour and Mystique were not created in the United States, they 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 was released in Australia in 1995, but was not a sales success, 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 estate 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. The Mondeo has since returned to Australia in 2007 with an all-new model.

The Mondeo Mk II was 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 proportion of domestic automobiles). It was launched to replace the Telstar in New Zealand following the plant closure in 1997.

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.

In 1997, the Mondeo was introduced into South Africa as a replacement for the Mazda-based Ford Telstar. It was produced locally at their Silverton plant in 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre saloon models. As production was limited to one body style, Estate (2.0-litre) Hatchback (2.5-litre V6) models were imported alongside the saloon models. The Mondeo was one of the first mainstream cars in South Africa to introduce airbags as standard equipment. Saloon sales were never a major success - fairly radical styling being cited as the main problem by a still conservative vehicle market. Styling was partly addressed by an Aspen model, which featured 15" alloy wheels, front fog lamps and full leather trim.

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

Trim levels

The 1996–2000 range had the following trim levels:

• Aspen - 1.6 L Zetec, 1.8 L TD Endura, base trim level, 5dr, Estate
• LX - 1.6/1.8/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L TD Endura, midrange trim level, 4dr, 5dr, Estate
• Verona - 1.8 L Zetec, midrange trim level, 5dr
• GLX - 1.8/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L TD Endura, midrange trim level, 4dr, 5dr, Estate
• Si - 2.0 L Zetec, 2.5 L V6 170 PS, sports version, 4dr, 5dr, Estate
• Zetec - 1.8/2.0 L Zetec, replaced Si, 5dr, Estate
• Zetec-S - 2.0 L Zetec, rare Zetec based special edition with ST bodykit, 5dr
• Ghia - 2.0 L Zetec, 2.5 L V6 170 PS, 1.8 L TD Endura, luxury trim level
• Ghia X - 2.0 L Zetec, 2.5 L V6 170 PS, 1.8 L TD Endura, top spec trim level
• ST24 - 2.5 L V6 170 PS, Sports Variant Luxury bucket seat half leather trim, sports-suspension, RSAP Kit
• ST200 - 2.5 L V6 205 PS, Sports Variant, Luxury Recaro leather trim, 17" alloys, tuned engine & suspension, RSAP Kit, digital Climate Control

In South Africa, the trim levels offered were:

• LX - 1.8 L Zetec, midrange trim level, 4-door saloon
• CLX - 2.0 L Zetec, midrange trim level, 4-door saloon
• 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 hatchback,

Sports variants

Mondeo Mk II sports variants included the ST24 and the ST200. The ST24 produced 170 bhp (130 kW) from its 2.5-litre V6 24v engine and was launched with Rally Sport Appearance Pack body kits, along with sports suspension and half-leather sports bucket-seats. Its standard setup saw the ST24 from standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.0 seconds, coupled with a maximum speed of 148 mph (238 km/h). North America got an SE "Sport" Version of the Contour, which featured exclusive wheels and the coveted 9" Sport Drum rear brakes. Rear disc brakes eventually became available in North America on certain Contour and Mystique models, although some customers bemoaned the reduced level of feel over the original sport drums.

The ST200 was then launched as the Enthusiast's car, with a tuned 2.5-litre V6 24v engine producing 202 bhp (151 kW). This engine made the ST200 go from standing to 60 mph (97 km/h) in around 7.7 seconds, and reach a maximum speed of 151 mph (243 km/h). Tuning included a different throttle body, cams, flywheel, and upper manifold to name a few. This version of the Mondeo also had even harder sports suspension than the ST24, and came with half-leather Recaro sports bucket-seats, full-leather was available as a cost option. The ST200 was released to the public in Imperial Blue colour, Moondust Silver and a very limited number in white (mainly for use by the police). The North American counterpart to this model was known as the Ford Contour SVT.

In 1998, Ford released in Europe a sports car with a coupé bodyshell based upon the Mk II Mondeo called the Ford Cougar (or Mercury Cougar in North America). This car shared the engines (2.0 I4, 2.5 V6), transmissions, suspension (partially) and floorpans from the Mondeo, but the body shell was unique to the Cougar, and was one of the last Ford cars to be designed under Ford's New Edge philosophy.

Engines

Model	Years	Engine and type		Displ.	Power	Torque
1.6	1993–1999	I4 16V	Zetec	1597 cc	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) @ 5250 rpm	135 N·m (100 ft·lbf) @ 3500 rpm
1.6	1999–2000	I4 16V	Zetec	1597 cc	70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) @ 5250 rpm	142 N·m (105 ft·lbf) @ 3600 rpm
1.8	1993–2000	I4 16V	Zetec	1796 cc	85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) @ 5750 rpm	158 N·m (117 ft·lbf) @ 3750 rpm
2.0	1993–1996	I4 16V	Zetec	1988 cc	100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp) @ 6000 rpm	175 N·m (129 ft·lbf) @ 4000 rpm
2.0	1996–2000	I4 16V	Zetec	1988 cc	96 kW (131 PS; 129 hp) @ 5600 rpm	178 N·m (131 ft·lbf) @ 4000 rpm
2.0 4x4	1993–1996	I4 16V	Zetec	1988 cc	97 kW (132 PS; 130 hp) @ 6000 rpm	175 N·m (129 ft·lbf) @ 4000 rpm
2.5	1994–1998	V6 24V	Duratec	2544 cc	130 kW (177 PS; 174 hp) @ 6250 rpm	220 N·m (162 ft·lbf) @ 4250 rpm
2.5	1998–2000	V6 24V	Duratec	2495 cc	130 kW (177 PS; 174 hp) @ 6250 rpm	220 N·m (162 ft·lbf) @ 4250 rpm
2.5 ST200	1999–2000	V6 24V	Duratec	2495 cc	151 kW (205 PS; 202 hp) @ 6500 rpm	235 N·m (173 ft·lbf) @ 5500 rpm
1.8 TD	1993–2000	I4 8V	Endura-D	1753 cc	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) @ 4500 rpm	177 N·m (131 ft·lbf) @ 2250 rpm

Third generation (2000–2007)

Third generation

Production	2000–2007
Assembly	Genk, Belgium Chung Li, Taiwan Chongqing, China Hai Duong, Vietnam
Predecessor	Ford Contour (Mexico)
Successor	Ford Fusion (Mexico and Brazil)
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door hatchback 5-door estate
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Wheelbase	2,754 mm (108.4 in)
Length	4,731 mm (186.3 in) (saloon, hatchback) 4,804 mm (189.1 in) (estate)
Width	1,812 mm (71.3 in) (ex. mirrors) 1,958 mm (77.1 in) (inc. mirrors)
Height	1,429 mm (56.3 in) (saloon, hatchback) 1,441 mm (56.7 in) (estate)
Curb weight	1,364–1,578 kg (3,007–3,479 lb)
Related	Jaguar X-Type

A Ford Mondeo operated by the Rigspolitiet, the national police of Denmark

This third generation model was launched in October 2000 and is also known as the Mondeo Mk III. This Mondeo was considerably larger than its predecessor, and although Ford abandoned its New Edge design theme for the Mondeo Mk III, it was their first vehicle to fully benefit from the Prodigy concept car. This gave it an overall effect which many critics felt was more restrained and mature, 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. The basic chassis and suspension design was carried over from the previous generation, which meant that the car continued its predecessor's reputation for class leading handling and ride. This Mondeo came to Mexico, replacing the North American built Ford Contour, and was sold from 2001 to 2007, when the Ford Fusion replaced it. The North American market Fusion and Five Hundred/Taurus sported very similar styling, inside and out.

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 II, 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.

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-force distribution, with electronic stability program(ESP) available as an option. Ford's marketing of the time claimed the Mondeo was 'One of the safest places to be'. However, EURONCAP testing of the Mk III found that it protected worse than most key rivals (Vauxhall Vectra, Citroën C5, Toyota Avensis, Volkswagen Passat), achieving a lower-end 4 star rating. Ford redesigned part of the car and it was re-tested, but the higher-than-average risk of chest injury to the driver in the frontal impact remained.

The Mondeo established itself as Britain's most popular automobile in its class and held this position every year from 2001 onwards, though this size of car has fallen slightly in popularity during the 2000s. This version of the Mondeo has never come higher than sixth in the SMMT's official list of the top selling cars in the UK each year. In 2003, it came tenth in the list.

Engines

For the Mk III, the Zetec engine was dropped, while the all-new 1.8 and 2.0 L Duratec engines were introduced. The standard 2.5 L V6 engine was carried over, while a 3.0 L version was developed for the ST220 and higher trim models.

Unfortunately, there was a design flaw with the new 1.8 and 2.0 L petrol units with the butterfly valves in the inlet manifold, which could cause severe engine damage when they failed. The plastic components of the butterfly valves wear out too quickly and when loose enough can result in them falling apart and releasing metal and plastic parts into the engine cylinders, potentially causing severe engine damage (How to Diagnose) The part was upgraded by Ford in late 2002 to early 2003 and this prevented the problem from occurring in later engines.

The archaic Endura-E 1.8 L turbodiesel engine was dropped, and replaced by a more sophisticated 2.0 L 16v Duratorq common rail(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. A six-speed manual transmission was also added to the Mk III range, instead of just having a five-speed manual as seen in the Mk II.

In June 2003, 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. The petrol engines were revised at this stage also — the new SCI (common rail) 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 trip computer now standard on all models, and cruise control is also standard in selected trim levels and markets.

The main Sports version was the ST220, replacing the ST200 from the Mk II range. This was available in Hatchback, Estate and Saloon form. The ST220 produced 226 bhp (169 kW) from the newly developed 3.0-litre V6 engine, which made it capable of 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.7 seconds, and on to a maximum speed of 155 mph (249 km/h). There was also a ST TDCi, a sports version of the regular diesel. This, available in all forms, had a 2.2-litre 4-cyl diesel engine, developing 153 bhp (114 kW). It accelerated from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.0 seconds, and had a maximum speed of 141 mph (227 km/h).

The higher range models, (i.e. the Zetec S, Ghia X and Titanium X), now had two V6 engines available; one being the existing Duratec 25 carried over from the Mk II, and one being a Duratec 30; a quieter, smoother variant of the ST220 3.0-litre engine, which produced 206 bhp (154 kW). This was not dissimilar in performance to the ST220, with a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph (240 km/h).

In 2005, there were two new Duratorq common rail (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.

Sales figures

In 2002, it was the fifth best selling new car in the UK, but was pushed down to third place in the large family car charts by the Vauxhall Vectra and Peugeot 406, not claiming top spot in its sector until 2005.

Europe/Eastern Asia

A 1999 Mk II Mondeo alongside a (pre-2003 facelift) 2002 Mk III Mondeo

Engines:

• 1.8 L (1798 cc) Duratec I4, 110 PS (108 hp or 81 kW and 122 lb·ft or 165 N·m) (1.8)
• 1.8 L (1798 cc) Duratec I4, 125 PS (123 hp or 92 kW and 125 lb·ft or 169 N·m) (1.8)
• 1.8 L (1798 cc) Duratec SCi I4, 131 PS (129 hp or 96 kW and 129 lb·ft or 175 N·m) (1.8 SCi)
• 2.0 L (1999 cc) Duratec I4, 145 PS (143 hp or 107 kW and 140 lb·ft or 190 N·m) (2.0)
• 2.5 L (2495 cc) Duratec 24v V6, 170 PS (168 hp or 125 kW and 162 lb·ft or 220 N·m) (2.5)
• 3.0 L (2967 cc) Duratec 30 V6, 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW and 207 lb·ft or 281 N·m) (3.0)
• 3.0 L (2967 cc) Duratec 30 V6, 226 PS (223 hp or 166 kW and 210 lb·ft or 280 N·m) (3.0 ST220)
• 2.0 L (1998 cc) Duratorq I4, 90 PS (89 hp or 66 kW and 155 lb·ft or 210 N·m) (2.0 TDDi 90)
• 2.0 L (1998 cc) Duratorq I4, 116 PS (114 hp or 85 kW and 207 lb·ft or 281 N·m) (2.0 TDCi 115)
• 2.0 L (1998 cc) Duratorq I4, 131 PS (129 hp (96 kW) and 244 lb·ft or 331 N·m) (2.0 TDCi 130)
• 2.2 L (2198 cc) Duratorq I4, 155 PS (153 hp or 114 kW and 265 lb·ft or 359 N·m) (2.2 TDCi 155)

Brazil

In Brazil, Ford do Brasil re-imported the Mondeo from 2002, until the Fusion replaced it in 2006.The Mondeo was offered only as a saloon, and had the 2.0 143 hp inline-4 engine. The V6 version was sold only during the past generation (1999–2000). No flexifuel variant was available. There was only one trim level, the Ghia, with manual or automatic gearbox.

Mexico

In Mexico, the model was similar to the European version to replace the Ford Contour. Trim levels were Core, Edge, Ghia and 100 units of the ST220 (sold as a limited edition), it was sold only with the 2.0 4-cylinder, 2.5 V6 and 3.0 V6 (for the ST220) petrol: no turbodiesel or estate versions were available in Mexico. Its nearest rival were the Chevrolet Vectra and Volkswagen Passat. 2007 was the last year of the Mondeo for Mexico, being sold together with the Ford Fusion until it finally replaced it.

Fourth generation (2007–2013)

Fourth generation

Production	2007–2013
Assembly	Genk, Belgium Vsevolozhsk, Russia Chongqing, China Tao-Yuan, Taiwan Rayong, Thailand
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door hatchback 5-door estate
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform	Ford EUCD platform
Engine	Petrol engines and Flexible Fuel engines: 1.6L 110 PS I4 1.6L 120PS I4 1.6L 125 PS I4 1.6L 160PS EcoBoost I4 2.0L 145 PS I4 2.0L 145 PS I4 FFV (Flexifuel vehicle) 2.0L 203PS EcoBoost I4 2.0L 240PS EcoBoost I4 2.3L 161 PS I4 2.5L 220 PS I5 B5254T3 Diesel engines: 1.6L TDCi 115PS I4 1.8L TDCi 100PS I4 1.8L TDCi 125 PS I4 2.0L TDCi 115PS I4 2.0L TDCi 130PS I4 2.0L TDCi 140 PS I4 2.0L TDCi 160 PS I4 2.2L TDCi 175 PS I4 2.2L TDCi 200 PS I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic 6-speed semi-automatic (PowerShift)
Wheelbase	2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length	4,844 mm (190.7 in) (saloon) 4,778 mm (188.1 in) (hatchback) 4,830 mm (190.2 in) (estate)
Width	1,886 mm (74.3 in) (ex. mirrors) 2,078 mm (81.8 in) (inc. mirrors)
Height	1,500 mm (59.1 in) (saloon, hatchback) 1,512 mm (59.5 in) (estate)
Curb weight	1,435–1,611 kg (3,164–3,552 lb)
Related	Ford S-Max Ford Galaxy Volvo S80

Ford Mondeo XR5 Turbo hatchback (Australia)

2009–2010 Ford Mondeo (MB) Zetec wagon (Australia)

The fourth generation Mondeo (codenamed CD345) was officially unveiled in 5-door production form in late 2006. Based on the EUCD platform developed with Volvo, the platform is the same used in the new large MPVs Galaxy and S-MAX, but not the North American Ford Fusion or the Mazda Atenza in Japan. It will also possibly be used for several Volvos.

The Mk IV Ford Mondeo was released in May 2007 in the UK where it is currently available in five different trim levels: Edge, Zetec, Ghia, Titanium and Titanium X. In February 2008, Ford announced that in some European markets the Mondeo will be made available with a new Titanium S series trim. This model aims to add an even more 'sporty character' than the current Titanium series. In March 2008, a new 2.2 175 PS (128.7 kW; 172.6 bhp) TDCi common-rail diesel engine will be available on Mondeo providing acceleration to 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds on the saloon and fuel consumption of returning 45.6 mpg combined (this engine was replaced with the 2.0l TDCi 163 returning a combined 53.3mpg imp gallons, with a marginal loss of performance). Also available in March 2008 will be Mondeo ECOnetic based on the Zetec series. The Mondeo ECOnetic is powered with a 1.6 115 PS (84.6 kW; 113.4 bhp) TDCI diesel that returns CO₂ ratings of just 139 g/km on the 5-door.

Although the fourth production model, after the Mk III Galaxy, S-Max and C-Max, to adopt Ford's current 'kinetic' design language, the Mondeo's design theme was first shown at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, which gave an indication to the look of the Mk IV Mondeo. The new car, in estate bodystyle, was pre-launched in 'concept' form at the Paris Motor Show on 30 September 2006.

The new platform allowed for the use of Volvo's five-cylinder petrol engine, already featured in the Focus ST and S-Max. Also, Ford dropped the two V6 engines for this platform. The petrol engines include a 1.6-litre with two power outputs (110 PS & 125 PS), the 2.0-litre (145 PS), 2.3-litre (161 PS) for 6-speed automatic models only, and a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo with 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp). It was initially believed performance models may have featured engines from Jaguar and Volvo, but following Tata's purchase of Jaguar/Land Rover, performance variants are more likely to feature other 'in-house' Ford engines such as an uprated 2.5l T5 petrol(as found in the Focus RS) or Volvo's D5 diesel and Mazda's 2.3l petrol.

The new Mondeo uses the new electro-hydraulic steering system, first used on the C-Max, that sharpens the steering response, and helps to save fuel Inside, the Mk IV features Ford's Human-Machine Interface (HMI) first seen on the Galaxy and S-Max whilst an enhanced instrument cluster featuring a 5-inch (130 mm) LCD for displaying trip computer and satellite navigation is available as an option on all models. Like the facelift Mk III, base specification models have a manual heating/air-conditioning system in place of the climate control system. Also new on the Mk IV is the option of keyless starting of the engine via a "Ford Power" button on the dashboard.

A product placement promotional initiative made the Mk IV Mondeo James Bond's car for one incidental scene in Casino Royale, introducing the new model to global audiences in November 2006 on the launch day of the movie.

As with the previous model, the Mk IV Mondeo is not marketed in the US or Canada because Ford currently sells the same-class Fusion, which was launched in 2005. The new Mondeo is not sold currently in Venezuela, Brazil or Colombia because the Fusion is sold locally, nor is it offered in Mexico, although the Mk III model was popular there. It is, however, sold in Argentina. In Middle East and Central America, Ford Mondeo is sold along with the Ford Fusion.

The 2007 Mondeo marked the return to the Australian market after a six-year absence, due to a resurgence in popularity of medium-sized cars in the last few years. This is in no small part the result of high fuel prices making people reconsider purchasing large cars like the Ford Falcon. Marketing for the Mondeo in Australia has so far focused on the theme that the Mondeo looks good but offers even more than style, with television commercials showing silly quotes from celebrities such as Britney Spears ("I've been to lots of overseas places... like Canada") interspersed with scenes of the vehicle and finally the slogan "more than just good looks".

The Australian spec Mondeo TDCi took out the award for Australia's Best Cars "Best Mid-Size Car over $28,000" for 2007 and was runner up for the Wheels Magazine "Car of the Year" award.

Initial sales have been good in Australia, despite supply constraints from Europe (or possibly Thailand, where many Australian market world vehicles were built) limiting the car's success there. At this stage, the Mondeo is sold as a sedan (discontinued when the wagon was launched), hatch and wagon on the Australian market, in both diesel and petrol engines and in four trim levels; LX, TDCi, Zetec and XR5T. In June 2009, Ford Australia announced that the 'Titanium' badge would also be used on Australian spec Mondeos, along with the release of the Mk IV Mondeo wagon. Only the 2.3L petrol, 2.5L petrol and 2.0L diesel engines are offered there, the 2.5 being the only model available with a manual transmission. The ECOnetic Mondeo is also now being considered for the Australian market.

The Mk IV Mondeo was named one of two cars for the 2007 "Car of the Year" award by Top Gear on 23 December 2007 (the other being the Subaru Legacy Outback).

By the end of 2010 a facelifted Mk IV Mondeo was introduced with changes such as the new ecoboost engines and LED daytime running lights. The final changes was shown at the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show. The front and rear of the car have minor changes, the biggest being the new Kinetic Design. The interior is improved with a better use of materials. The Ghia trim line has been totally removed from UK markets, so the Titanium takes over as the top of the range models, along with the saloon. The new econetic has higher mpg and further reduced CO₂ emissions thanks to Stop-Start technology. Also introduced is an improved version of the 2.2L PSA diesel engine, delivering a healthy 200PS. This facelift is prompted by similar revisions to the S-MAX which was launched in summer 2010.

Awards

The Ford Mondeo has won both the What Car? Best Family Car and What Car? Best Estate Car for three consecutive years, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Trim levels

The 2008 UK range has the following trim levels:

• Edge
• Zetec
• ECOnetic
• Ghia
• Titanium
• Titanium X
• Titanium X Sport

The 2011 UK range has the following trim levels

• Edge
• Zetec
• Zetec Business Edition
• Titanium
• Titanium X
• Titanium X Sport

The 2011 Germany range has the following trim levels

• Ambiente
• Trend
• Champions Edition
• Titanium
• Titanium S
• Titanium X

The Australian range has the following trim levels:

• LX
• Zetec
• Titanium
• XR5 Turbo (discontinued 2010)

The Irish range has the following trim levels:

• Style
• ECOnetic
• Zetec
• Titanium X
• Titanium X Sport

The Norwegian range has the following trim levels:

• Trend
• Ghia
• Titanium
• Premium
• Titanium S

Fifth generation (2013–)

Fifth generation

Also called	Ford Fusion (United States)
Production	2012–
Model years	2013–
Engine	Petrol engines and Flexible Fuel engines: 1.0 L EcoBoost  I3 1.6 L EcoBoost I4 2.0 L EcoBoost I4 Diesel engines: 1.5L TDCi I4 2.0L TDCi I4
Transmission	6-speed manual 6-speed 6F35 automatic (all engines)
Wheelbase	2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length	4,869 mm (191.7 in)
Width	1,852 mm (72.9 in)
Height	1,476 mm (58.1 in)
Curb weight	1,507–1,554 kg (3,322–3,426 lb)
Related	Ford Fusion Lincoln MKZ

The fifth generation Mondeo, also known as the 2013 Ford Fusion, was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

With a design team lead by Ford of Europe designer Chris Hamilton based in Detroit for the design and global launch phase, the new model takes many styling cues from the European Ford Evos concept unveiled in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and the previous generation Ford Mondeo. Like the newest redesigns of the Focus and Fiesta before it, the new Mondeo is set on a global platform that is shared with the now identical Fusion, which will be sold in the U.S.

The range removes the former V6 3.0 engine, and on launch will have a complete range of Ford EcoBoost engines. From Autumn 2013, there will be added a three-cylinder 123 bhp Ecoboost, claimed to produce just 125g/km of CO2 emissions. In 2014/2015 a plug-in hybrid badged as an Energi will be added, and powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and 185 bhp Atkinson cycle 2.0-litre petrol engine.

At the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Ford confirmed product details, and delayed launch from early summer to late Autumn 2013 to address quality issues in ramping up production.

Motorsport

Ford Mondeo driving Alain Menu, Ford Team Mondeo

Will Hoy driving for Ford Mondeo Racing in the 1998 British Touring Car Championship

The Mondeo competed in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) between 1993 and 2000. The cars, prepared by former series champion Andy Rouse, did not enter the 1993 season until the 8th round at Pembrey in Wales. Rouse and Paul Radisich were the drivers in the Mondeo's first season. Radisich went on to win the FIA World Touring Car Cup in both 1993 and 1994 driving a Mondeo.

Ford ran a factory-sponsored team, called Ford Team Mondeo, for eight seasons. As mentioned above, Andy Rouse Engineering ran the cars from 1993 to 1995, at which point West Surrey Racing ran the works team from 1996 to 1998, with Prodrive taking over beginning 1999. In 2000, the team expanded from two cars to three when drivers Alain Menu and Anthony Reid were joined by 1998 series champion Rickard Rydell, recruited from the disbanded Volvo team. The team dominated the 2000 season, finishing 1-2-3 (Menu-Reid-Rydell) in the drivers' standings and winning the manufacturers' championship by a staggering 104 points.

A complete overhaul of the BTCC following the 2000 season saw the supertouring regulations scrapped as the series moved towards lighter and less expensive race cars based on compact car chassis and not family saloons. Ford withdrew from BTCC competition prior to 2001.

The Touring Cars after their withdrawal went on sale to the public and are now in the hands of other drivers. Two of the 2000 series Mondeos have been spotted in the BRSCC series of LMA Euro saloons; drivers known to own them at present are Bernard Hogarth and Alvin Powell.

The Mk I & Mk II Mondeo have followed many other previous Ford models into the world of banger racing in the UK, and with many plenty of older cars being available for very little money, the Mondeo is now a popular and relatively easy car to race. The Zetec engines are converted to run off a carb set up and the Mondeo bodyshell is fairly tough, but they are proving rather rigid, with many drivers getting injured in high speed impacts. Mondeos are proving more popular than the Sierra and Mk III Granada.

In Argentina, the Mondeo's design was employing for the manufacturing handcrafted racing cars in reforzed fiberglass, for the racing category Top Race. This model, is the most successful in the category, with 2 championships in the TRV6 and 1 championship in the TR Junior. The racedriver champions in the TRV6, was Omar Martínez (2009) and José María López (2009) with the Mondeo Mk II, and the racedirver champion in the TR Junior, was Gonzalo Perlo in 2008. In 2009, was presented the Mondeo Mk III as a bodywork option, but the Mk II is still used.

Similarly, in the United States, the Fusion/Mondeo Mk.5 bodywork will be used for the Gen6 body in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Seriesstarting in 2013, replacing the current Mazda6-based Fusion.

Awards

• 1993 Car of The Year
• 1994 Semperit Irish Car of the Year
• 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.
• 2001 Car of The Year
• 2001 Top Gear Car of The Year
• 2005 Award for 'excellent' by Euro NCAP, crash test.
• 2006 Best Used Family Car
• 2007 Auto Express Car of The Year (British magazine said that all-new Mondeo is "Ford's finest ever car")
• 2007 Fifth Gear Award for Best Family Newcomer
• 2007 Top Gear Car of the Year (note, they did mention that this and the Subaru Legacy Outback were both winners)
• 2007 RACV Best Mid-size car over $28,000
• 2007 Drive Car of The Year: Best Medium Car
• 2008 Semperit Irish Car of the Year
• 2008 Best Estate Car
• 2008 Best Family Car
• 2008 Top 10 Car by Motor Trend
• 2008 10 Best Car by Car and Driver
• 2008 Best Domestic Large Sedan by Car News Magazine (Taiwan)
• 2008 Best Driving Performance Car by Sina
• 2008 Drive Car of The Year: Best Medium Car
• 2008 The Caravan Club Tow Car of The Year (Mondeo 2.5t Estate)
• 2009 Best Estate Car
• 2009 Best Family Car
• 2009 Best Medium Car by New Zealand Automobile Association
• 2010 Drive Car of The Year: Best Medium Car
• 2011 Best Estate Car
• 2011 Best Family Car
• 2012 Best Estate Car
• 2012 Best Family Car
• 2013 Best Estate Car 
• 2013 Best Family Car