Ford knocks Mondeo on the head

The Ford Mondeo was the highest selling medium-sized car in Europe during 2001 and, though these sales aren't mirrored in Australia (largely due to the Falcon being Ford's staple car), it hasn't stopped us taking a sneak peak at the new 2002/2003 Ford Mondeo.

In fact, the sales of Ford's medium-size car were so stagnant that Ford has decided to kill the Mondeo program in Australia completely.

So, why would we base an article on it? Because we're all car enthusiasts at the Wombat and, when it comes down to it, we just like talking the torque (sorry, couldn't help it).

We'll focus on the top-of-the-range ST220 version, which is, however, likely to arrive on local shores in extremely limited numbers, thanks to dedicated Euro importers.

The 'go-fast' ST220 model looks amazing and it really is a pity that Ford canned the European model locally, but selling a car is a fine art and the when numbers don't stack up...

Improved over the base model, the 2003 ST220 Mondeo comes with cosmetic (though some argue it offers more downforce) extras such as side-skirts, a large front air dam and front spoiler, plus slightly flared wheel arches and a re-jigged rear-section, complete with lid spoiler.

The new-look Mondeo is quite a stunner - the re-scultped headlights add a much sharper look - perhaps even a little Focus-inspired, while the new tail-lights are equally impressive, going for an almost-Mercedes appearance.

You may also notice the twin tail-pipes. Unlike much of the bodykit, they aren't there just to look pretty. Instead they provide the music courtesy of an all-new Duratec ST powerplant.

The ST220 offers stiffer, performance-tuned suspension for a more responsive drive and the 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels offer quite a bit of tread with low-profile 225/40R18 tyres.

Inside, drivers will be welcomed lovingly by full leather Recaro race seats, with power adjustment and heating - just in case it's a bit chilly in the morning. A six CD autochanger, electronic auto temperature control (ETAC) and Ford's new IPS, or Intelligent Protection System, round out a set of features you'd expect on something a little more expensive.

Safety systems such as the obligatory ABS, EBD and ESP have made the cut, while active head restraints, de-coupling pedal assembly, a collapsible steering column, five three-point seatbelts and dual stage front, front side and side curtain airbags round out what is ultimately a fairly safe car.

The new 3.0-litre V6 is quite a piece of work too. With four valves per cylinder, the quad-cam all-aluminium block features a performance-tuned intake system that equates to 166kW of power @ 6250rpm.

While the torque figures aren't super-impressive for a 3.0-litre six, the 280Nm of torque @ 4900rpm is still good for spritely a top speed of 240km/h.

The V6 mill puts the power to the ground thanks to an MTX75 five-speed manual transmission. It has been specifically tinkered with to provide optimum acceleration, yet the Ford boffins claim shifting quality and smoothness are above par, too. All up, it endows the ST220 with a 0-100km/h time of 6.8-seconds, which is mighty impressive for a medium-sized car with all the trimmings.

Hauling the 1500kg Mondeo in are fairly serious 300mm ventilated disc brakes at the front. Both come with single pot calipers, though these are equipped with massive 57 mm pistons, while at the rear, solid discs with a good-sized diametre of 280mm contribute to the cars stopping power.

In Europe, Ford is trying desperately to restructure its business - the Focus was the first step, the new Mondeo could be labelled the second. Based on a larger platform than the outgoing model, the all-new design is quite pleasing in comparison.

In a strage twist - the new Mondeo was created in a similar manner to the CV Monaros, in that it is the first Ford to be created digitally (we think). Using the latest Atari 2600 cartridge-driven computers, the entire development time was just 24 months.

While we obviously can't get Ford Australia head honcho Polites to comment on the new Mondeo, Ian McAllister - the managing director for Ford of Britain - had this to say: "The new Ford Mondeo redefines the standards in its class, just as the Ford Focus did before it.

"It has been developed to meet the needs of a customer base increasingly knowledgeable and demanding in their car buying and owning decisions - everything about the new Ford Mondeo shows how serious Ford is in meeting and exceeding these customers' expectations.

"I am sure Mondeo's outstanding combination of contemporary design, wealth of equipment, class-leading safety and driving quality will ensure Ford's position at the top of the extremely important market segment," he said.

While it's good to see Ford injecting a bit of spirit into its new Mondeo range, it's a shame we'll never see it. A big move for Ford of Europe, to be sure, but this time we luck out. Blame it on the price of milk, if you like. Yet, at the end of the day, Ford fans still have a lot to cheer about with the exciting new 'Barra' Falcon so tantalisingly close, you can almost smell it.