Ford reveals Mondeo prices

FORD has finally released pricing details for its long-delayed fourth-generation Mondeo, with increases in some variants offset by a significant jump in safety, specification and performance, and even a price decrease in others.

In showrooms from May and kicking off from $32,790, plus on-road costs, the Ambiente hatchback is $1300 more expensive than the previous LX equivalent, and $250 dearer than the price of the recently revised Mazda6 Sport sedan.

But the completely redesigned mid-sizer gains power and torque increases of 26 and 66 per cent respectively thanks to a new 149kW/345Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine.

It also features nine airbags including segment-first Inflatable Rear Seatbelts, front and rear parking sensors, hill-launch control, paddle shifters, satellite navigation, touchscreen multimedia interface with voice control, DAB+ digital radio, dual-zone climate control, LED driving lights, Ford MyKey parental lockout system, and alloy wheels as standard equipment.

This is on top of the technological progress the MD series has made over its MC predecessor in the name of improved dynamics and efficiency, including a stiffer platform, all-new Integral Link independent rear suspension, a switch to full-electric power steering, and a complete braking system overhaul.

Combined they contribute to a sizeable increase in refinement, with road noise said to drop by three decibels and wind noise cut by eight per cent, according to Ford.

Meanwhile, the Trend hatch from $37,290 is actually $450 cheaper than the Zetec EcoBoost it replaces despite gaining a 177kW version of the 2.0-litre EcoBoost with more torque to boot, as well as the Ambiente’s generational specification and technological improvements.

Additionally, the Trend scores a host of driver-assist standard kit such as Active City Stop, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights with, auto high-beam assist and keyless entry with push-button start, as well as power adjustment and heating for both front seats, driver’s seat memory, partial-leather upholstery, auto folding mirrors, puddle lamps and 17-inch alloys.

Stepping up to the $47,490 Titanium EcoBoost hatch range topper is now a $2500 more expensive exercise, but brings all of the aforementioned improvements as well as fresh items such as adaptive dampers working on 18-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights, heated rear seats, ambient lighting, powered steering column, full leather upholstery, Lane Keeping Aid Plus Assist and wider-functionality automatic parking, on top of the continuing Blind Sport information and driver-fatigue monitor.

Wagon and TDCi diesel variants are also $1300 more expensive than the models they replace, while the oiler adds a premium of $4000 and $3000 over the 149kW Ambiente and 179kW Trend/Titanium variants respectively.

Note, however, that the TDCi is now 12kW/60Nm stronger than the previous Mondeo oil-burner, and is the only alternative engine in the Mondeo wagon to the fleet-focussed Ambiente’s 149kW unit.

Prestige paint at $450 is the only option that Ford has released so far. More details will be revealed closer to the Mondeo’s launch.

Ford Mondeo pricing*

Hatch
Ambiente EcoBoost (a)	$32,790
Ambiente TDCi (a)	$36,790
Trend EcoBoost (a)	$37,290
Trend TDCi (a)	$40,490
Titanium EcoBoost (a)	$44,290
Titanium TDCi (a)	$47,490
Wagon
Ambiente EcoBoost (a)	$36,640
Ambiente TDCi (a)	$38,640
Trend TDCi (a)	$42,340
Titanium TDCi (a)	$49,340

*Excludes on-road costs.