Ford Mondeo

FORD released a facelifted Mondeo in late 2010, with the changing running deeper than the mildly revised nose and tail treatments suggest.

Building in the “MB MY11” update that occurred in May 2010 and which saw the arrival of an upgraded 120kW/340Nm 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi adopting Ford’s wet-clutch six-speed dual-clutch sequential ‘automatic’ gearbox known as Powershift, as well as diesel availability in the wagon and Hill-Start Assist, the MC brought revised pricing, specification and safety to the Mondeo.

Outwardly Ford has tried to infuse some of the upcoming Mk3 Focus’ jazzy kinetic design traits in the four-year old Mondeo in the trapezoidal air take set within the new-look front bumper, LED daytime driving lights, single-bar grille and revised headlight lenses framing the lower region of the ‘reprofiled’ bonnet, resulting in a cleaner front-on appearance.

There’s some extra chrome in higher-series models and larger, reshaped tail-lights and a redesigned rear number plate valance setting new apart from old.

The Mondeo’s premium credentials are underpinned by the inclusion of higher-quality trim materials, while Volvo safety tech include the option of a lane departure warning system, auto high beam (that automatically shifts its beam to undazzle oncoming drivers), and a driver alert system (a gentle reminder for drivers during longer stints behind the wheel).

Also familiar to buyers of the Swedish brand is the Mondeo’s newly acquired blind spot information system, speed limiter, rear door power child locks and rear view camera.

In July 2011 the EcoBoost version arrived, replacing the old Mazda-derived 118kW/208Nm 2.3L unit in all petrol models other than the base LX. This 2.0-litre turbo twin-cam multivalve unit produces 149kW of power at 6000rpm and 300Nm of torque from 1750-4500rpm.

As with the diesel, drive is delivered to the front wheels via a Getrag six-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox Ford christens Powershift.