HA Mondeo

As the 1993 front-wheel drive replacement for the European Sierra, the Mondeo proved a cornerstone for higher quality, more dynamic Fords, with Peugeot-like handling, stylish, spacious cabins and lusty twin-cam engines.

Available in four-door sedan, hatch and wagon variants, the Mondeo usurped the low-end Mazda 626-based Telstar models – the Ghia versions lingered on until the HC series arrived.

Power came courtesy of a gutsy 97kW 2.0L twin-cam 4-cylinder engine married to a four-speed auto or five-speed manual gearbox. The base LX included a driver’s airbag, power steering, air-con and central locking, while the GLX added velour trim and extra gadgets. But sales started off very slowly.