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Classier Mondeo Is Aiming High
Wednesday 28th May 2003
by Mike Duff
AutoExpress
Meet the new, sharper Mondeo. These are the first official pictures of Ford's facelifted, best-selling family car. And while it might not look that different on the outside, the blue oval has made a series of significant revisions inside the cabin and under the bonnet. All aim to freshen up the Mondeo and help it to regain some of the ground it has recently lost to a number of challengers, including the award-winning Mazda 6 and new Honda Accord.
As we revealed in issue 755, Ford has done no more than tweak the exterior (see panel). But inside, the cabin designers have worked hard to improve the quality of the dashboard and switchgear. The centre console has been redesigned and features a larger clock and classier-feeling switch-gear, while Sony-branded stereos have been fitted, with either a single CD/radio or six-disc CD multichanger. Also on the options list are 'climate' front seats, which offer both heating and cooling - a first for a car in this sector.
Drivers of base versions benefit, too, with all models now getting cruise control, ABS, air-conditioning and six airbags as standard. Company users seeking to minimise their tax bills can look forward to the arrival of the new direct-injection version of the 1.8-litre petrol engine. Badged SCi (Smart Charge injection), the system puts a precisely metered dose of fuel into the cylinder at very high pressures, enabling the unit to use less petrol to give improved economy and lower exhaust emissions. The SCi has a small increase in power over the standard 1.8 (128bhp, up from 123bhp), with fuel economy of 39.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 173g/km.
Other engines continue as before, with 1.8 and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol units alongside 2.5 and 3.0-litre V6s. The 2.0 TDCi diesel has been modified with an improved cylinder head design and new injectors, intended to reduce noise from cold starting.
Ford's six-speed Durashift manual gearbox, which was previously reserved for the 130bhp TDCi, is now offered on all versions except the 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrols, which stick with five ratios. The revised gearing gives the range-topping ST220 an improved top speed of 155mph (up from 151 mph). Meanwhile, five-speed automatic versions get wheel-mounted gearchange buttons.
The car goes on sale in July, and while pricing is yet to be finalised, Ford hints that buyers will enjoy a saving over the old model.
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Stacy94PGT
My first car was a 67 Mustang Coupe, 2nd one was a 67 Cougar XR-7, 3rd one was a 66 Mustang Coupe. Why did I get rid of these cars for ? I know why, because I'm stupid, stupid, stupid. 
My next Ford.....
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