The Mondeo 2,0i Ghia has been given a facelift and the Ford Motor Company of SA has extended the range to include two models, the 2.0i Trend and 166-kW flagship, the ST220.
The Mondeo 2,0i Ghia has been given a facelift and the Ford Motor Company of SA has extended the range to include two models, the 2.0i Trend and 166-kW flagship, the ST220.
According to the Silverton-based manufacturer, the latest Mondeo features more than 1 500 new parts. The most noticeable changes appear inside the cabin… a new Sony audio system, updates to the dashboard and instrument panel centre console, uprated climate control system and “significant improvements”, FMCSA claims, to instrument panel quality, with lower levels of wind, road and engine noise.
The exterior of the vehicle features enlarged exterior mirrors, which fold back electrically on the ST220, and feature “puddle lamps” on the Ghia and ST220 models.
The entry-level 2.0i Trend, which sells at R199 855, is fitted with alloy wheels, ABS with EBD, ESP and traction control – which are standard across the entire range.
Main features on the 2.0i Trend are powered front and rear windows with global closing, power and heated mirrors, driver’s seat power height adjustment, lumbar adjustment for both front seats, a powerful four-speaker radio/CD sound system with steering column mounted controls and speed sensing auto-volume adjustment, perimeter alarm and a new automatic climate control system.
Two brand new safety features across the Mondeo range, including the 2.0i Trend, are curtain airbags front and rear and emergency brake assist (EBA). The latter was introduced because research has shown that, in emergency braking situations, drivers do not always apply maximum braking effort. EBA is an electronic assistance system that works in conjunction with the ABS system. If the driver slams down on the brake pedal in an emergency situation, the vehicle’s management system “detects” this by measuring the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed.
Other standard safety features are a decoupling brake pedal to minimise foot injuries, anti-whiplash front headrests, three 3-point rear seatbelts and headrests, front seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters and dual front and side airbags.
The 2,0 Ghia is now the middle-of-the-range model and FMCSA claims extras worth R13 000 have been added to the vehicle, even though its price has remained the same.
Standard features on 2,0 Ghia, which sells for R217 825, include: leather seats, eight-way power adjustment for both front seats, cruise control, front map reading lights, multifunction steering wheel, a six-disc CD shuttle, rear armrest with lidded storage bin and cup holders, chrome inserts in the lower front grille, door handles, bootlid release handle and window line.
But it will be the flagship model, the potent ST220, that will grab the public’s attention. The ST220’s aluminium Duratec VE engine has had its capacity increased from 2,5- to three litres, and produces 166 kW at 6 150 r/min. The maximum torque is 280 N.m at 4 900 r/min, and FMCSA claims the ST220 will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 7,5 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h.
Retailing for R286 035, the ST220 has been lowered by 15 mm and has the new Durashift six-speed manual transmission. Exterior features include sporty front and rear aprons, rocker panel trim, a discreet rear spoiler and newly developed 18-inch light alloy wheels with a 16-spoke design and 225/40 R 18 tyres.
As for the interior, the passenger compartment has been fritted with instruments that have silver coloured backgrounds, heated and electrically-adjustable sports seats by Recaro.
Service intervals across the range remain at 20 000 km. In addition to the five-year/100 000km maintenance plan, the range also comes with a three-year/unlimited FordProtect roadside assistance plan.
