Ford Mondeo

Ford Mondeo
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Also called	Ford Contour Mercury Mystique
Production	1993—present
Body and chassis
Class	Large family car
Body style	5-door liftback 5-door estate 4-door sedan
Related	Ford/Mercury Cougar Jaguar X-Type
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L Zetec I4 1.8 L Zetec I4 1.8 L Endura-D turbodiesel I4 2.0 L Zetec I4 2.0 L Duratorq turbodiesel I4 2.0 L Duratec I4 2.2 L Duratorq turbodiesel I4 2.5 L Duratec V6 3.0 L Duratec V6
Dimensions
Length	Mk 3 4731-4804 mm
Width	Mk 3 1958 mm
Height	Mk 3 1429-1481 mm
Curb weight	Mk 3 1364-1578 kg
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Sierra Ford Telstar Ford Versailles Ford Royale

The Ford Mondeo is a large family car sold by the Ford Motor Company in various markets throughout the world. The name "Mondeo" is derived from the Latin for world, mundus. Although classed as a Large Family Car in Europe (Mid-Size), it is classed as Compact in the American market.

Mk I and Mk II(1993-2000)

Although an official picture was launched at the end of 1992, the Mondeo was launched in March 1993. Available as a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback and a five-door estate, it was produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian city, Genk.

Intended as a world car, it replaced the Ford Sierra in Europe, the Ford Telstar in a large portion of Asia and other markets, while the Contour and Mercury Mystique replaced the Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz in North America. Unlike the Sierra, the Mondeo is front-wheel drive in its most common form, with a rarer four-wheel drive version available for the Mark I car only. Instigated in 1986, the design of the car cost Ford US$6 billion. It was one of the most expensive new car programs ever. The Mondeo was significant as its design and marketing was shared between Ford USA in Dearborn, and Ford of Europe. Its codename while under development reflected thus: CDW27 signified that it straddled the C & D size classes and was a "World Car".

The car was launched in the midst of turbulent times at Ford of Europe, when the division was haemorrhaging hundreds of millions of dollars and had gained a reputation in the motoring press for selling products which had been designed by accountants rather than engineers. The fourth generation Escort and Orion of 1990 was the zenith of this cost-cutting/high price philosophy which was by then beginning to backfire on Ford, with the cars being slated for their sub standard ride and handling, though a facelift in 1992 had seen things improve a little. The Sierra had sold well, but not as well as the all-conquering Cortina before it, and in Britain it had been overtaken in the sales charts by the newer Vauxhall Cavalier. Previously loyal customers were already turning to rival products and by the time of the Mondeo's launch, the future of Europe as a Ford manufacturing base was hanging in the balance. The new car had to be good, and it had to sell.

Despite being billed as a world car, the only external items the Mondeo shared with the Contour were the windscreen, front windows, front mirrors and door handles. Even the interior was slightly different. The CDW27 project turned out not to be a true world car in the sense that the original Ford Focus was; one design for the world.

Design and engineering

A large proportion of the high development cost was due to the Mondeo being a completely new design, sharing very little, if anything, with the Ford Sierra. Using an all-new platform, the Mondeo featured new manual and automatic transmissions and sophisticated suspension design, which Ford hope would give it class-leading handling and ride qualities, and subframes front and rear to give it executive car refinement. The automatic transmission featured electronic control with sport and economy modes plus switchable overdrive.

1995 Ford Mondeo 1.8 LX

Safety was a high priority in the Mondeo design with a driver's side airbag (it was first ever car sold from the beginning with a driver´s airbag in all of its versions, which vastly helped it achieve the ECOTY title in 1993) side-impact bars, seat belt pretensioners, and ABS (higher models) as standard features. Other features for its year included adaptive damping, self-leveling suspension (top station wagon models), traction control (V6 and 4WD versions) and heated front windscreen, branded Quickclear.

The interiors were usually well appointed, featuring velour trim, an arm rest with CD and tape storage, central locking (frequently remote), power windows (all round on higher models), power mirrors, flat-folding rear seats, etc. Higher specification models had leather seats, trip computers, electric sunroof, CD changer and alloy wheels.

During its development, Ford used the 1986 Honda Accord and Nissan Primera as the class benchmarks that the CDW27 had to beat.

Engines

Along with an all-new platform, the Mondeo also used Ford's then-new Zetec engines, first seen in 1991 in a revised version of the Ford Escort.

Three versions of the 16-valve Zetec engine were used. The 1.6 L version (rated at 90 bhp) of engine from the Escort was used, a 1.8 (115bhp) also previously found in the Escort Si (sometimes in 130bhp form), while a new 136 bhp 2.0 L version was launched.

An alternative to the Zetec engines was the Endura-D 1.8 L turbodiesel. This engine had origins in the older 1.6 L diesel design used in the Fiesta and elsewhere. Although not without merits, it was not seen as a strong competitor to other European diesels such as that produced by Peugeot. The contrast between this unit and the competition seemed enormous by the time the engine was dropped in 2000.

A less popular engine (for the UK and Ireland) was introduced in 1994 in the form of the 170 bhp 2.5 L 24-valve V6 Duratec unit, primarily included for markets where four-cylinder petrol engines are not favored and are usually intended for the upmarket European buyer. This engine, first unveiled in the Mondeo's North American cousin, the Ford Contour, is characterized by its smooth operation, chain-driven camshafts and an ability to operate using only half its 24 valves at low engine speeds. Fuel economy was reasonable, with the automatic barely much worse than the manual (but far less reliable). This engine was originally branded 24v (when valve count was all important) but later on sold as the more glamorous sounding V6.

This engine was also used to introduce the new ST brand to the Mondeo range as a flagship model, the ST24, in 1997. The power of the engine stayed at 170 bhp, the same as other 2.5 L-engined models, but the ST featured unique cabin trim, unique 16 in alloy wheels and a full RSA (Rally Sport Appearance) bodykit as standard. The bodykit option was listed as a delete option for those that did not want it fitted as standard. This was later replaced by the ST200 in 2000, featuring a modified version of the V6 Duratec with a power output of 200 bhp.

Although neither of these models ever sold in high numbers, the marketing was important to Ford as it was an introduction to the ST range as a sportier side to the full range, something not seen since the death of the XR range from the Eighties.

Trim levels

Mk I

The 1993-1996 range had the following trim levels:

• Mirage - 1.6 L Zetec, base trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate - only offered in the Netherlands
• LX - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate
• CLX - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate - not offered in UK
• GLX - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L turbodiesel, luxury trim level version of the LX, 4-door saloon, 5-door liftback, estate
• Business Edition - 1.6 L/1.8 L/2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L V6, 1.8 L turbodiesel, luxury trim level version of LX, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate. - only offered in the Netherlands
• Ghia - 1.8 L/2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L V6, 1.8 L turbodiesel, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate
• Ghia X - 2.5 L V6, luxury trim level, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, 5-door estate
• Si - 2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L V6, sports version, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate.
• GT - 1.8 L/2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L V6, 1.8 L turbodiesel, sports version, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate. Only offered in the Netherlands, equivalent to UK-spec Si
• V6 - 2.5 L V6, luxury version, 4-door sedan, 5-door liftback, estate. Never offered with a V6 (base) in the Netherlands, only Business Edition or GT.

Mk II

The 1997-2000 range had the following trim levels:

• Aspen - 1.6 L Zetec, base trim level, 5dr, Estate
• LX - 1.6/1.8/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L TD Endura, midrange trim level, 4dr, 5dr, Estate
• Verona - 1.8 L Zetec, midrange trim level, added alloys and chrome to the LX, 5dr
• GLX - 1.8/2.0 L Zetec, 1.8 L TD Endura, midrange trim level, 4dr, 5dr, Estate
• Si - 2.0 L Zetec, 2.5 L V6 170ps, sports version, 5dr, Estate
• Zetec - 1.8/2.0 L Zetec, replaced Si, 5dr, Estate
• Zetec-S - 2.0 L Zetec, rare Zetec based special edition with ST bodykit, 5dr
• Ghia - 2.0 L Zetec, 2.5 L V6 170ps, 1.8 L TD Endura, luxury trim level
• Ghia X - 2.0 L Zetec, 2.5 L V6 170ps, 1.8 L TD Endura, top spec trim level
• ST24 - 2.5 L V6 170ps, Sports Variant Luxury bucket seat half leather trim
• ST200 - 2.5L V6 205ps, Sports Variant, Luxury Recaro leather trim

In South Africa, the trim levels offered were:

• LX - 1.8 L Zetec, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan
• CLX - 2.0 L Zetec, midrange trim level, 4-door sedan
• 2.0 Aspen - 2.0 L Zetec, luxury trim level version of the LX, 4-door sedan
• Si - 2.5 L V6, sports version, 5-door liftback,

1996 Mk II

Referred to as the Mk II Mondeo, a major facelifted version launched in October 1996 saw three of the Mondeo's biggest criticisms addressed, namely its bland styling, the bad performance of the headlights, and the cramped rear legroom. The lowering of specification levels around that time (e.g. air-conditioning and alloy wheels became optional on the UK Ghia models) may have indicated a desire by Ford to cut costs and recoup some of the huge sums invested in the original design. These specification levels were improved again in 1998 as the Mondeo approached replacement.

The facelift saw almost every external panel replaced, leaving only the doors and roof the same as the original Mk 1 model. Even the extractor vents on the rear doors were dispensed with. The most notable change was the introduction of a version of Ford's then new corporate 'oval' grille. The saloon version also featured very distinctive rear lights which sat atop of the rear wings. Unlike the iterations seen on the heavily facelifted Scorpio and Mk 4 Fiesta during the previous year, this facelift was well-received.

The interior was also mildly revised though the basic dashboard achitecture was the same as before.

The 2.0 litre Zetec engine was thoroughly revised which, while producing less power than before, was far more refined and smoother which was something the original engine lacked at high revs.

Mixed sales success

File:ST24.jpg

1998 Ford Mondeo ST24 2.5 V6 24V

A Ford Contour, the Mondeo's American counterpart.

In Europe, the Mondeo was instantly declared a class leader, and was elected Car of the Year in 1994.

Ford briefly sold a version using the 2.0 L Zetec engine and four-wheel drive, available until 1996 on cars with Si and Ghia trim only. The timing was not ideal though as four-wheel drive had already become synonymous with large SUVs such as the Land Rover Discovery and the bottom dropped out of the four-wheel drive sedan market. People who would tolerate the knock on performance and economy preferred to graduate to a full-blown SUV rather than a sedan with good all-round traction; especially since SUVs had become fashionable at the time.

In Europe, the Mondeo is considered large, but in other markets such as the United States and Australia, it had not fared well, as there were larger models that had stronger brand loyalty and offered better value for money. Ford claimed that it was a 'world car', but in a letter to Autocar magazine in the UK, a Ford dealer retorted 'What world was it designed for?' Because of this, the Contour and Mystique proved unpopular with American buyers. While the Contour sold at an average rate, the Mystique bombed. The Mondeo Mk 3 was much larger than the Mk 1/2 version but was not sold in North America, where Ford now offers the Fusion.

There is however, another theory advanced by some motoring journalists: that because the Contour and Mystique were not created in the United States, it suffered from a lack of enthusiasm from inside Ford's North American operations. Those same theorists point to the fact that the BMW 3 Series — arguably a "world car" in the sense one version is sold globally — does quite well in the United States and it is the same size as the Contour and Mystique.

The Mondeo fared badly in Australia, where, similarly, there was a much larger local model, the Falcon, and was dropped in 2001. Ford Australia withdrew completely from the medium-sized segment of the Australian market, arguing that it was in decline. The wagon version, the first medium-sized Ford of its kind to be sold in Australia since the Cortina, was dropped in 1999. It struggled against Japanese models such as the Honda Accord and Subaru Liberty, as well as the Holden Vectra, also imported from Europe, although unlike the Mondeo, briefly assembled locally.

By contrast, the Mondeo (like the Cortina long before it) was a success story in New Zealand, the Mk III model in particular being voted Car of the Year in 2001 by Autocar New Zealand and National Business Review. In addition, many earlier model Mondeos, imported used from Japan were also sold locally (Japan was also a good market for the Mondeo, a rare feat in a country with a high amount of domestic automobiles).

In Australia, the 1995-2001 Ford Mondeo was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "significantly better than average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.[1]

In its final year in China, the Ford Mondeo M2000 gained a front fascia not dissimilar from the outgoing Mercury Mystique's, but had Ford badges. Its rear end was identical to that of the European models.

Contemporaries

• Citroën Xantia
• Fiat Tempra
• Fiat Marea
• Honda Accord
• Mazda 626
• Nissan Primera
• Peugeot 405
• Peugeot 406
• Renault Laguna
• Rover 400
• Toyota Carina
• Vauxhall Cavalier
• Vauxhall Vectra

Mk III (2000-2006)

2005 Ford Mondeo

Launched in October 2000, and seen as the third generation model, this Mondeo was considerably larger than its predecessor. Although Ford abandoned its New Edge design theme for the Mondeo Mk III, it still borrowed some styling cues from the Focus Mk I, giving it an overall effect which many critics felt was more restrained and mature than the Focus if much less distinctive. Two of the old car's biggest weaknesses, the modest rear legroom and uncompetitive diesel version were addressed by a longer wheelbase and the new Duratorq diesel engine.

Following the standard setting interior of the Volkswagen Passat Mk IV in 1996, Ford paid a great deal of attention to the Mk III's interior and was the first mainstream manufacturer to react to the new standard set by Volkswagen. Ford dispensed with the rounded American style interior of the Mk I and developed a more sober 'Germanic' design which not only seemed more sophisticated but, more importantly, was of a higher quality due to the use of more expensive materials.

As with its predecessor, passive safety was a major selling point of the 2000 Mondeo. With an even stronger bodyshell, Ford introduced its so-called "Intelligent Protection System" (IPS), which used an "intelligent" array of sensors based on a neural network to decide the best combination of safety devices (traditional front passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags) to deploy for a given crash situation. To enhance active safety, all models were fitted with anti-lock brakes and electronic brake distribution, with electronic stability program (ESP) available as an option.

The Mondeo established itself as Britain's most popular in its sector and held this position every year from 2001 onwards, though this size of car has fallen slightly in popularity during the 2000s. This version of the Mondeo has never come higher than sixth in the SMMT's official list of the top selling cars in the UK each year. In 2003, it came tenth in the list.

Engines

A 1999 Mk2 Mondeo alongside a (pre-2003 facelift) 2002 Mk3 Mondeo

For the Mk III, the 1.6 L Zetec engine was dropped while the 1.8 and 2.0 L engines were heavily revised and were renamed Duratec. The standard 2.5 L V6 engine was carried over, while a 3.0 L version was developed for the ST220 model.

The archaic Endura-E 1.8 L turbodiesel engine was dropped and replaced by a more sophisticated 2.0 L Duratorq direct-injection (TDCi) unit with a variable geometry turbine. This clever turbine system allows a certain amount of overboost, giving an extra 10% or so of torque for short periods. This engine, known within Ford as the "Puma"-type Duratorq, was first seen in the Transit in detuned form.

A new automatic transmission was added to the range called the Durashift. This unit has five gears and may be shifted manually or shifted like an automatic.

In June 2003, the Mondeo was given a very mild upgrade, the new models being identifiable by the larger chrome honeycomb grille, a new central dashboard made from higher quality materials with electronic climate control, either a standard Ford radio, Sony radio or a satellite navigation radio/CD player which also has climate control built into the unit in lieu of the space taken up by the unit. The Durashift automatic is now available with steering wheel control, while a 96 kW (130 PS) common rail version of the Duratorq turbodiesel engine became available. The petrol engines were revised at this stage also — the new SCI (direct-injection) version of the 1.8 L Duratec engine was introduced which generates 4 kW (5 PS) more than the standard unit. In addition, equipment was upgraded across the range — with trip computer now standard on all models, and cruise control is also standard in selected markets.

In 2005, there were two new Duratorq direct-injection (TDCi) options, a 2.2L with 114 kW (155 PS) and a detuned version of the 2.0L with 65 kW (89 PS). Also, the Seat Belt Warning System was added and is now standard, with an audible/visual warning signal reminding the driver to fasten his/her seat belt. The styling was upgraded again, the most notable difference being tweaked taillights.

Eastern Asia

Engines:

• 1.8 L (1798 cc) Zetec I4, 110 PS (108 hp/81 kW) and 122 ft·lbf (165 N·m) (1.8i)
• 1.8 L (1798 cc) Zetec I4, 125 PS (123 hp/92 kW) and 125 ft·lbf (170 N·m) (1.8i and 1.8 Zetec)
• 1.8 L (1798 cc) Duratec SCi I4, 131 PS (129 hp/96 kW) and 129 ft·lbf (175 N·m) (1.8 SCi)
• 2.0 L (1999 cc) Zetec I4, 146 PS (144 hp/107 kW) and 140 ft·lbf (190 N·m) (2.0i)
• 2.5 L (2495 cc) AJ25 V6, 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) and 162 ft·lbf (220 N·m) (2.5 Ghia)
• 3.0 L (2967 cc) Duratec 30 V6, 204 PS (201 hp/150 kW) and 207 ft·lbf (280 N·m) (3.0)
• 3.0 L (2967 cc) Duratec 30 V6, 226 PS (223 hp/166 kW) and 210 ft·lbf (285 N·m) (3.0 ST220)
• 2.0 L (1998 cc) Duratorq I4, 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW) and 155 ft·lbf (210 N·m) (2.0 TDCi 90)
• 2.0 L (1998 cc) Duratorq I4, 116 PS (114 hp/85 kW) and 207 ft·lbf (280 N·m) (2.0 TDCi 115)
• 2.0 L (1998 cc) Duratorq I4, 131 PS (129 hp/96 kW) and 244 ft·lbf (330 N·m) (2.0 TDCi 130)
• 2.2 L (2198 cc) Duratorq I4, 155 PS (153 hp/114 kW) and 265 ft·lbf (360 N·m) (2.2 TDCi 155)

Mk IV (2007-)

Fourth generation
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door liftback 5-door station wagon
Platform	Ford EUCD platform
Powertrain
Engine	1.6i 123 HP I4 2.0i 145 HP I4 2.5i 220 HP I5 2.0 TDCi 130 HP I4 Diesel 1.8 TDCi 125 HP I4 Diesel
Transmission	5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto mm
Length	Sedan: Template:Auto mm Liftback: Template:Auto mm Station wagon: Template:Auto mm
Width	Template:Auto mm
Height	Sedan and liftback: Template:Auto mm Station wagon: Template:Auto mm

The fourth generation Mondeo (codename: CD345) was officially unveiled in 5-door production form in late 2006. Based on the EUCD platform developed with Volvo, the platform is the same used in the new large MPVs Galaxy and S-MAX, but not the North American Ford Fusion or the Mazda 6 in Japan. It will also be used for several Volvos, for the new Land Rover Freelander, and even for the new Jaguar X-Type, though the latter may not be replaced.

The MK IV Ford Mondeo was released in May 2007 in the UK where it is currently available in 5 different models including Edge, Zetec, Ghia, Titanium and Titanium X.

Although the third production model, after the Mk II Galaxy and S-MAX, to adopt Ford's current 'kinetic' design language, the Mondeo's design theme was first seen on the Iosis concept shown at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show which gave an indication to the look of the Mk III Mondeo. The new car, in estate bodystyle, was pre-launched in 'concept' form at the Paris Motor Show on 30 September, 2006.

The new platform will allow for the use of Volvo’s five-cylinder petrol engine, already featured in the Focus ST and S-Max. The petrol engines will include a 1.6-litre, a new 1.8-litre SCi engine with direct petrol injection and 130 bhp, the 2.0-litre (145 bhp), 2.5-litre five cylinder turbo with 220 bhp. Performance orientated versions of the Mondeo ST, will come with engines supplied from Jaguar and Volvo - with a 2.3 litre 240 HP petrol and 2.2 litre 275 HP diesel units

The new Mondeo will use the new electro-hydraulic steering system, first used on the C-MAX, that sharpens the steering response and helps to save fuel

A product placement promotional initiative made the Mk IV Mondeo James Bond's car for one incidental scene in Casino Royale where it was jokingly named the "Bondeo", introducing the new model to global audiences in November 2006 on the launch day of the movie. Ford Group models have been prominent in the Bond franchise since 2002's Die Another Day, which featured an Aston Martin, a Jaguar convertible, and a Ford Thunderbird.

As with the previous model, it is expected that the Mk IV Mondeo will not be sold in the US or Canada because Ford currently sells the same-class Fusion which was only launched in 2005. The possible unavailability has caused much consternation amongst some of those residents who have seen the latest Mondeo, citing that the Ford car range outside the US and Canada is far superior in many respects and often better looking. The new 2007 Mondeo is already on sale. The 2007 Mondeo will also mark the Mondeo's return to the Australian market, due to a resurgence in popularity of medium-sized cars in the last few years. This is in no small part the result of high fuel prices making people reconsider purchasing large cars like the Ford Falcon. The all-new Mondeo went on sale recently and sold 8800 units in its month of launch. The fresh design, the good qualities and the excellent opinion of magazines about the new sedan have contributed to this number. However, it must be said that Ford seemed to be reluctant to allow magazines to Road Test smaller engined variants, which added to the feeling that they are almost certainly underpowered motors for what is a heavy vehicle.

Motorsport

The Mondeo competed in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) between 1993 and 2000. The cars, prepared by former series champion Andy Rouse, did not enter the 1993 season until the 8th round at Pembrey in Wales. Rouse and Paul Radisich were the drivers in the Mondeo's first season. Radisich went on to win the 1993 and 1994 World Touring Car Championships in the Mondeo.

Ford ran a factory-sponsored team, called Ford Team Mondeo, for eight seasons. In 2000, the team expanded from two cars to three when drivers Alain Menu and Anthony Reid were joined by 1998 series champion Rickard Rydell, recruited from the disbanded Volvo team. The team dominated the 2000 season, finishing 1-2-3 (Menu-Reid-Rydell) in the drivers' standings and winning the manufacturers' championship by a staggering 104 points.

A complete overhaul of the BTCC following the 2000 season saw the supertouring regulations scrapped as the series moved towards lighter and less expensive race cars based on compact car chassis and not midsize sedans. Ford withdrew from BTCC competition prior to 2001.

Media references

• The original Mk.1 car was allegedly nicknamed the "Mundaneo" by Ford engineers during the latter stages of its development, in recognition of its bland styling. This was built upon by the motoring press who dubbed it the "Mundane Mundano": The very first Grand Theft Auto game featured a drivable car very similar to the Mondeo named Mundano.
• As the Ford Mondeo became popular for family owners, the car has lent the term to Mondeo man, describing men in their early twenties who is on the verge of settling down with a partner, mortgage and a pet dog.
• A red first generation Mondeo was frequently crashed by the character of Jill in the first series of BBC comedy series Nighty Night.
• The 2007 model Ford Mondeo is featured minimally in the James Bond film Casino Royale.
• The Ford Mondeo was namechecked in When the Sun Goes Down by Arctic Monkeys.
• The Ford Mondeo is credited as one of Jeremy Clarkson's favourite cars. On one episode of Top Gear he used figures to show that the ST220 version was a more exclusive car than an Aston Martin DB9.
• The Ford Mondeo Titanium X is credited by Jeremy Clarkson as being more beautiful than BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class [2]
• In Certain Horrid Henry Episodes (Horrid Henry TV Series) Dad Drives A Crimson Mk2 Ford Mondeo

Model car releases

The MK 1 Mondeo has been produced by Majorette, Matchbox, Minichamps and Siku. The MK 2 and MK 3 have both been produced by Minichamps, in Saloon and Estate variants. These models appear frequently on Ebay.

Awards

• 1994 European Car of the Year
• 1997 Top 10 in the most reliable cars made in Britain.
• 1998 Best selling family car in the UK.
• 1999 Car of the Year for Reliability.
• 2001 Car Of The Year for performance and reliability.
• 2002 Ghia X and ST, awarded for best Prestige Family Cars In Europe.
• 2003 Best Family car- beating Rivals, such as Honda Accord and Toyota Avensis
• 2005 Award for 'excellent' by NCAP, crash test.
• 2006 What Car's Best Used Family Car
• 2007 AutoExpress Car of The Year (British magazine) said that all-new Mondeo is "Ford's finest ever car")

Mondeo in the UK

British sales of the Mondeo began in March 1993, just as the new car market was enjoying a recent rise in popularity following a disappointing 1992. The Vauxhall Cavalier had just completed three years of being Britain's most popular new large family car, though Ford still held top spot in the supermini sector with the Fiesta and in the small family sector with the Escort.

The Mondeo was something new for private buyers as well as the fleet market. It was one of the first cars in its sector to have a driver's airbag as standard, and other standard refinements included power steering, central locking and electric front windows (except basic "Aspen") on all models. Prices were competitive, the ride and handling were excellent, and the quality was at least a match for just about all of its competitors.

In its first year on sale, the Mondeo was Britain's fifth most popular new car, though it didn't quite arrive on time to finish above the Vauxhall Cavalier. In its second year, it was the second most popular new car in Britain with more than 120,000 sales. The 1996 facelift enhanced the Mondeo's popularity, and as the decade drew to a close it was still a hugely popular choice in its sector, though it was now bouncing to and from top spot in the large family car sector with the improved Vauxhall Vectra. Sales of the original Mondeo were still going strong towards the end of 2000 when its successor arrived.

The third generation Ford Mondeo went on sale before the end of 2000, and there was much excitement in anticipation of its launch. Ford had promised a class-leading large family car which set new sector benchmarks for driver appeal, comfort, specification, style and build quality. The new car was indeed a smooth riding, fun to drive, well built and well equipped car which had all the credentials of a class-leader. It was Britain's most popular large family car from its launch in late 2000 until its demise over the summer of 2007, although actual sales figures dipped slightly due to a rise in popularity of more practical Compact People Carriers and SUVs. Many would-be Mondeo buyers also downsized to the smaller Focus, which moved further upmarket on the launch of a second generation model at the end of 2004.

The fourth generation Mondeo was launched in May 2007, and is an even more upmarket effort than its predecessor, but most significantly it is even better value for money, with Ford being careful to ensure that each version of the new Mondeo is cheaper to buy than the equivalent version of the previous Mondeo.

TV and film appearances

Frank Butcher (played by Mike Reid) in EastEnders was driving a green R-registered Mondeo MK1 (facelifted version) when he ran over Tiffany Mitchell on 31 December 1998.

There are several MkIII Mondeos featured in The DaVinci Code - driven by the French police in the night chase through the forest and driven by Tom Hanks at the end of the movie.

The MkIV Mondeo was first seen in Casino Royale.

See also

• Ford Contour - The North American version of the Ford Mondeo

Owners clubs

• Mondeo Enthusiasts Group (MEG) - fordmondeo.org
• Ford Mondeo Owners Club (FMOC) - fordmondeoownersclub.co.uk
• Scottish Mondeo Forum (SMF) - http://www.scottishmondeoforum.com

Dedicated website

• Ford Mondeo UK - ford.co.uk/mondeo