Ford Mondeo makes official Malaysia debut, sole variant priced at RM203k



We all know this one is coming, after the all-new Ford Mondeo was put on public display at Bangsar Shopping Centre. It’s now officially launched by importer and distributor, Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd, and carries a price tag of RM203,800, on-the-road with insurance and GST. It is built and fully imported from Ford’s new manufacturing plant in Valencia, Spain.

This rather imposing, handsome sedan is known in the North American market as the Ford Fusion. However, a couple of calendars later, it was introduced to the British market. The Fusion is better known around this region as the Mondeo. It was also briefly featured in the James Bond flick Casino Royale, and tied as BBC’s Top Gear’s Car Of The Year 2007 with the Subaru Legacy Outback.

Ford Mondeo 2.0L EcoBoost (14)

QUICK FACTS

Name 2015 Ford Mondeo 2.0L EcoBoost
Engine 1,999cc; turbocharged with Ti-VCT
Transmission 6-speed WITH SelectShift auto
Max Power 237 hp @ 5,300 rpm
Max Torque 345 Nm @ 2,300 – 4,900 rpm
Top Speed 240 km/h
Price (OTR with insurance and GST) RM 203,800 

EXTERIOR

It seems to be A trend amongst car makers to redesign its upcoming models with a much bolder look. In this case, the front fascia of the Mondeo looks like a cut price, no-frills poor-man’s Aston Martin Rapide. With slender new adaptive LED headlights with LED DRLs mounted on a redesigned bumper, complete with a pair of fog lamps nestled parallel to the lower extremities.

Ford Mondeo 2.0L EcoBoost (13)

Around the back however, the general styling cue remains largely similar to that of the previous generation with the difference being sleeker LED tail lamps, a revamped bumper with built-in rectangular chrome exhaust ports with reflector strips sitting right above it; finished off with a redesigned, more angular tail gate. Down the side, the D-Segment sedan has a better line that streams the length of the vehicle, giving it a more masculine fit and figure.

Ford Mondeo 2.0L EcoBoost (20)

Sitting on 235/50 profiled 17-inch alloy wheels that fit proportionately to the car’s design and style, whilst not seeming lost under the arches. Other features include auto folding side mirrors with puddle lamps, front and rear parking sensors and a boot mounted reverse camera. There’s also automatic windscreen wipers.

INTERIOR

The one-trim-only Mondeo comes with supple leather upholstery for the seats and various other trim pieces including the gear knob and the multi-function steering wheel. Infotainment is courtesy of an eight-inch LCD display with acoustic help from Sony with a 9-speaker stereo system which is MP3, Bluetooth, USB and AUX compliant.

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Dual-zone EATC ( Electronic Automatic Temperature Controlclimate control helps in keeping the occupants cool and comfy. Other key features include 10-way electric adjustable seats and keyless entry with Push/Start button.Ford Mondeo 2.0L EcoBoost (30)

PERFORMANCE

Under the hood, therein lies the secret to the Mondeo’s ability to gird its loins. Powered by an EcoBoost – four cylinder 2.0-litre GTDi powerplant that produces 237 hp at 5,300 rpm and 345 Nm from 2,300 to 4,900 rpm. This is thanks to the turbocharged direct-injection with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) with smart regenerative charging. Power is then transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed torque converter transmission (no DSG here folks) with SelectShift manual mode that can be operated via the paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.

All that performance equates to a fuel consumption rate of 8.0 litres per 100km. The handling on the other hand is dealt with by a McPherson strut setup at the front and a multi-link suspension arm structure at the back.

SAFETY

The Mondeo comes jam-packed with a bucket load of safety acronyms such as ESC (Electronic Stability Control), BA (Brake Assist), HLA (Hill Launch Assist) and TCS ( Traction Control System); just to name a few. Isofix childseat mounts, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Alert, seat belt pretensioners and seven all-round SRS airbags are some of the reasons this handsome piece of kit got awarded a five-star NCAP safety rating.

WHAT ELSE?

The Mondeo is available in all authorised Ford dealerships and comes in four varying colours, namely Frozen White, Tectonic Silver, Panther Black and Ruby Red. It comes with a three-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) warranty package deal.


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