Ford Mondeo with lower price and CO2
* Two new trims added to Ford Mondeo range * Graphite trim starts at just 15,995 * Titanium X Business Edition aimed at fleet drivers...
The Ford Mondeo range is gaining two new models and a lower starting price.
The entry-point to the Mondeo range is now the Graphite trim, while a Titanium X Business Edition is intended to appeal to company car drivers.
Graphite is intended to appeal to retail buyers, and is priced accordingly, with a starting price of 15,995. This brings the Mondeo's starting price down from 18,100.
The 15,995 model has the 118bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine, while the 1.6-litre Ecoboost version is available for 16,995. The 113bhp 1.6-litre diesel and the 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel are both also available, both for 18,195. Graphite trim is offered in both hatchback and estate bodystyles, with the estate costing 1250 more.
Ford managing director Mark Ovenden confirmed that discounts should still be available on the new Graphite trim, saying: 'There is no reduction in 'dealer' margins, and we have not told our dealers where to price the car.'
Graphite trim comes with a decent amount of equipment, including, LED daylight running lights and taillights, Bluetooth, air-conditioning, four electric windows and 17-inch alloy wheels. You also get sports suspension on the diesel models.
The Titanium X Business Edition replaces the outgoing Titanium X trim, and prices start at 21,995. Interior equipment includes touch-screen satellite-navigation, a DAB digital radio, dual-zone air-conditioning, auto lights and wipers and leather detailing on the steering wheel and gearlever. Outside, it gets 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear LED lights and chrome detailing. The diesel models also get sports suspension.
Emissions have been reduced on the 138bhp and 161bhp diesel engines, dropping from 129g/km to 119g/km on both units. Fuel economy improves from 57.6mpg to 61.4mpg.
The additions to the Mondeo range are intended to keep the car fresh before the arrival of the replacement at the end of 2014. However, Ovenden said that the current car would not be getting any additional engines.
'The 1.0-litre Ecoboost will not go into this car, but it will go into the new Mondeo,' he said.
Despite Ford having problems with production at its plant in Genk in Belgium, Ovenden said that there should not be any delays for the new trims.
'We restarted production at Genk on April 8 and there are no problems expected with supply of the new models,' said Ovenden.
The Graphite and Titanium X Business Edition are available to order now and deliveries should start at the end of April.
