Ford will finally launch the updated Mondeo in January 2005, in a fresh bid to get a slice of the D-segment market. The car will feature some cosmetic modifications, including a chrome surround to the trapezoidal grille, a revised front bumper with larger, angular fog lamps and classy-looking new alloys. Other new features will include auto-folding mirrors, which can be retracted at the touch of a button to make manoeuvring through traffic a lot easier, automatic wipers, which come on when they sense moisture on the windscreen and automatic headlamps, which self-illuminate when they sense low ambient light. Inside, we expect freshened-up trim as well as a high-end music system, and possibly the addition of goodies like cruise control. There will also be some important changes under the skin, primarily to improve safety and refinement.
The most important change will be the addition of an automatic transmission to the range, giving the Mondeo an option vastly preferred by customers at this price. European versions of the Mondeo also feature a six-speed manual transmission, although it is unlikely this will make it to India. The engines are unlikely to be changed or replaced, especially the 2.0-litre Duratec petrol, but Ford has the superb DCi common-rail diesel engine, which it may be tempted to bring in, to replace the existing Duratorq engine, which hasn't done well in any case. Ford's hand may also be forced in this matter if the Duratroq is unable to meet the Bharat Stage-III norms.
Importantly, Ford is looking at assembling the car in India rather than importing it in as a Completely Built-Up unit (CBU), which will make it more affordable. Should this succeed, Ford would be able to price the Mondeo at around Rs 16-17 lakh, or about Honda Accord levels, which would make it a steal. Throw in the new auto, the new price, and the Mondeo's acclaimed, driver-friendly dynamics, and it could well be a potent weapon in Ford's Indian armoury.
Vardhan Kondvikar