Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

New Mondeo

  • 07-05-2007 10:45am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,834 ✭✭✭


    I know car is due for launch later this month, but are there any dealers anywhere in Dublin ahead of launch offering test drives?


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    I doubt if Fords PR machine would allow that.

    It is damn good value though, with a list price starting at €25k.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,526 ✭✭✭vengeance52


    been around a few dealers and none had any.


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 21,254 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dub13


    I believe its been launched in Athens the day before the Champions League final,I hear a load of ford dealers are going over on a big junket.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 791 ✭✭✭fightin irish


    Dub13 wrote:
    I hear a load of ford dealers are going over on a big junket.

    Yes we are and looking forward to it :D


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 21,254 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dub13


    Yes we are and looking forward to it :D


    Cnut...LOL,I mite see you there.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 416 ✭✭tvr


    Didn't take long for the novelty value to wear off did it?

    There already knocking off nearly 5000 euro off and the car already, so if your buying one haggle hard theres bargains to be had especially in uk.


    £3,500 Discount on new Mondeos

    www.uk-car-discount.co.uk is offering discounts on the 1st Allocation of new model Ford Mondeo. The cars are in stock for a quick 7 day delivery. Prices quoted include Metallic Paint, 12
    months Road Tax, 1st Registration Fee and FREE Delivery to your home or place of work. Vehicles un registered at the dealer awaiting good home. Various Colours available, some with options as well.

    Mondeo Titanium X 5 door 2.0 TDCi 140 PS 6 speed £18117 Saving £3878

    Mondeo Ghia 5 door 2.0 TDCi 140 PS 6 speed £16517 Saving £3478

    Mondeo Zetec 1.8 TDCi 125 PS 6 speed £15197 Saving £3148

    Orders Now Being Taken For The New Model See Website For Models
    Available, Prices etc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,942 ✭✭✭wingnut


    Over here (UK) cruise control is going to be standard across the range. Does anyone know if this is the case in Ireland? I'm moving back soon so will be buying at home.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    wingnut wrote:
    Over here (UK) cruise control is going to be standard across the range. Does anyone know if this is the case in Ireland? I'm moving back soon so will be buying at home.

    There is no news on Irish specifications from Ford yet afaik. It is supposed to be kicking off at around €25/26k. Generally Irish spec cars are usually lower than UK spec ones due to VRT.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    Well considering that Uncle Henry has decided that the Irish don't want the 1.6 with 123 bhp(the Irish one gets 108 bhp) which I simply cant understand, as it has the power output close ernough to a 1.8 petrol(and the same as the old Mondeo petrol Zetec), without the tax penalty, I don't think that they are going to offer us a Mondeo with Cruise Control either. That said ESP will be standard on all models, even for we Irish, so theres hope all the same.


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,856 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    E92 wrote:
    Well considering that Uncle Henry has decided that the Irish don't want the 1.6 with 123 bhp(the Irish one gets 108 bhp) which I simply cant understand, as it has the power output close ernough to a 1.8 petrol(and the same as the old Mondeo petrol Zetec), without the tax penalty

    I agree. An unwise move of their part if true. The 125bhp 1.6 would have been ideal for Irish conditions, and the size of the car.

    The lower powered 1.6 will not even be available in the UK.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭RedorDead


    bazz26 wrote:
    There is no news on Irish specifications from Ford yet afaik. It is supposed to be kicking off at around €25/26k. Generally Irish spec cars are usually lower than UK spec ones due to VRT.

    Released last month:

    Ford announces specifications for the new Mondeo range

    Released and effective April 23, 2007, Ford has announced specification details for the new Mondeo range.

    Details as follows:

    Specifications for LX trim include:
    - front and side airbags for driver and passenger
    - side curtain airbags
    - driver's knee airbag
    - ABS with electronic brake distribution and brake assist
    - ESP with traction control
    - power heated and body-colored door mirrors
    - body-colored bumpers
    - front power windows
    - remote power door locks
    - air-conditioning
    - multi-function steering wheel
    - electrically heated windscreen
    - height- and lumbar-adjustable driver's seat
    - alarm
    - radio/CD with MP3 connection socket
    - Ford EasyFuel system with comfort fuel lock and wrong-fuel protection
    - 16" steel wheels

    Zetec trim adds to LX:
    - cruise control
    - rear power windows with global closing
    - power height-adjustable driver's seat
    - dual-zone climate control
    - leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob
    - front foglights
    - body-colored door handles
    - 16" alloy wheels

    Ghia trim adds to Zetec:
    - door entry lights in door mirrors
    - front and rear mats
    - height-adjustable passenger's seat
    - rear view mirror with automatic operation
    - light and rain sensors
    - Sony stereo with in-dash six-disc CD autochanger
    - 17" alloy wheels

    Titanium X trim adds to Ghia:
    - Alcantara/leather seat upholstery
    - adaptive headlights
    - heated sports front seats
    - power folding mirrors
    - front and rear parking sensors
    - blue tinted glass



    MONDEO - 1.6I 110PS LX - 4sedan 24,995
    MONDEO - 1.6I 110PS LX - 5wagon 25,595
    MONDEO - 1.6I 110PS LX - 5hatchback 26,645
    MONDEO - 1.6I 110PS ZETEC - 4sedan 27,245
    MONDEO - 1.6I 110PS ZETEC - 5wagon 28,895
    MONDEO - 1.6I 110PS ZETEC - 5hatchback 27,845
    MONDEO - 1.8TDCI 100PS LX - 4sedan 27,995
    MONDEO - 1.8TDCI 100PS LX - 5hatchback 28,595
    MONDEO - 1.8TDCI 110PS LX - 5wagon 29,645
    MONDEO - 1.8TDCI 125PS ZETEC - 4sedan 31,745
    MONDEO - 1.8TDCI 125PS ZETEC - 5wagon 33,395
    MONDEO - 1.8TDCI 125PS ZETEC - 5hatchback 32,345
    MONDEO - 2.0 ZETEC - 5wagon 32,565
    MONDEO - 2.0I 145PS GHIA - 4sedan 33,515
    MONDEO - 2.0I 145PS GHIA - 5hatchback 34,115
    MONDEO - 2.0I 145PS TITANIUM X - 4sedan 36,115
    MONDEO - 2.0I 145PS TITANIUM X - 5hatchback 36,715
    MONDEO - 2.0I 145PS ZETEC - 4sedan 30,915
    MONDEO - 2.0I 145PS ZETEC - 5hatchback 31,515
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 130PS GHIA AUTO - 4sedan 37,045
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 130PS GHIA AUTO - 5hatchback 37,645
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 130PS LX AUTO - 4sedan 32,195
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 130PS LX AUTO - 5wagon 33,845
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 130PS LX AUTO - 5hatchback 32,795
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 130PS TITANIUM X AUTO - 4sedan 39,645
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 130PS TITANIUM X AUTO - 5hatchback 40,245
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 130PS ZETEC AUTO - 4sedan 34,445
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 130PS ZETEC AUTO - 5wagon 36,095
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 130PS ZETEC AUTO - 5hatchback 35,045
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 140PS GHIA - 4sedan 36,795
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 140PS GHIA - 5hatchback 37,395
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 140PS TITANIUM X - 4sedan 39,395
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 140PS TITANIUM X - 5hatchback 39,995
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 140PS ZETEC - 4sedan 34,195
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 140PS ZETEC - 5wagon 35,845
    MONDEO - 2.0TDCI 140PS ZETEC - 5hatchback 34,795
    MONDEO - 2.5I 220PS GHIA - 4sedan 39,745
    MONDEO - 2.5I 220PS GHIA - 5hatchback 40,345
    MONDEO - 2.5I 220PS TITANIUM X - 4sedan 42,345
    MONDEO - 2.5I 220PS TITANIUM X - 5hatchback 42,945


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 569 ✭✭✭Ice_Box


    MONDEO - 1.8TDCI 125PS ZETEC - 5hatchback 32,345

    0 - 60 in 10.2 seconds and 48mpg combined according to honest john.
    Best value family car? This seems a bargain to me. Might add rear parking sensors and rain and light sensors. Maybe active or xenon lights for safty.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,484 ✭✭✭✭Stephen


    Can anyone think of any reason why they're giving us the crappier version of the 1.6 engine? Bizarre.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,423 ✭✭✭fletch


    Stephen wrote:
    Can anyone think of any reason why they're giving us the crappier version of the 1.6 engine? Bizarre.
    And the LX is getting steel wheels! :eek: :eek: :eek:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,787 ✭✭✭prospect


    Ice_Box wrote:
    Best value family car?

    Skoda Superb - 1.9DI Exclusive - €29500.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,942 ✭✭✭wingnut


    This situation is insane. If the mondeo had been out 6 months ago I'd be bringing it home without VRT.

    Irish Mondeo 1.6 = 15BHP less, no cruise control and and €6,000 more expensive!!! I know theres VRT but that really is sickening.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,484 ✭✭✭✭Stephen


    fletch wrote:
    And the LX is getting steel wheels! :eek: :eek: :eek:

    Perfect for its future squad car duties! ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    prospect wrote:
    Skoda Superb - 1.9DI Exclusive - €29500.

    I'd say the mondeo is well worth the few extra bob. You can of course get the LX for €28k if you have the Skoda mentality! :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    Well the British were supposed to be getting both versions of the 1.6 Mondeo. That makes it even worse. I simply cant understand why surley the most suitable engine for the Irish market, the 123 bhp 1.6 is left out. Even Volkswagen left out the lower powered version of their 1.6 with the Passat. The current Passat is still available in the continent with the ancient 8 valve, old fashioned indirect injection 1.6 thats been around since the time the Polo was first sold as 5 door car,if not even longer, which develops 102 bhp. But VW at least had the decency to send us the much more modern FSI unit. Although they never gave us another engine which would have been ideal, the 1.4 FSi in the Golf, but thats another day's business.
    Without a doubt, Ford seemed to be of the opinion that in order to move the new Mondeo more upmarket, that you have to do what the Germans were great for doing once upon a time: sell you the car, but in order to get a good one, you have to spend half as much again. I'd say that a diesel Zetec will be the model to have, the Volvo sourced 2.5T is probably the best engine by a mile, but you'd want to be mad to own such a car in this country with all the taxes etc and likely disastorous depreciation that comes as standard with large engined models in this country,indeed across the pond they think that just 2% of customers will choose this option.

    Does anybody think that asking a car thats longer than the E39 5 series, weighs almost 1.5 tonnes(1435 kg to be exact, 30 kilos short of an E39 520i AFAIR, and I remeber people saying that the 520i had a beautiful engine, but it was just too slow and it had 150 bhp and 2 litres(at the start)) to make do with a 110 bhp Petrol engine is a bit too much? Especially if I told you that it takes 12.7 seconds to hit 3 figure speeds(all the people thinking I meant 100 mph are going to be very disappointed:D ) cause I meant 100 km/h, and it takes almost 15 seconds(14.7 to be precise) to go from 50 - 100 km/h in 4th gear.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    The new Mondeo has the biggest dimensions of any car in this class, with only 110bhp the car is really going to struggle. Even the slightly lighter Passat with 115bhp and the Avensis with 110bhp are both underpowered in 1.6 litre form. Ultimately though in Ireland these versions are in high demand both new and used.

    If I had to choose a new Mondeo it would probably be either a 1.8 TDCi or 2.0 TDCi Zetec. Going on depreciation patterns of previous Mondeo models though I would probably wait and buy a 12 month old one for a fraction of the new price.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    bazz26 wrote:
    If I had to choose a new Mondeo it would probably be either a 1.8 TDCi or 2.0 TDCi Zetec. Going on depreciation patterns of previous Mondeo models though I would probably wait and buy a 12 month old one for a fraction of the new price.

    The 2.0 is hardly worth the jump in the tax band I would think. The 2.2 HDI will be a lovely unit when it comes out though. I'm surprised the Volvo D5 isn't seeing the light of day in the mondeo.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    maidhc wrote:
    The 2.0 is hardly worth the jump in the tax band I would think. The 2.2 HDI will be a lovely unit when it comes out though. I'm surprised the Volvo D5 isn't seeing the light of day in the mondeo.

    Indeed. I am also amazed that they didn't put the 1.6 110bhp TDCi engine into it instead of the older 1.8 litre 100bhp unit they are offering in the LX.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Why are they still offering the 1.8 engine? Isn't it this case in the Focus as well, the HDI seems obviously superior


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,856 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    colm_mcm wrote:
    Why are they still offering the 1.8 engine? Isn't it this case in the Focus as well, the HDI seems obviously superior

    1.8 petrol engine is dropped. 1.8 TDCI is available.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,352 ✭✭✭alias no.9


    colm_mcm wrote:
    Why are they still offering the 1.8 engine? Isn't it this case in the Focus as well, the HDI seems obviously superior

    Money, money, money...

    The 1.8 is based on an ancient block, most of the manufacturing equipment is probably equally ancient and fully depreciated so with very little payback required for capital costs, with the exception of the cylinder heads which will have been reworked for direct injection (TDDi) and more recently common rail (TDCi), churning them out is cheap as you like. The HDI is bought in from peugeot, so it is always going to be more expensive.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,470 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    lads whats the tax diff between a 1.6 and a 2litre, hardly a deal breaker if you are prepared to waste, sorry spend, nearly 30k on a car that will be worth half that in 3 years


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,856 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    Cyrus wrote:
    lads whats the tax diff between a 1.6 and a 2litre, hardly a deal breaker if you are prepared to waste, sorry spend, nearly 30k on a car that will be worth half that in 3 years

    About €200 a year. You are dead right btw.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,470 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    irish people seem to have a complete aversion to road tax, i can understand it if someone is on a tight budget buying second hand.

    But buying a new car (at retail price anyway) is such a poor financial (and i stress financial i know there are other factors) decision, that a couple of hundred quid in tax is neither here nor there


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    The thing is that depreciation to most people is an invisible entity that they only need to think about when buying/selling a car. Alot of people see depreciation as a natural factor of life for which they accept as part of owning a car.

    On the other hand things like increased motor tax, insurance and fuel bills are a constant reminder every week, every month or every year. For alot of people these type of expenses are far more tangable than depreciation.

    Human nature I suppose.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,470 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    i agree but it still doesnt make sense, if people actually sit done and work out the financial implications of buying a new car then depreciation is the single biggest factor.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Cyrus wrote:
    i agree but it still doesnt make sense, if people actually sit done and work out the financial implications of buying a new car then depreciation is the single biggest factor.

    Totally agree with you but if we all thought this way then there would be no used bargins out there anymore. Funny old world.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,470 ✭✭✭JoeA3


    Cyrus wrote:
    irish people seem to have a complete aversion to road tax, i can understand it if someone is on a tight budget buying second hand.

    But buying a new car (at retail price anyway) is such a poor financial (and i stress financial i know there are other factors) decision, that a couple of hundred quid in tax is neither here nor there

    Couldn't agree more. Hence 99% of Focus', Golfs, Astras sold here are wheezy 1.4's.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,942 ✭✭✭wingnut


    I think I'm more annoyed about the loss of the cruise control


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,680 ✭✭✭Skyuser


    Sky News were outside the olympic stadium in Athens and Ford had some sponsership thing happening with loads of cars. The new Mondeo was there but it was the hatchback model. Why do they keep using the hatchback model when displaying the new mondeo, the saloon is way nicer.

    getImage.asp?imageName=SPG_3_28_0_31527.jpg&filename=bod-pop-1.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    bazz26 wrote:
    Indeed. I am also amazed that they didn't put the 1.6 110bhp TDCi engine into it instead of the older 1.8 litre 100bhp unit they are offering in the LX.

    The 1.8 TDCis saving grace is that it is
    a) Efficient
    b) Cheap to build
    c) Very easy to get to comply with Euro IV
    d) Well proven

    The 100 bhp version is pretty pointless, but I think the 125bhp version makes a decent case for itself.


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,253 ✭✭✭Sandwich


    bazz26 wrote:
    The new Mondeo has the biggest dimensions of any car in this class, with only 110bhp the car is really going to struggle. Even the slightly lighter Passat with 115bhp and the Avensis with 110bhp are both underpowered in 1.6 litre form. Ultimately though in Ireland these versions are in high demand both new and used.

    These versions are in high demand both new and used because your statement is incorrect - they are not 'underpowered'. They can accelerate and cruise at a rate that is more than enough for most poeple - and so being cheaper and more economical to run than more powerful engines they are chosen by many.

    Of course if you want 0-100km/h in 8s then they do not have the power, but then you are want 'fun' driving. Most people just want comfortable and cheap A to B driving.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    Sandwich wrote:
    Of course if you want 0-100km/h in 8s then they do not have the power, but then you are want 'fun' driving. Most people just want comfortable and cheap A to B driving.

    Exactly. I had this argument with a friend who drives a 1.4 Golf. I told her it didn't have the power to overtake trucks and the like. She said "I don't want to overtake trucks!"


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    A 1.4 Golf will be enough for a lot of people. e.g. If you live in Kildare and work in Dublin, it's dual carraigeways all the way, and they're plenty powerful enough for traffic jams.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,322 ✭✭✭bennyx_o


    Theres a good few of these sitting in the car compound at work ATM. They look better in person than they do in the pics for some reason.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    Sandwich wrote:
    These versions are in high demand both new and used because your statement is incorrect - they are not 'underpowered'. They can accelerate and cruise at a rate that is more than enough for most poeple - and so being cheaper and more economical to run than more powerful engines they are chosen by many.

    Of course if you want 0-100km/h in 8s then they do not have the power, but then you are want 'fun' driving. Most people just want comfortable and cheap A to B driving.

    Thats fine but if an engine is not going to be capable of providing adequate performance then the engine will end up being worked very hard and will impact very negatively on fuel consumption. People have the misconception that bigger engine= more fuel consumption. That is simply too much of a generalisation. The Mondeo with the 2 litre petrol engine may actually end up being more economical in the real world(than the 1.6), because there will be 35 bhp more available and therefore it will not need to be worked anything like as hard as the 1.6. Thats why diesels are a much better choice, because they have all that torque, and dont need to be worked very hard at all since they are best at 2000-3000 rpm, whereas a petrol engine is only getting into its stride at 3,000 rpm, petrols do their best work at around 4,000-5,500 rpm, a diesel has nothing to offer after 3,500 rpm or on a good one 4,000 rpm. As they give their best at low revs they don't need to be worked hard and therefore are very economical.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    this is true, but in this segment, given the choice, most people will spend extra money on gadgets or nicer wheels rather than a bigger engine. I've never sold an Avensis with a 2.0 or 2.4 petrol engine


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,856 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    colm_mcm wrote:
    this is true, but in this segment, given the choice, most people will spend extra money on gadgets or nicer wheels rather than a bigger engine. I've never sold an Avensis with a 2.0 or 2.4 petrol engine

    Foreshame.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Sandwich wrote:
    These versions are in high demand both new and used because your statement is incorrect - they are not 'underpowered'. They can accelerate and cruise at a rate that is more than enough for most poeple - and so being cheaper and more economical to run than more powerful engines they are chosen by many.

    Of course if you want 0-100km/h in 8s then they do not have the power, but then you are want 'fun' driving. Most people just want comfortable and cheap A to B driving.

    I'm not a speed freak nor am I one of those "bigger is better" type drivers as I drive a 1.8 Avensis but have you driven any of the above mentioned varients? I have driven both the Avensis and Passat in 1.6 form and they struggle. Yes they will happily cruise at motor way speed but when it comes to safe, quick overtaking in these cars you need to plan your maneuver well in advance. I'm not talking about reckless thoughtless overtaking either but rather the need for enough power to complete the maneuver as quickly and as safely as possible. It all boils down to the power to weight ratio of the car, as cars are jammed packed with more safety gadgets these days they are getting bigger and heavier these engines struggle to pull the body, this also has a knock on effect on fuel economy as the engine has to work harder. For example, my father in law has a 1.6 Avensis and is getting roughly similar mpg to my 1.8 version. Only real difference is that I pay €80 or so more road tax a year than him.

    The reason these cars are available here is because they are what sell here which is understandable, demand dictates supply. Most are not available in other countries however as these countries do not punish motorists as much for driving larger engines. BTW my father in law has a 1.6 Avensis and is getting roughly similar mpg to my 1.8 version.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,253 ✭✭✭Sandwich


    bazz26 wrote:
    I'm not a speed freak nor am I one of those "bigger is better" type drivers as I drive a 1.8 Avensis but have you driven any of the above mentioned varients?

    Yes, had the last model Passat 1.6 for 3 years. Of course, not as quick as the 1.8 Alfa 156 I had after it, and 'sluggish' is hard to define, but to say the car was underpower suggets in some way that it is not fit for purpose - and I would sstrongly dispute that. Now have the newer Passat TDI 105, slower than the Alfa also, but much the same as the 1.6Passat that I can remember. 105bhp still plenty for most drivers in what is a relatively big car. Passat/Mondeo/Avensis type cars with anything above 100bhp are fine for most drivers.

    I have nothing against those who buy more powerful cars either - I very much enjoyed the Alfa responsiveness. But I think 'drivers' who are into cars as an active interest are far fewer than the mass market that just want a car as a mode of transport. And as another poster said, most with a few extra 1000 to put into their car prefer a more comfortable/accessorised cabin to and extra 30bhp under the bonnet.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    And when you consider that the Avensis 1.6 is asking 110 bhp to pull 1245 kg, and the Mondeo is asking 108 bhp to pull 1435 kg or 190 kg more which is the equivalant of putting 2 average weight men into the Avensis. Its little wonder that the Avensis 1.6 goes from 0 - 100 km/h in 12 seconds and the Mondeo takes 12.7 to do the same sprint. In fact the 1.6 Avensis is faster than 123 bhp Mondeo 1.6 (123 bhp does the 0 -100 dash in 12.3 s), so that clearly demonstrates the trouble the 1.6 Mondeo is in. Even the 99 bhp 1.8 paraffin stove will be a much better choice(than the more powerful 1.6 too), and the 123 bhp 1.8 TDCi would be a far superior option altogether. Thats the model to buy here. its one of the few diesel cars of this size that avoids the 30% VRT rating. Ford have brought back the Lynx diesel or the Endura TDdi (the 1.8 1753 cc unit) in the Focus and C-Max too.
    @Skyuser they use the hatchback because the Brits hate saloons and because we are the only country that likes saloon cars in Europe.(though I believe that the Spanish and Portugese like them too,and I know that the Germans like saloons as well). I actually think it is odd that Ford decided to sell the hatchback model, since they are moving the Mondeo upmarket, and upmarket family cars are always saloons.

    I think that one of the greatest tragedies of VRT is that people have to drive the smallest possible engined version of a car, even though the smallest engine is often put in specially to save us Irish a few bob, and not capable of moving the car's weight around adequately. Another tradgedy is that we get left out on things like ESP, more advanced engines (like the VW Jetta, where the cheapest engine doesnt have the FSi technology here or the 1 series, where the 118i is 12 mpg more economical than the 116i or the Golf where they give us the old fashioned 1.6 to start off with, or the 3 series saloon where the 1.6 316i was brought in specially for the Irish market). Although I have noticed that with premium badged cars in particular, people are not content with buying bottom of the range cars as much as they used to be, with feck all as standard, which has to be welcomed.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    E92 wrote:
    Thats the model to buy here. its one of the few diesel cars of this size that avoids the 30% VRT rating. Ford have brought back the Lynx diesel or the Endura TDdi (the 1.8 1753 cc unit) in the Focus and C-Max too.

    Its a Duratorq. The Endura TDDi died out with the previous generation Focus. Both are 1753cc 8 valvers, as is the original Mondeo Turbo diesel. You wouldn't guess the engines have anything in common if you are to drive them though.

    re the 1.6 mondeo:
    If people are happy with taking a hit in performance, they are getting a serious amount of car for €25k. They don't have to buy it. Pity it doesn't have the Ti-VCT though, or even the option of it.


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,856 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    E92 wrote:
    ...Ford have brought back the Lynx diesel or the Endura TDdi (the 1.8 1753 cc unit) in the Focus and C-Max too....

    That base unit was never pulled from the market. In TDCI form it's a good power unit.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66,122 ✭✭✭✭unkel
    Chauffe, Marcel, chauffe!


    colm_mcm wrote:
    I've never sold an Avensis with a 2.0 or 2.4 petrol engine

    That's shocking. 2.0 petrols seemed common enough here in the D-segment until recently. Say roughly 5-10% in a car that typically came with 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 petrols and a 2.0 diesel
    E92 wrote:
    190 kg more which is the equivalant of putting 2 average weight men

    I'm getting there myself but I don't think the average man weighs 95KG, even in the fat USofA ;)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    Sorry Maidhc,I was just testing to see if anyone would notice in my earlier post:D . My apologies but seriously, I did make a couple of typo errors re the Endura engine, which is as you say completely untrue, however the 1.8 TDCi is also known as the Lynx engine(more commonly known as you said as the Duratorq TDCi), just like the Zetec SE(now Duratec<1.7 litres, Zetec E refers to >1.7 l) petrols are sometimes refered to as the Sigma engine(actually Sigma is the proper name for it, as Mazda sold it as the MZI engine and Ford as the Zetec SE, and later Duratec).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,683 ✭✭✭✭Owen


    There's about 300 in a compound where we keep our cars, and they're the ugliest, fuglist things I've ever seen. I used to be a big Mondeo fan, and now I'm not sure. Various specs, basic, Zetec, and I think I saw one or two Ghias. It's like an oversized Punto now.


  • Advertisement
Advertisement