New Mondeo Diesel Delivers More Performance with Less Fuel and Lower CO2

[russellw]

Who's most likely to offer you a mid-size passenger car that can deliver better fuel economy than a Hybrid Camry?1

Ford of course.

Ford Australia today revealed an upgraded MB Mondeo range with a next generation diesel powertrain, which delivers substantially better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions, as well as stronger performance.

The new 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine uses up to 19 per cent less fuel than its predecessor, while producing an impressive 120kW of power and 340Nm of torque – increases of more than 16 per cent and six per cent respectively.

It will be matched to a state-of-the-art Ford PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch transmission system, which provides the efficient, optimised gear ratios and driving enjoyment of a manual gearbox with the smoothness and ease-of-use of a conventional automatic.

On the new Mondeo LX TDCi hatch the next generation diesel powertrain delivers outstanding combined cycle ADR 81/02 fuel consumption of just 5.9 L/100km2 and corresponding CO2 emissions of just 157 g/km.

"Ford Australia is set to introduce a variety of new models, technologies and innovations over the next 12-18 months, further strengthening our product portfolio and delivering affordable, state-of-the-art features focused on fuel economy, safety, driver comfort and convenience," said Ford Australia Vice President Marketing, Sales & Service, Beth Donovan.

"The 2010 Mondeo range leads the charge with its sleek European style and class-leading technology and safety features boosted by the comprehensive updates made to our TDCi diesel engine and the introduction of a PowerShift six-speed transmission.

"The new powertrain not only delivers significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to the prior generation engine, but at the same time generates more power and improved high-torque performance."

An expanded Mondeo line-up will mark the arrival of the new powertrain, with the introduction of four new diesel models – LX TDCi hatch, LX TDCi wagon, Zetec TDCi wagon and Titanium TDCi wagon.

Due to go on sale early in the third quarter, the new diesel engine will be available on all model series in the Mondeo line-up – LX, Zetec and Titanium – as well as on both hatch and wagon bodystyles, taking the total number of Mondeo diesel variants to six.

"There has been a growing acceptance of diesel technology within the Medium car segment over the past few years and Mondeo has played a key part in that evolution, with diesel-powered models now accounting for more than half of all Mondeos sold," Ms Donovan said.

Additional changes for the upgraded Mondeo range include the fitment of roof rails as standard equipment on all wagon variants. On LX wagon the roof rails will have a solid black finish, while Zetec and Titanium wagons will feature a stylish silver finish.

Rear passenger compartment air ducts, which are located on the B-pillar, will also be fitted to all Zetec variants on the new model – previously only Titanium variants were equipped with the additional air ducts.

2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi – Refined diesel power

The acclaimed Duratorq TDCi diesel engine has been completely updated for 2010 to deliver even higher efficiency, with improved performance, fuel economy and refinement.

The latest 2.0-litre TDCi diesel benefits from a comprehensive range of engineering changes including:

• Next-generation combustion system design with a lower compression ratio, increased combustion chamber diameter and reduced swirl
• New higher-pressure common-rail fuel injection systems with advanced multi-hole injectors
• Smaller, low-inertia variable-geometry turbochargers

The more efficient combustion system enables this engine to meet stringent Stage V emissions standards, while at the same time delivering reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The new solenoid fuel injectors, now with eight smaller holes, work with an injection pressure of 2,000-bar for improved fuel atomisation, compared with the former six-hole piezo injectors and lower 1,800-bar maximum pressure.

To align with this new pressure, the combustion-chamber bowl has also been redesigned and a new engine control module, with new calibration, has been fitted to give more flexibility on pilot injections.

All of these modifications not only result in lower emissions and CO2 output, but also deliver reduced injection noise and better overall combustion noise level, despite the higher injection pressure.

An improved turbocharger design with revised inlet duct for faster response, a high-efficiency Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler and a new coated Diesel Particulate Filter (cDPF), also contribute to meeting the next phase emission levels, as well as providing new power and torque levels.

In addition to greater power output, the engine also benefits from increased responsiveness and more pulling power at low engine speeds, evidenced by the 20 Nm increase in peak torque to 340 Nm at 2000 rpm.

This new Duratorq TDCi engine also delivers impressive fuel economy and CO2 performance on the rest of the Mondeo model range.

Combined cycle ADR 81/02 fuel consumption on LX wagon and all Zetec and Titanium TDCi variants is 6.2 L/100km2, which is an improvement of more than 15 per cent on the previous generation TDCi engine, while CO2 emissions are rated at 165 g/km.





Ford PowerShift – Advanced, high-efficiency and smooth

The latest high-efficiency TDCi diesel engine will be matched with an advanced PowerShift 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

This transmission is a state-of-the-art dual-clutch design that is significantly more efficient than traditional torque-converter automatics, resulting in fuel economy and CO2 emissions which are typically reduced by 8-10 per cent, and which are very close to those achieved with a manual gearbox.

The Ford PowerShift transmission was developed by Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH as a 50:50 Ford/GETRAG joint venture and essentially consists of two layshaft transmissions working in parallel, each with its own wet-clutch unit.

Thanks to the layout of the intermediate shafts – one carrying the 'uneven' gears 1, 3 and 5, and the other the 'even' gears 2, 4 and 6 – subsequent gear changes can be prepared by pre-selecting the next gear while in motion and at full power.

The change then takes place through the opposed activation of both clutches, this being co-ordinated to avoid torque interruption.

In contrast to conventional automatic transmissions, the basic technical configuration of the PowerShift transmission offers numerous advantages. It does not, for instance, require any complex sub-systems such as torque converters, planetary gear sets, multiple wet-clutches and multiple bands – all of which serve to significantly reduce gearbox efficiency through increased inertia and drag torque effects.

The result is impressive – Ford PowerShift provides the operational ease and convenience of a conventional automatic transmission, coupled with the performance of a manual, while also delivering fast, sporty and notably smooth shifts.

A further advantage is its high torque capacity and choice of ratios, which make the PowerShift transmission an ideal partner for modern, high performance diesel engines.

Hill Launch Assist

Mondeo variants fitted with the new TDCi diesel engine and PowerShift transmission will also be equipped with Hill Launch Assist (HLA) as part of an enhanced Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system.

Using the braking system, HLA is engaged when the car is stationary to prevent it from rolling. Effective on both uphill and downhill gradients, HLA provides a 2.5 second delay when the driver moves their foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal, as the system maintains pressure to the braking system.

The HLA feature avoids the need for the driver to go through an awkward sequence of events involving the handbrake to hold the car momentarily whilst on a hill. Once sufficient engine torque is reached the HLA feature automatically releases the brake system in a controlled manner.

HLA is normally activated automatically, but the driver can also select a manual activation mode in the Human Machine Interface (HMI) instrument cluster.

"The 2010 Mondeo range demonstrates that Ford's continued commitment to a more sustainable future is one that can be achieved without compromising performance, technology or comfort," Ms Donovan said.

"The new generation diesel powertrain is responsive and refined, and ideally suited to Mondeo's acclaimed driving dynamics, yet without sacrificing fuel economy or CO2 performance.

"It ensures Mondeo will retain its competitive edge in the Medium segment, while providing customers with greater choice by offering a mid-size vehicle line-up that meets their needs and budget."

1 Calculated using ADR 81/02 combined cycle fuel consumption figures of 5.9 L/100km (Ford Mondeo LX TDCi hatch) and 6.0 L/100km (Toyota Hybrid Camry).
2 Figures obtained from controlled tests using ADR 81/02

2010 MB Mondeo – Manufacturer's List Price*




Source: Ford Media

[glavas]

hill launch assist? hahaha the type of idiots who need this useless feature are almost as stupid as these crappy sluggish small ugly cars!!!

[brendan88]

When will the diesel Wagon go on sale??

[csv8]

No Titanium wagon ??? me want !!!

[fou_bleu]

Originally Posted by csv8

No Titanium wagon ??? me want !!!

Umm... there is - it's just missing from that pic - http://fordnewsblog.wordpress.com/20...for-australia/

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by glavas

hill launch assist? hahaha the type of idiots who need this useless feature are almost as stupid as these crappy sluggish small ugly cars!!!

Wow, such a thoughtful and well stated point you have.

Actually a very handy feature on a vehicle that has an automatic clutch that you have no control over, hard to modulate the clutch at friction point with no clutch pedal, just about all semi automatic gearboxes have this feature.

Not to mention that Mondeo actually has as much rear leg room as the BA/BF sedan, that must make falcon crappy small cars too.

[csv8]

Good news..due to change cars in October..will check it out. Thanks

[Mr Hardware]

wow, 5.9L/100klms is blindingly excellent. Isn't this the same as the automatic hyundai i30's? Which are a smaller class of car?
Well done Ford. Unfortunately they are creating more and more cases to remove the need for the Falcon!

[irish2]

Originally Posted by russellw

[size=3]

Hill Launch Assist

Mondeo variants fitted with the new TDCi diesel engine and PowerShift transmission will also be equipped with Hill Launch Assist (HLA) as part of an enhanced Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system.

Using the braking system, HLA is engaged when the car is stationary to prevent it from rolling. Effective on both uphill and downhill gradients, HLA provides a 2.5 second delay when the driver moves their foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal, as the system maintains pressure to the braking system.

The HLA feature avoids the need for the driver to go through an awkward sequence of events involving the handbrake to hold the car momentarily whilst on a hill. Once sufficient engine torque is reached the HLA feature automatically releases the brake system in a controlled manner.

HLA is normally activated automatically, but the driver can also select a manual activation mode in the Human Machine Interface (HMI) instrument cluster.

Cars are just getting too electronically complex and stop the driver from doing what they are supposed to do, DRIVING! What happens when HLA packs it in and won't let you take off at all?

[Brazen]

RRP 36 grand for a TDCI Mondeo wagon, that is incredibly good value. Gee I can see a few people picking the Mondeo over the Falcon.

should sell a few.

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by irish2

Cars are just getting too electronically complex and stop the driver from doing what they are supposed to do, DRIVING! What happens when HLA packs it in and won't let you take off at all?

I understand what your saying, but I think its a good feature in this case. I have driven a couple of DSG equipped cars and they have a unnatural tendency to roll back on slight inclines, it feels very weird for an auto.

[irish2]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

Wow, such a thoughtful and well stated point you have.

Actually a very handy feature on a vehicle that has an automatic clutch that you have no control over, hard to modulate the clutch at friction point with no clutch pedal, just about all semi automatic gearboxes have this feature.

Not to mention that Mondeo actually has as much rear leg room as the BA/BF sedan, that must make falcon crappy small cars too.

I retract my previous satement as I didn't read the article fully. I believed the gearbox had a manually operated clutch. I still believe there are too many things to go wrong electronically with cars these days.

[Franco Cozzo]

Thats odd, I thought autos didn't roll back on hills? whats wrong with just holding your foot on the brake or using the handbrake like all us manual drivers do? Is it really that hard?

[Falc'man]

Big Damo, read Gecko GT's post. At least you weren't as rude as glavas.

Originally Posted by Brazen

RRP 36 grand for a TDCI Mondeo wagon, that is incredibly good value. Gee I can see a few people picking the Mondeo over the Falcon.

should sell a few.

Would you buy a a Commodore sportswagon, with 290Nm @ 2900rpm, or this Mondeo wagon, which has 340Nm @ 2000rpm, a superior gearbox, and more space than the Holden wagon?

I'd be more worried about the Holden wagon's sales than Falcon's.

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by Falc'man

Big Damo, read Gecko GT's post. At least you weren't as rude as glavas.

Would you buy a a Commodore sportswagon, with 290Nm @ 2900rpm, or this Mondeo wagon, which has 340Nm @ 2000rpm, a superior gearbox, and more space than the Holden wagon?

I'd be more worried about the Holden wagon's sales than Falcon's.

I think this is a great package, and will be a very keen competitor to Commodore range, the diesel Mondeo is probably the pick in the entire segment. With the new gearbox and 6L/100km economy why would you even consider a petrol base model Commodore or Falcon especially when Commodores and Falcon now start at 40 grand excluding the special deals(unless you want RWD and Australian-made like I do, but many dont).

Bloody hell, reading the specs on the Titanium TDCI wagon - I think I have my new dream car. Whats the tow ratings with these new models?

The advantage the Commodore has is that it does not have the Mondeo sitting next to it in the showroom, whereas the Falcon does. But sometimes that can be a good thing, some buyers might come in to look at a Mondeo and leave with a Falcon.

[Falc'man]

Originally Posted by Brazen

The advantage the Commodore has is that it does not have the Mondeo sitting next to it in the showroom, whereas the Falcon does. But sometimes that can be a good thing, some buyers might come in to look at a Mondeo and leave with a Falcon.

That's one way of looking at it.

Another is when the customer only has a wagon on their mind, which means Falcon would have already been out of the picture. This is what I thought you meant since you mentioned the wagon, not the range.

[Brazen]

double-post

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by Falc'man

That's one way of looking at it.

Another is when the customer only has a wagon on their mind, which means Falcon would have already been out of the picture. This is what I thought you meant since you mentioned the wagon, not the range.

Yeah I think that the Mondeo wagon has now all of a sudden has become VERY relevant. Petrol, me no care. But with diesel 340nm of torque, DSG trans and 5.9L/100km I would think it would be very hard to pick a Sportwagon over the Mondeo.

Mark this in the record books, I for the first time would maybe pick an imported car over an Australian made competitor, sign of the apocalypse?

[Rapid_Attack]

Xenon's on Titanium and Zetec would be good.

I for one will be buying a Zetec Wagon, I test drove the Mazda 6 and thought it was a bit stale. The missus having a CX7 probably dosent help either, everything is the same across there range!

Good times.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Thats odd, I thought autos didn't roll back on hills? whats wrong with just holding your foot on the brake or using the handbrake like all us manual drivers do? Is it really that hard?

It is true that automatics do not roll back unless on a significant hill as when they are in gear they transmit a portion of torque through the torque converter but not enough to overcome the brake at idle revs. This transmission of torque is enough to resist gravity on moderate hills (they will roll back if the hill is steep enough).

The problem is these twin clutch semi automatics do not have a torque converter, they have a clutch that completely disengages drive at idle in gear when stopped. Many buyers of these cars do not realise this (not everyone is a car nut like us) and they get caught out when they take their right foot off the brake and onto the accelerator (this takes a couple of seconds to do) like they have on their previous automatics (with torque convertors). Therefore without that period of drive or brake, the vehicle rolls back and this caused some opposition to the early generation of semi automatic transmissions without hill start functions. Opposition because they do not behave completely like the drivers previous automatic transmission.

So, this is a feature that has evolved out the basic human desire to make life a bit easier. Just like synchromesh manuals made changing gear easier, auto climate control made finding a comfortable temp easier, cruise control makes constant speed easier etc. Yes we could have avoided these developments under the guise of "why have automatic functions when you can do it manually", but not everyone wants to do everything the hard way.

With this system, if you want to still use the handbrake or use your left foot on the brake as you always have on auto cars, you can, the system will not affect your habits. Many other people will appreciate this new feature though.

[dannyhilton]

Originally Posted by glavas

hill launch assist? hahaha the type of idiots who need this useless feature are almost as stupid as these crappy sluggish small ugly cars!!!

Thousands of years of evolution and we still have comments like this? On behalf of all the 'crappy sluggish small ugly car' owners, I'd like to personally thank you for your intuitive, refreshing and grammatically sound comments.

Features like this are quite handy, but should not replace the skills necessary to competently complete a hill start. Some will say this is another feature that removes another element of driving, but the amount of people who struggle at hill starts is shocking. Anything that will prevent them rolling back onto the front of my 'crappy sluggish small ugly car' is great in my eyes.

As for the TDCI Mondeo, bring it on! I'm hoping with a more powerful engine, seriously, they've finally given it some decent performance specs, and the availability of a diesel wagon, the Mondeo will finally begin to take strides. Although the medium size market hasn't really expanded in recent times, our Five Star ANCAP rated Mondeo might start to steal some sales from the Camry. And I very much like the sound of that.

[Nikked]

Ouch! Take that camry! Of course, the camry is local built, so that plays in its favor.

[Quicksand]

Originally Posted by glavas

hill launch assist? hahaha the type of idiots who need this useless feature are almost as stupid as these crappy sluggish small ugly cars!!!

Agree the feature is an interesting one to put in a car...ugly well eye of the beholder. But sluggish...? When was the last time you drove a diesel powered car, such as a Focus or Mondeo? I had a turbo diesel Focus as a loan car and i was hugely impressed with its pulling power.

120kw and 340NM...that is insane power for a medium sized vehicle, not to mention hybrid smashing economy.

I suggest you go and drive one before making uninformed comments like this.

[Bucknaked]

Hill assist has been around for a while. I think Subaru has it as well.

I don't think it's such a bad idea. If you have parked on a steep incline, rather than roll back and hit the car behind, it's good to have something that will help prevent this. Well, unless of course you parked in front of Glavas. In which case you would switch hill assist off.

[csv8]

Now FORD need to market it properly with good ads !!!

[smoo]

Originally Posted by Bucknaked

Hill assist has been around for a while. I think Subaru has it as well.

Isuzu has had it on their smaller trucks since the mid 1990s.
It isn't a bad idea, with a lack of torque converter, or an automoated clutch, a bit too much gas on the hill start will result in the clutch dropping quite quick, not the easiest on the mechanicals, especially if there is a decent load behind it.

This latest Mondeo is very impressive, but it just highlights how quickly Ford needs to get a diesel in the Falcon and Territory!

[dannyhilton]

Originally Posted by smoo

This latest Mondeo is very impressive, but it just highlights how quickly Ford needs to get a diesel in the Falcon and Territory!

In-fact the Mondeo is now too good, compared to the Falcon the Mondeo offers an array of modern, high tech features (call them useless if you must) that our Falcon doesn't even offer as an option! Compared to the G6E, the Titanium/XR5 Turbo Mondeo delivers:

- Driver's knee airbag
- Collision Mitigation
- Forward Collision Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Sunroof
- Dynamic Headlights
- Cornering Lamps
- Smart Key with 'Ford Power' starter button
- Park Assist (including front parking sensors)
- Rain sensing wipers
- Ford Easy Fuel® (capless refuelling with mis-fuel inhibitor)
- Optional Diesel engine
- Bi-Xenon headlights (XR5 Only)
- Voice Control
- USB music port

Seriously, some of these things may be gimmicks, but it does make the Falcon look like a povo pack! Thank christ we have the I6 Turbo, our saving grace.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by dannyhilton

In-fact the Mondeo is now too good, compared to the Falcon the Mondeo offers an array of modern, high tech features (call them useless if you must) that our Falcon doesn't even offer as an option! Compared to the G6E, the Titanium/XR5 Turbo Mondeo delivers:

- Driver's knee airbag
- Collision Mitigation
- Forward Collision Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Sunroof
- Dynamic Headlights
- Cornering Lamps
- Smart Key with 'Ford Power' starter button
- Park Assist (including front parking sensors)
- Rain sensing wipers
- Ford Easy Fuel® (capless refuelling with mis-fuel inhibitor)
- Optional Diesel engine
- Bi-Xenon headlights (XR5 Only)
- Voice Control
- USB music port

Seriously, some of these things may be gimmicks, but it does make the Falcon look like a povo pack! Thank christ we have the I6 Turbo, our saving grace.

Sad but true, falcon is falling behind on the tech list of features. Makes me wonder if FOA is relying too heavily on market loyalty, if so I think this is a mistake that may bite them.

[burnz]

when i first used this type of gearbox i found it quite un nerving.
the holdens have been useing twin clutch for a while now, howevere the car rolls back about 200mm before the gearbox halt's movement a when you place foot on brake it disengauges.
when i first used i kept on left foot brake so i wouldn't roll back, now i let it do it's own thing,,,trust is the answer.

allthou hill assist would be good.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by burnz

when i first used this type of gearbox i found it quite un nerving.
the holdens have been useing twin clutch for a while now, howevere the car rolls back about 200mm before the gearbox halt's movement a when you place foot on brake it disengauges.
when i first used i kept on left foot brake so i wouldn't roll back, now i let it do it's own thing,,,trust is the answer.

allthou hill assist would be good.

I can't think of a holden with a twin clutch semi auto, which one?