Not many Mondeos

On my daily commute to work, I travel by train across the harbour bridge.

Staring out the window lets me see what kind of cars people are driving. It also lets me see that about 90% of the vehicles are driver only. On a typical day, there are many different models of car, representing many different manufacturers.

One thing that astounds me is that I hardly ever see any Ford Mondeos. In fact, I am reasonably sure that I have seen more Subaru Tribeca's driving across the bridge. The Subaru Tribeca is an easy vehicle to spot, not only because it is a larger 4wd style vehicle, but (IMHO) it is truly one of the ugliest cars I have ever had the privilege to look at. I am gobsmacked that Subaru could even produce this sort of thing after the bug-eyed 'Rex controversy in the past.

Anyway, the thing is from my observations, is that I can only deduce that Ford aren't selling many Mondeos in the Sydney area. I went to my local dealership 4 months after I bought my car, and they still appear to have the same Mondeos on display. I thought perhaps that the other people in my area just wanted to order them off the boat, but noooooo. I don't see many on the roads around here. I think they just aren't buying them!!!

What does that say? They prefer (ugly) Tribeca to the (beautiful) Mondeo? Perhaps the people in my neighbourhood have no taste :-)

I am sad

Well, it happened a little while ago. She told me after dinner, and she was quite worried, and almost crying. I said, don't worry about it, as long as you are okay, then its only cosmetic.

Anyway, she was talking about the scratch (the second scratch she has admitted to). So, I just happened to be on the passenger side of the car, to get my little boy out. And what did I see? It was horrible - I really don't know what she did, but she managed to GOUGE her way around nearly the whole rim ! AAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH !!

At least she is the one driving it, so let her deal with it I guess. She has to look at it and she knows who put that on the rims. Its the same thing everytime - why do wives go damaging the cars - is it because they simply don't care enough to pay attention when they're driving?

nb. I have not put a scratch on the car.

Webwombat review

Webwombat review

There is a minor mistake with the equipment comment, but I guess Ford could've changed their mind. "The voice activation system is standard on the Mondeo XR5 Turbo too, though it is a relatively inexpensive $450 option on Zetec and TDCi models, and well worth checking out."

I know for a fact that I had to pay extra $$$ for the Voice activation and bluetooth.

The voice activation is a bit gimmicky, but its something that no other ~$40k car has :-)

Curved Exhaust

Apparently the new cars coming off the production line have straight-through, pointy exhausts. Whereas mine has the old-style curved to point down at the ground exhaust.

Still haven't managed to wash my car yet.

Ford Mondeo XR5

So what is it, and why do I have one?

Let start with the basics - In the Australian market, Ford import the Mondeo in 2 body shapes, and 3 specification levels with 3 engine choices.

You can choose from a sedan or hatch.

You can choose LX trim, Zetec trim, or XR5 specification.

There are 3 engine choices - 2 Petrol and 1 Diesel.

Petrol comes in either

1. 2.0L Naturally aspirated 4 Cylinder (118kW, 208Nm)
   
2. 2.5L Turbocharged 5 Cylinder (162kW, 320Nm)

Diesel engine is 2.0L Turbocharged (96kW, 320Nm)

The LX is only available as a sedan, with the 4cylinder petrol engine.

The Zetec specification gives you the choice of sedan or hatch, and 4cylinder petrol or diesel.

The XR5 is only available in hatch, with the 5cylinder Turbo engine.

No points for guessing which one I bought :)

This is what they look like...