Now that we’re free, free, FREE from the shackles of engine-displacement-based taxation, a whole wonderful world of sporty cars has opened up to Irish buyers. It’s bad news for the likes of the Mitsubishi Evolution, perhaps, but it’s never been a better time to indulge your diesel fantasies. First on my list was the Ford Mondeo Titanium X 2.2 TDCI with a new PSA-sourced, 175hp, 400Nm engine under the bonnet. Under the old tax regime (boo!) it would have endured 30 percent VRT and €791 a year road tax but now, thanks to its impressively low 165g/km CO2 output, it dips nearly into Band D, which means 24 percent VRT and €430 annual road tax. At €40,140 it’s actually €20 cheaper than the 140hp 2.0-liter TDCi and a whopping 5 grand less than the 222g/km, 2.5-liter range topper. Mind you, €40k will also buy you an Audi A4 2.0TDI 143hp Sport or a 177hp BMW 320d ES, the latter being 8 grand cheaper post July, thanks to its Band B cleanliness. Something to ponder, there, before you sign that cheque.
The Ford counters by offering a cracking package, though. Apart from the fantastic cabin finish and amazing ergonomics (not to mention cantankerous electronics) of all Mondeos, the top-of-the-line Titanium X specification also throws in 17-inch alloy wheels; sporty leather and Antarctica seats; cruise control (adaptive cruise is optional, but don’t bother); a Sony CD-changer; voice control; automatic wipers and headlights; park aids; dual-zone climate control; and Ford’s utterly pointless “Power” start button, (which doesn’t include key less entry). I also can’t fathom why Blue-tooth is optional and why that Converts+ screen is taking up so much space between the dials when there’s no sat van fitted? Small irritations in the grand scheme of things, perhaps, but valid complaints nonetheless.
Where the Mondeo outstrips all its rivals and even has the likes the BMW 320d floundering is in terms of the driving experience. It’s poised, balanced and it handles almost as well as a Focus ST, only it’s bigger and needs fewer fuel stops. Forget the 8.7-second 0-100km/h sprint and the 223km/h top speed, too, the range-topping Monday is seriously, properly fast out in the cut-and-thrust of real-world driving. It overtakes as if it’s been rear-ended by a harrier regardless of what gear you’re in. If your ego can live without a posh badge and you accept that depreciation won’t be pretty, the top Mondeo is a quite simply a cracker.

Ford Mondeo Details

 Ford Australia has released details of the car we’ve all been waiting for, the all-new Ford Mondeo. With an eye-catching exterior design, high levels of standard safety and a reasonable entry price, the Mondeo should help the blue oval boost sales considerably.
Offered in four variants, the entry model LX, the mid-spec Zetec, a much needed turbo diesel TDci and the range-topping turbocharged Mondeo XR5, Ford has kindly answered calls for diesel and performance variants.

The entry model LX is available only as a Sedan but comes equipped with a variety of standard safety features:

• Intelligent Protection System (IPS)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA),
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and full length side curtain airbags.

Moving up, the Zetec variant is available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatch and comes standard with all the features of the LX plus 17-inch alloy wheels and enhanced grille and fog lamps, a Sony premium sound system (a six-disc CD player with eight speakers and MP3 compatibility), rain sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, cruise control and a leather wrapped steering wheel.