Ford Mondeo launched in Malaysia

Ford introduces the Mondeo to the Malaysian showrooms, but is it too late like our counterparts in UK said? By Jerrica Leong

Ford’s latest addition to the Malaysian market is the car that sparked a few sarcastic tweets between Ford’s director of product communication and our UK managing editor Greg Fountain. Our UK writer CJ Hubbard had the gleeful opportunity to write all about it when he tested the Mondeo in the January issue. In UK that is, not Malaysia. Which begs the question: is the Mondeo dated since it took Ford to come up with a right-hand drive version three years after the official launch as ME Fountain tweeted?

Well the looks definitely did not look old, in fact the Mondeo resembles a sporty coupe more than the sedan that it should be with the low roofline and a side-profile sculpted to portray visual lightness. The most prominent features on the exterior are the ever-present Ford trapezoidal grille, a power-dome bonnet and adaptive laser-cut headlamp design.

The interior further enhances the sporty feel thanks to the cockpit-like cabin that features a symmetrical design accessible to both the driver and front seat passenger. Guess what, the Mondeo’s steering wheel also comes with paddle shifts for a sporty drive.

Power comes from Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine that delivers a power output of 237bhp and 345Nm of torque. The EcoBoost engine is paired up with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and thanks to the paddle-shifters drivers will be able to switch through the six gears smoothly and effortlessly.

The combination of the turbocharging, direct fuel injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) in Ford’s EcoBoost engine delivers exceptional fuel economy of 8L/100KM. So in other words, the Ford Mondeo gives you a sporty drive and fuel efficiency all at the same time.

The Mondeo also comes with a host of smart technologies as well. SYNC 2 that comes with all Ford vehicles is available as well only the SYNC 2 in the Mondeo boasts a larger, eight-inch colour touchscreen to operate all entertainment in the car. Ford’s exclusive MyKey system allows drivers to programme various features such as setting the max speed limit, seatbelt reminder and max volume audio system.

Ford has also included futuristic features like the full LED headlamps with Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System to enhance the driver’s view of their surroundings and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Safety features in the Mondeo includes Ford’s Lane Keeping Aid that alerts the driver that they are drifting out of their lane by vibrating the steering wheel. The car also comes with a rear-view camera as part of its parking assist system.

The new Ford Mondeo comes in four colours, Frozen White, Ruby Red, Panther Black and Tectonic Silver and priced at RM198,000 on-the-road without insurance or RM203,771 with insurance. And like all Ford vehicles, the Mondeo comes with Ford’s Extended Service Plan (ESP), a three-year or 60,000km maintenance programme that covers parts and labour free of charge.

It's a sporty sedan that comes with a sporty cockpit-like interior along with a spritely engine to match. So at the moment, we don't agree with Fountain that the car is dated, but forgive us to reserve judgement as we've yet to drive it!