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Ford Mondeo: a wholesome vehicle
FORD, THE second biggest car manufacturer in the world, comes with another quality product in the D segment _ the Mondeo. This car is nothing new to the automobile enthusiasts and it has been rated in Europe, especially the U.K., as the ``Car of the Year.'' It has made a mark in its segment by giving the user the worth of owning a car from style and comfort to safety, economy and ease of maintenance. Ford India has launched this car but it is yet to announce the price as this being a CBU (completely built unit), the company has to work out a competitive pricing structure to successfully compete with other product offerings in this segment, namely, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata.
Much admired internationally for its best in class, ride and handling experience, the Mondeo will be launched in India with petrol and turbo diesel power units in three colours _ Panther Black, Stardust Silver and Oyster in December. The car will be manufactured at the Ford's plant in Genk, one of the most modern automobile production facilities in Europe. The car has aristocratic look, elegant European styling and impeccable German engineering, offering a five star ownership experience to consumers.
The Mondeo has a dynamic front that is an aesthetic treat while watching it approach in your rear view mirror. The front three-quarter view is a visual delight. The petrol and the diesel models will be offered in the top-end Ghia trim level. This product has all that one could ask for starting from alloy wheels (made in India and being exported to Europe), tilt and adjustable steering wheel, all around large air-vented 300mm disc-rotors for front and 250mm. for rear with a ABS thrown in as well.
These are the largest disc rotors made available in its class that give fade safe braking under severe and most demanding driving conditions, heated rear view mirrors with aspheric mirror for driver side. This will be the only car in India offering Xenon self leveling polycarbonate-stone impact resistant head lamps that can help the driver identify even a small pin on the road. It boasts of a strong head light washer that pops up to wash the head lights every time the windscreen washer function is operated. The front and rear fog lamps, of course, come in as standard equipment.
The interior is as rich as the options available for the exterior with leather seats, side impact beams, and air bags for front passengers with side impact air bags to give protection from being hit on the side. Front and rear windows have the safety feature of `finger trap' mechanism that will prevent any mishap in the event of a brat pushing up the window glass while somebody's peeping out of the door.
A fully computerised Speedo Cluster with on board fuel and trip computer and an outside temperature display are thrown in as well, located with an ergonomic precision to ensure that they are in full view of the driver all the time. For making that ride even more exotic, an electronic computer controlled air-conditioning system inside and an auto dimming rear view mirror to keep that glare away form the drivers eyes, are added. The car has the most unique audio system that can stack un po six CDs in the in dash audio along with a six speaker system that gives the same audio levels whereever one sits in the car. High quality materials with softer moldings, metallic finishes and chromed details highlight the interior craftsmanship enhancing the luxurious feel of the car.
The new intelligent protection system of the car has a detection system that analyses the severity of the crash and automatically activates the adaptive dual-stage front air bags for the front seat occupants. The car also boasts self deploying head restraints and a retractable brake pedal in case of a severe crash where the pedals will automatically collapse onto the floor, thereby reducing chances of injury to the lower limbs. The passenger compartment is further protected by side and curtain air bags in case of a bad crash or rollover. The comprehensive safety package that is standard also includes emergency brake assist and an option designed to help drivers in stopping the car in shorter distance under panic braking conditions.
Personally speaking, the Mondeo redefines the luxury and performance associated with the vehicles in this class _ A vehicle so wholesome that a visit to the local accessory shop post purchase would be a deemed disgrace! Smart it is _ so much that even the bonnet has a lock neatly tucked behind that graceful and awe inspiring ``Ford''oval in the front grille.``A truly motoring enthusiasts car''is Ford's promise to prospective clients. The Mondeo will be available from mid-December onwards at the Ford dealer outlets in 13 cities across the country. These will include Delhi, Ghaziabad, Calcutta, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, Hyderabad, Coimbatore and Baroda.
Tutu Dhawan
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