Big year for Ford as fifth edition of Mondeo arrives

IT LOOKS like 2015 is going to be a big year for Ford in Ireland.

The long awaited fifth edition of their Mondeo should be making an appearance in Irish garages in time for the 151D registrations. And next year will also see the iconic Ford Mustang going on sale in Ireland for the first time.

The Mustang was launched 50 years ago in April 1964 and Ford recently held a special screening of the 1968 movie Bullit to celebrate the 50th anniversary.

Bullit was famous for a car chase through the streets of San Francisco involving Steve McQueen, who played the part of a Mustang-driving detective.

At the screening in Dundrum I met legendary Irish racing driver Rosemary Smith, who told me that she once raced against McQueen at the Sebring track in Florida.

There is going to be huge interest in the Mustang when it comes to our shores, but the morning after the movie screening I took the keys for the Estate version of the Mondeo. It’s a fine solid car, but obviously not really in the same league as the Mustang. Still for a car that’s nearly seven years old it’s remains a solid, reliable motor.

I drove a gorgeous Deep Impact Blue-coloured model and it certainly left a good impact on all the family, who were impressed with the comfort, space and luxury this car has to offer. The Titanium version I drove had leather seats which made it so comfortable. The boot is massive and naturally you get a spare wheel.

The dash is well laid out with all the controls so easy to use. With three FM bands you can store a huge amount of radio stations and for radio fans like myself you also get Medium and Light wave bands, which are a rarity in most new cars nowadays.

This is a car with great driving dynamics which is good considering that it has had just slight modifications since it was launched in 2007. Ford will have to come up with something really special to improve on it. It looks long and sleek in your driveway and on the road it’s so solid. With such a long car you will appreciate the reversing sensors. It used to be said that Volvos were built like tanks; well the Mondeo Estate is equally sturdy.

When reviewing the regular Mondeo a few weeks back I said that it had probably won as many awards as Ronaldo or Messi since it was first introduced over 20 years ago. The Estate version has not picked up as many awards, but believe me it’s a powerful, frugal motor.

Prices for the regular Mondeo start at

?¬23,950, while the Titanium version of the Mondeo Estate I drove will cost you

?¬33,370.

If you cannot wait for the new Mondeo next year this estate version should keep a lot of buyers happy. It should fit the needs of many people; like the small shopkeeper for trips to the local cash and carry; the man who likes room for his dogs, or the busy mother who may have to transport her own and other children to swimming lessons and football or hurling games.