Motoring: New look Mondeo, and more
THE growth of the people carrier had many of the doom mongers in the motor industry sounding the death knell for the traditional family hatchback but the sector remains one of the most keenly contested segments in the entire new car market.
Almost every manufacturer worth their salt has a premium product in the sector but one name has dominated the market for almost two decades – Ford Mondeo.
If ever proof were needed of the car’s dominance in the sector, it was surely underlined when Tony Blair famously singled out ‘Mondeo Man’ as the most important demographic for New Labour.
Fierce rival Vauxhall has taken successive tilts at Ford’s crown, first with the Vectra and latterly with the Insignia and while the latest model is good, it’s still not quite good enough for thousands of happy motorists to swap the blue oval for the griffin.
Of course Vauxhall’s case was famously hindered firstly from Jeremy Clarkson’s dismal attitude to the Vectra and then in the ultimate snub, new 007 Daniel Craig is seen behind the wheel of the new Mondeo in his first outing as the famous superspy, Casino Royale, instantly rendering Insignia to the ranks of also-rans.
Vauxhall, along with many of the other manufacturers will therefore be keeping a close eye on Ford’s latest Mondeo incarnation. The new model, with prices starting from £20,795, features new suspension and steering which Ford says enhances refinement and driving dynamics. It also claims to have the most diverse Mondeo powertrain line-up ever, including the first ever Mondeo hybrid electric vehicle.
Advanced Mondeo technology includes the debut of Ford’s Pedestrian Detection and adaptive LED headlights, enhanced Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, and Active City Stop. Further technology highlights include powered tailgate, SYNC 2 connectivity and an industry-first Inflatable Rear Seatbelt.
As in keeping with previous incarnations, the latest Mondeo will be available in the UK in five-door and four-door (hybrid only) bodystyles, plus as an estate developed specifically for Europe.
“The all-new Mondeo is a significant new chapter for one of Europe’s best-known vehicles with a history dating back more than 20 years,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe.
VW raises the bar with new Passat
VOLKSWAGEN dealers in the UK will begin taking orders for the eighth generation Passat saloon and estate models from Tuesday (October 7), ahead of the first UK deliveries of the new model in January.
Prices start from £22,215 (OTR) for the entry-level saloon, rising to £35,505 for the high performance R-Line 2.0 BiTDI SCR 240 PS seven-speed DSG (try fitting that on your boot lid!)
In keeping with VW’s aim of challenging the likes of BMW and Mercedes, the new Passat includes a host of new technologies, comfort and convenience features together with sleek new design and efficient engines.
Although the new car has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor and more interior space, it is up to 85 kg lighter, while EU6-compliant, more efficient engines should mean fuel savings and carbon dioxide emissions reductions of up to 14%.
Only diesel engines will be offered in the UK at launch, ranging in power from a 1.6-litre 120 PS, through two 2.0-litre units with 150 or 190 PS, to a range-topping 2.0-litre bi-turbo with 240 PS, DSG gearbox and 4MOTION four-wheel drive. A plug-in hybrid GTE version with a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and electric motor will follow in October 2015.
Vauxhall warns for steering fault on ADAM and Corsa
JUST as its rivals are upping their game, the last thing Vauxhall needed was bad publicity but sadly for the company, that’s exactly what it’s got.
The company is advising customers of any ADAM and Corsa/Corsavan models registered since May 2014 that around 3,000 of these vehicles have been manufactured with a steering system part that does not meet Vauxhall’s specification.
In a stark warning – highlighted in bold in press releases – the company states: “As a precaution, these vehicles should not be driven prior to inspection”.
The company said it put the safety and convenience of its customers first and as this condition concerns their safety, it was taking immediate action. I should think so too.
Owners are being told they can find out if their vehicle is affected by going to the Vauxhall website homepage (www.vauxhall.co.uk) and clicking on the ‘Safety Check for ADAM and Corsa’ button for further information. Alternatively they can call the Vauxhall Customer Assistance Centre for advice on 0800 026 0034 between 9am and 5.30pm.
Vauxhall said it had become aware of the problem during routine quality control at the vehicle’s manufacturing plant.
