What's the news?
Ford is finally bringing the hybrid version of the Mondeo saloon to Ireland. We say finally because, the hybrid Ford Fusion (identical to the Mondeo except for its badge) has been on sale in the US market since 2013, and has done quite well for itself - even out-selling the benchmark Toyota Prius from time to time.
The Mondeo HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) will go on sale in January, priced from €34,895. Well, not quite. You need to knock the €2,500 VRT rebate for hybrid cars off that, and Ford will also have a limited-time introductory pricing offer, that will bring the price down to €31,500.
Ford isn't giving away any specific performance figures for the Mondeo hybrid as yet, but it does quote a 3.8 litres/100km average fuel consumption figure (that's 74mpg), pointing out that that's 1.0-litre per 100km better off than the mainstream 2.0-litre 150hp diesel Mondeo. Power comes from a combination of a 2.0-litre 187hp petrol engine and an electric motor.
"We are delighted to be introducing the Mondeo HEV to the Irish market. With its legions of fans in Ireland, Mondeo is such a great model to offer with HEV capability," said Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland. "We are sure that Mondeo HEV will meet the needs of customers who are looking for a more environmentally-friendly car but who do not want to compromise on space, driving dynamics, driving range and comfort."
McMahon pointed out that the demand for electric and partial-electric cars in Ireland is on an upward slant accounting for 4.1 per cent of car registrations this year. Hybrid Electric Vehicles are the most popular of the 'electric' models available as they neatly bridge the gap between traditional internal combustion engines and electric motors without the 'range anxiety' that some motorists feel in relation to full electric vehicles.
"The arrival of Mondeo HEV in Ireland is the first step in a progressive Electric Vehicle (EV) development plan for Ford that will see seven new full or partial EVs hit the streets of Europe and North America by 2020, including a hybrid version of the iconic Mustang that will deliver V8 power and even more low-end torque; and two new, pursuit-rated hybrid police vehicles for North America. Thanks in part to a significant VRT rebate, Mondeo HEV starting price will be in the region of €31,500 for the Titanium model with a 'walk up' of a little over €2,000 to the top of the range fully loaded Vignale model. This all makes for a very competitive and attractive package with the proven safety and the great driving dynamics of the much loved Ford Mondeo."