Ford have given the new Mondeo a massive price cut in China to make it ‘more competitive’ with its rivals. The price cut, a massive 20,500rmb (Honestly, one of the biggest we’ve ever seen) will take the base model 2.3l manual Mondeo to a bargain 170,480rmb, the base model 2.0l version will reach the mid 150,000rmb range. The 2.3 automatic gearbox model doesnt have as big as price cut, but will be cut in price by 15,000rmb.
The price cuts put the gigantic new Mondeo in direct competition with the similar priced VW Magotan, Passat, and the new Mazda 6. The price cut could also have been due to the fact that May sales of large cars were down an amazing 50% for that month alone, and many other brands have been forced for cut prices.
Correction: all 2.3L models come with the 6-speed automatic transmission. Only the 2.0L model comes in a manual, and I’ve been told by a dealer that there currently is no stock of the 2.0L model.
In Beijing, we can auto expect sales to continue to be flat (and hence more discounts) from now until the end of the Olympic games as the alternating even/odd license plate restrictions come into affect starting July 1.
That said, I will be looking to buy a new car in the next few weeks. On the top of my list is the 2.3L Mondeo and Toyota Reiz (another model currently being discounted).
With the discount, considering it is a more “modern” car, for you who are not an ayatollah of RWDs, this Mondeo sounds extremely enticing!
Was at a Ford dealership this weekend and the 2.0L manual is now stock, with the promotion stated above still in effect.
The “2.3L automatic gearbox model”, which I believe the article is referring to as the model below the top-of-the-line sports model, is now being discounted by 20000, bringing that model down to 199800. And the salesperson said that a further discount was possible “with the approval of the manager”. I see that on che168.com there’s a dealer in Beijing selling this model for 189800.
I must say that it’s very, very tempting. Add on 12000 or so for the dealer-installed GPS and backup camera option and you’re set.
Is it worth paying around 20k RMB over the Premium model to get the Sports model?
Cosmetic differences aside, the most significant items are the HID steering/adaptive headlights and ESP w/ EBA (stability control and electronic brake assist).
To be honest I’m not entirely sold on the Sports model’s faux-metal front and rear fascia trim. And I think the wheels on the Premium model are classier too.
It seems that we don’t get the IVDC (active suspension/variable dampers) over here and it’s too bad that the Sports model doesn’t come with the 2.5T motor that’s available in the rest of the world - then my decision would be easy!