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!
Gerald,
How is your Mondeo? I was looking at the Aussie version, the XR5, its a 2.5l Turbo. The Chinese one looks a little underpowered sports wise compared to the mighty aussie version.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/10062/2008-ford-mondeo-xr5-review/5/
Hey Ash,
I pretty much concur with that review – the new Mondeo is a very nimble and fun to drive car, much more so than its size and weight would indicate.
It’s unfortunate we don’t get the 2.5T over here – by the way, this is the same engine that’s used in the Volvo S40 T5. There’s an aftermarket chip for the 2.5T that increases the turbo boost for even more fun!
I really wish we got this engine over here, but truth be told the 2.3L with 6-speed auto is more than adequate for day-to-day driving in Chinese cities. The first two gears are geared very low, so you get a very nice jump at the lights.
The highest I’ve taken mine is 160km/h, and at that speed the car felt very smooth and stable.
The only downsides are that its large size makes parking a bit difficult at times (it’s wider than an A6, but a bit shorter), and there’s a bit of tire noise at speed due to the wide tires (235/45/R17). But on the otherhand, those tires contribute to the good handling and sporty feel.
In my opinion the Mondeo is still the best value in family sedans here. When I puchased mine, an equivalently spec’d Accord (2.4 EX Navi) would’ve cost over 70k RMB more. And it’s got a soft ride and doesn’t handle as well as the Mondeo (though some folks may like this). And while the old Mazda6 is being heavily discounted as well, for just a bit more money you get much more car with the Mondeo.
By the way, they’ve Mondeo lineup a bit – they’ve added model with factory GPS (the GPS in mine was a dealer-installed aftermarket unit).
I was just back at the Ford dealership this weekend for scheduled maintenance. While there I saw that the “Premium” model is now being discounted by a whopping 43000 RMB (nearly 20%!), bringing that model down to 176,998 (!). And they’re also throwing in the first 8 oil changes for free – no fair, I only got 4 with mine!