Category:Mondeo Mk2

Ford Mondeo Mk2

Ford Mondeo
Vehicle Information
Production	1996 - 2000
Assembly	Belgium
Bodystyle	Saloon / Hatchback / Estate
Layout	FF
Length	4,470–4,556 mm
Width	1,752-1,925 mm
Height	1,372 mm
Weight	1,285–1,381 kg

The Mk2 Mondeo launched in October 1996 saw three of the Mondeo's biggest criticisms addressed: its bland styling, the bad performance of the headlights, and the cramped rear legroom. The lowering of specification levels around that time (e.g. air-conditioning and alloy wheels became optional on the UK Ghia models) may have indicated a desire by Ford to cut costs and recoup some of the huge sums invested in the original design. These specification levels were improved again in 1998 as the Mondeo approached replacement.

The Mk2 saw almost every external panel replaced, leaving only the doors, the roof, and the rear panels on the estate the same as the original Mk1 model. Even the extractor vents on the rear doors were replaced by a panel bearing the name Mondeo. The most notable change was the introduction of a version of Ford's corporate 'oval' grille. The saloon version featured some distinctive rear lights. These incorporated an additional reflector panel that extended around the top and the side of the rear wings. Unlike the iterations seen on the heavily facelifted Scorpio and Mk4 Fiesta during the previous year, this facelift was well-received.

The interior was also mildly revised, though the basic dashboard architecture was the same as before. Safety specification was improved, with the car gaining a full-size driver airbag in place of the smaller 'euro-bag' fitted in the Mk1 Mondeo. The Mk2 gained a 'flagged' 3 star rating in EuroNCAP testing, which was average for rivals of its time (the same as the Vauxhall Vectra, better than the Citroën Xantia and Peugeot 406, and worse than the Nissan Primera).

The Zetec engine was thoroughly revised in 1998. The updated version was far more refined at high revolutions, addressing a common criticism of the Zetec motor. The Mk2 Mondeo was initially popular, being Britain's third best selling new car in 1996 through to 1998. However in 1999 it dipped into sixth place and had been outsold by its biggest rival, the Vauxhall Vectra. Although production of the MK2 Mondeo ceased in 2000 when it was replaced with the MK3, sales of the model continued into 2001 with models appearing on a UK Y-registration plate and some even on a 51-plate.