Ford Announces Powertrain Enhancements for its European Lineup, Adds Stop/Start Technology

At this week's 2011 Brussels Motor Show in Belgium, Ford announced a series of powertrain enhancements that include the addition of Stop/Start technology for its European market Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models, together with the introduction of an all-new 1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine.

“The introduction of the new small-displacement diesel engine and of the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system is another important step towards even more sustainable mobility”, said Rolf Deges, Chief Program Engineer for Ford of Europe. “All through Europe there is a growing demand for frugal, smaller displacement powertrains and new technologies, and we are more than happy to address this demand with our new entries”.

Replacing the 115HP 2.0-liter diesel, the new 1.6-liter motor comes with a standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) producing 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750-2,000 rpm.

“With this torque performance, it's now possible to have such a small displacement diesel engine driving even large cars like the Ford Galaxy in a more than appropriate way – and at very low fuel consumption”, said Deges.

Equipped with the new four-pot oil-burner, the Galaxy MPV's combined fuel economy is 5.4 lt/100 km (43.5 US mpg), while the Mondeo needs just 4.9 lt/100 km (48 US mpg).

Ford said these figures are also achieved by adding standard Ford ECOnetic Technologies features to the range, including Smart Regenerative Charging, the Ford Eco Mode driver information system and an Active Grille Shutter system. All of these technologies come as standard equipment on the new 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine.

In addition, the 1.6 TDCi variant can be paired with the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system, further improving fuel economy by as much as 10 percent in city driving and reducing CO2 emissions.

To better cope with the increased number of engine starts, the system features an enhanced starter motor, capable of firing up the powerplant in just 0.3 seconds after the driver presses the accelerator or clutch pedal.

The Ford Auto-Start-Stop system is also available in conjunction with the turbocharged 1.6-liter Ecoboost petrol engine.

Last but not least, the small diesel was also chosen to motivate the new Ford Mondeo ECOnetic after it was specially calibrated and coupled to modified a six-speed manual gearbox with a longer final drive.

Featuring a Start-Stop system, the Mondeo ECOnetic returns 54.7 US mpg (or 4.3 lt/100 km) in the combined cycle. Other special features include a lowered suspension and low rolling resistant tires.

The last item on Ford’s list is the Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission, which is optional for the 200HP 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. Upgraded to withstand the 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) – 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) in overboost mode, the auto box helps the Mondeo achieve an average fuel consumption of 6.5 lt/100 km (36.2 US mpg).

“The combination of the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi with the Durashift 6-tronic transmission is really a connoisseur's choice: it really delivers a powerful yet very relaxed and refined driving experience” Rolf Deges commented. “With these attributes in place, this combination is the perfect addition to our large car range, and supplements well to the already available combinations of the Ford PowerShift 6-speed double-wet clutch transmission with the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi with 140 and 163 PS”.

By Csaba Daradics

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The Ford Mondeo

Deciding to buy a Ford Mondeo is the easy part. Choosing which model, style and optional extras to go for is where things start to get tricky. The problem is that there's just so much choice. For a start, there are seven models, most of which are available in four-door, five-door or estate variations. Then there are the engines, which range from 1.6 - 2.5 Duratec petrol engines, to 1.8 - 2.2 Duratorq diesel engines.

The Ford Mondeo range starts with the Edge. It comes with 16" Y-spoke wheel covers, air-conditioning, CD and radio, central locking a heated front windscreen, voice controlled Bluetooth, clever Electronic Stability Programme, capless refuelling, Curtsey Delay headlights, seven airbags, a leather steering wheel and more.

The Zetec features some great additions to the Edge, such as 16" Y-spoke alloy wheels, front fog lights, body coloured door handles, brushed-finish front-door-opening scuff plates, a chrome lower grille surround, a duel-zone automatic temperature control, a leather gearshift knob and illuminated sun visor mirrors.

The ECOnetic is the car for those who are environmentally conscious. Its 1.8 or 2.0 Duratorq diesel engines give a lot of power, but doesn't compromise its environmental mission. It also has low rolling resistance tyres and front grille air deflectors, which, when coupled with the rear spoiler, makes the car ultra dynamic. There's also an up shift gear change indicator, helping you drive economically, and lowered sports suspension.

The Ghia is another great Mondeo model, which looks stylish with 17" 7X3 spoke alloy wheels, and has sensitive automatic headlights, a chrome upper grille, chrome finished upper door line, and a coloured lower grille. It also features a Sony 6CD and DAB radio system, power heated and folding door mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, map reading lights and a front interior ambient light. The handbrake is wrapped in leather, and stylish wood-effect interior trim.

There are also the three Titanium models; the Titanium, Titanium X and Titanium X Sport. The Titanium's additions to the Zetec include 17" Y-spoke alloy wheels, silver painted upper and lower grilles, blue glass, brushed-chrome interior trim, cllever Ford Convers+ instrument cluster, and sports style front seats.

The Titanium X also includes the addition of 18" Y-spoke alloy wheels and Halogen Adaptive front lights with static cornering lights. There are front and rear parking sensors and heated seats. For gadget lovers, there's a FordPower start button and variable heated front seats. And for rear seat passengers, there's a central armrest with cup holders.

The last model in the Ford Mondeo range is the Titanium X Sport. It had a sports exterior design and a rear spoiler for added aerodynamics, as well as sports suspension. Its leather seats, steering wheel, door panel inserts, and gearshift are trimmed with red stitching, making even the inside look ultra luxurious. Whatever your life style and budget, the Ford Mondeo comes in a model to suit you.

Pete J Ridgard is a writer and a car enthusiast. He currently writes for the automotive industry. Here he discusses Ford Online cars.

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