FORD IRELAND HAS introduced a hybrid version of its popular Mondeo saloon. The Mondeo HEV (hybrid electric vehicle), as it is known, is available in two specification grades: Titanium and a more luxurious Vignale version.
Unlike the growing number of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the Mondeo HEV is a conventional hybrid system, meaning you don’t have to plug it in and there’s no range anxiety attached. It is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol combustion engine that works in tandem with an electric motor that gets its power from a 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery that lies behind the rear seats.
Drive goes to the front wheels via an automatic transmission and switches between the combustion engine and the electric motor depending on the situation. The Mondeo HEV can travel very short distances at slow speed using only electric power from the battery, but in most cases, it is the petrol engine doing most of the work.
It’s a good option if much of the driving you do is in urban areas, and Ford claims that it is capable of returning a lower rate of fuel consumption than its 150hp 2.0-litre diesel Mondeo.
Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland, said:
As this is the first hybrid vehicle launched by Ford in Ireland, this is an important step for us. We are sure that the Mondeo HEV will meet the needs of the 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.
Ford may be behind the pack when it comes to offering electrified vehicles at present, but the company is planning to introduce 13 full or partially electric vehicles in Europe and North America by 2020.
Pricing for the Mondeo HEV starts at €32,745, which includes a promotional launch discount and VRT rebate, while the Mondeo HEV Vignale costs €35,280.
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