There’s much to like about the top of the line Mondeo XR5 Turbo, especially for drivers who like changing gear.

In keeping with its European performance heritage, the XR5 turbo is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox (there is no automatic option with this engine), and if you think the five cylinder engine sounds like a Volvo unit, you’d be right again.

The engine might have a Ford Duratec badge on the plastic cover, but it’s supplied by Volvo Car Corporation. The five-pot engine produces 162kW @ 5000 rpm and torque is a staggering 320 Nm @ 1500rpm, it sounds glorious when given the cloven hoof!

The Mondeo XR5 (which shares a similar specification to the Mondeo Titanium X on sale in the UK) starts at $48,990, which is similar money to a sporty mid-specification Ford Falcon or Holden Commodore. A Falcon XR6 is $47,790 while a Commodore SV6 is $49,990.

But there is a lot of value for your dollar in the XR5 including: dual climate control air -conditioning, seven airbags including curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag, keyless start, Alcantara/leather seat trim with variable heated front seats, automatic headlamp activation, automatic wiper activation, front and rear parking sensors, dynamic stability control and a sports body styling kit with an integrated rear spoiler

But wait there’s more, integrated Bluetooth, a Sony 6 disc in dash CD system, keyless entry and start, a cap-less fuel filler (what a brilliant concept), sports suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels with a full size spare, plus a very sexy trip computer.

In Europe the Mondeo XR5 competes in the executive four-cylinder fleet market with the Audi A4, BMW 3 series and the Honda Accord Euro, so it certainly has the ride and handling to match the output of its five-cylinder engine.

We found that in New Zealand conditions the Mondeo XR5 was a lot more compliant and comfortable over our rural roads than the firmly sprung Audi A4 or BMW 320i, and it’s certainly got a bit more go than the recently launched Accord Euro which has acquired a touch of middle-aged spread.

Inside the accommodation for four people is generous thanks to a 2850mm wheelbase, (2838mm for a Ford Falcon) so sitting behind a taller driver is not going to compromise rear legroom for passengers of a similar height.

The Alcantara/leather trim matched with a leather trimmed gearshift, handbrake and steering wheel is certainly a cut above the fleet focussed Mondeo and Mondeo Zetec, and the drivers seat was easily adjusted for comfort, but the switchgear and dashboard are still very much standard Ford.

The XR5 also benefits from better economy and emissions, than its six-cylinder competitors.

Fuel consumption is quoted as 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres while C02 emissions are 222g/km. The XR5 will run on 91 to 98 unleaded RON petrol and will accept E10 as well.

Sadly after we said goodbye to the Mondeo XR5 Turbo, Ford New Zealand announced in February that the car will be discontinued as part of a model rationalisation process. This is disappointing but completely understandable in the current economic climate.

Ford executives admitted that the lack of an automatic option for the European sourced Mondeo had possibly been the reason why sales had been less than expected. We would advise readers to grab one of the few remaining vehicles in stock because quite frankly this car will certainly become desirable once they’ve gone.  

Specifications:

Body type                         Five-door hatch                       

Drive                                Front-wheel-drive        

Engine Type                      Inline five-cylinder turbocharged                       

Engine Capacity                 2521cc

Max power                        162kW @ 5000 rpm

Max torque                        320Nm @ 4800rpm

Fuel Consumption              9.3L/100km

C02 emission                    222g/km

0 to 100kph                      N/a

Front suspension               McPherson Struts

Rear suspension                Independent control blade

Roof Rack                         N/a

ABS Brakes                        Yes

Air Bags                            7

ESP                                  Yes

Air Conditioning                 Climate

Lap/diagonal belts             5

Satellite Navigation            N/a

Electric seats                     N/a

Burglar Alarm                    Yes   

Panic Button                      N/a

Boot release                      Yes

Cargo Cover                      Yes

Boot Capacity                    486/1390 litres

Wheel type                       18-inch Alloy

Spare Tyre                        Full size

Price                                $48,990