Anyone seen the ads for the Mondeo 4x4? Looks interesting.

Rather bizarre combination in my view. Much like the Superb 4x4. Sort of a limo with tiny approach and departure angles, no ground clearance... not a racing car either. I wonder what is a 4x4 like that good for?

I wondered when they would bring it back, it would have been on my list.

There's lots of reasons for it to exist. It's a better towcar than a FWD, the handling is more balanced and you have much better traction in the rain, which there is plenty of here all year around.

Sigh, I have absolutely forgotten about towing caravans. As for better traction in the rain (on ice, etc.) I reckon it is more of a fib, at least with respect to safety.

As for better traction in the rain (on ice, etc.) I reckon it is more of a fib, at least with respect to safety.

 

Then why do you have a 4x4 Yeti and not just 2wd.

Then why do you have a 4x4 Yeti and not just 2wd.

Because the engine isn't available with fwd perhaps?

No, mostly for driving off asphalt.

4x4 is better for dragging caravans off wet fields i imagine

4x4 offers improved traction off road but then it also provides more traction on road too.

 

4x4 on a 'normal' road car is perfect for those who want improved traction without being lumbered with the disadvantages associated with a more traditional 4x4 - a square shaped brick on soft tyres and stilts.

I know which Ford 4x4 I'd rather have...

 

 

I guess how useful the 4x4 is, depends on how much power its got..,

I guess how useful the 4x4 is, depends on how much power its got..,

 

A few years ago a mate of mine had a little fiat panda 4x4.

When we had a few weeks of snow he managed to get where a lot of big 4x4s could not because their big tyres just could not get any grip.

It's more along the lines of audi Quattro

A few years ago a mate of mine had a little fiat panda 4x4.

When we had a few weeks of snow he managed to get where a lot of big 4x4s could not because their big tyres just could not get any grip.

Yeah. I've seen them in action around here. I cant actually think of any car that would be better tbh.

Light, skinny tyres, 4x4. Get some winter tyres on, and its a winner.

Got any links to info on these ?

all the press releases i've been able to find only mentioned the entry level ecoboost versions

Edited 10 October, 201411 yr by snow_muncher

Ford

The new Ford Mondeo is not due to reach showrooms until the first quarter of 2015, but that hasn't stopped the Blue Oval from setting out its game plan, to ensure the new model can compete in a market dominated by premium German brands – BMW, Audi and Mercedes. And part of this is the introduction of a four-wheel drive version, as ever more buyers seek cars with added all-weather grip.

Ford's aim with the Mondeo is to offer such a diverse selection of models, that every large car buyer should be able to find a version to suit. As such, Ford will also be offering its all-wheel-drive system on the Mondeo for the first time. Available from April, these four-paw models will be available with the 148bhp and 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel engines, and will be offered in high-spec Titanium trim only.

The introduction of four-wheel drive will make the Mondeo the second 4x4 offering from Ford, after some variants of the Kuga off-roader. However, unlike its closest rival, the Volkswagen Passat, the four-wheel drive Mondeo won't be offered as a separate off-road biased model.

"We were really keen to resist that strategy," Mondeo product manager Alan Wood told AOL Cars. "We can offer the benefits of four-wheel drive as part of the regular series, without all the additional 'lifestyle' extras."

Aside from a generous list of standard kit, which sees a raft of safety and entertainment technology included, the new Mondeo will also be offered in a range of different formats, including the first ever hybrid model. On sale in the US for some time, and making its way into UK dealerships early next year, the hybrid model uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine, mated to an electric motor for car tax dodging CO2 emissions of 99g/km.

It's not a plug in hybrid like recently announced rival the Passat GTE - though that is something that Ford is currently offering in the C-Max people carrier, in right hand drive markets, and the brand isn't ruling out that system's appearance in a UK Mondeo in the future.

Happily, though, the current hybrid model will be offered at a similar price to a mid range 2.0-litre diesel model, meaning buyers won't have to fork out a premium to benefit from part-time electric motoring.

Think most manufacturers are onto it now - esp the rear wheel manufacturers!

As we see more snow we all wish we had 4wheel drive - even if its just a few weeks a year!

The laughter at rear wheel drive forums when there is any weather forecast of snow - PANIC!

And Audi s done well with their Quattro.

BMW making x-Drive an option on all (if not most) of their lines are -

so no more "i love a BM but i cant drive it during winter ..."

And auto switchable 2wheel to 4wheel drive

Plus more efficient engines means 4x4 are more affordable too.

Saw this topic and automatically thought of the Mk1 Mondeo 4x4 http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1309599

I thought you meant Martin Hadland's 'Reyland Mondeo Cosworth 4x4'. He recently sold it, what a beast.

A few years ago a mate of mine had a little fiat panda 4x4.

When we had a few weeks of snow he managed to get where a lot of big 4x4s could not because their big tyres just could not get any grip.

This is a car which I would definately have on short list for next car

Ticks every box for me in terms of price,size 4wd etc

Just not enough power,such a pity!

Saw this topic and automatically thought of the Mk1 Mondeo 4x4 http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1309599

Yeah I did too, not many mk1's about these days and I know of a few that died as donors so the 4x4 parts could be put into ford cougars - now they are fun 2.5 v6 and 4x4

This is a car which I would definately have on short list for next car

Ticks every box for me in terms of price,size 4wd etc

Just not enough power,such a pity!

But you don't need power in the snow.

Skinny wheels and 4wd ideal for a bad winter.

But you don't need power in the snow.

Skinny wheels and 4wd ideal for a bad winter.

But the rest of the year round I'll feel underpowered!

But the rest of the year round I'll feel underpowered!

I suppose but you could rag it around all day and never get points.lol

Yeah I did too, not many mk1's about these days and I know of a few that died as donors so the 4x4 parts could be put into ford cougars - now they are fun 2.5 v6 and 4x4

 

Going to sound really stupid here, am guessing the Cougar and the Mondeo mk1 were fairly similar then chassis wise, I believe the ST200 used the 2.5 V6 so guessing quite a simple swap?