Hybrid Mondeo on the way to Ireland

The hybrid version of Ford's Mondeo is going on sale here for the 181 market period, offering an alternative to the dominant diesel powertrain, writes Brian Byrne.

The car features a 2.0 petrol engine and electric motor combination, with a combined power output of 234hp.

The transmission is a CVT automatic. The claimed fuel consumption is 3.9L/100km or 72.4mpg equivalent, and the car's acceleration to 100km/h is 9.2s.

The price for Ireland has not yet been finalised, but is expected to be in excess of €32,000.

There has been no perceived shift from diesel to petrol preference in the Mondeo or Kuga models, Ford Ireland MD Ciaran McMahon said this week.

However, speaking at the international launch of the substantially revised EcoSport small SUV in Lisbon, he noted that some 30pc of Focus orders are now petrol, a doubling of the penetration compared to last year.

And he said that he expects to see a big increase in the number of hybrid cars coming on the market over the next year.

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