Change of tactics

[2ndclasscitizen]

Ah right. Never been in a Vectra, but heaps of the old model Astras, and they were all LH indicators

[Spastik_Roach]

Epica looks good from that angle in the link in the 1st post, Silver with the bodykit.

Every other pic...not so good.

I'd still go with a Mondeo.

[Mr. Jinx]

Ah right. Never been in a Vectra, but heaps of the old model Astras, and they were all LH indicators

Probably because of the older design.

[adrenaline]

Really? They never used to. The old model had the left hand indicators.

I was surprised as well. The indicators are clever, they have two levels - a slight touch for 3 flashes (for lane changes) and a heavier touch for them to stay on. I don't know how many cars have that feature, but it's quite helpful.

[Mr. Jinx]

I was surprised as well. The indicators are clever, they have two levels - a slight touch for 3 flashes (for lane changes) and a heavier touch for them to stay on. I don't know how many cars have that feature, but it's quite helpful.

Both the AH Astra and the ZC Vectra copped a lot of flack in reviews for that.

[Blue Supra]

Id hit the mondeo. Just looks so much nicer.

I'd expect the epica to be in the mid 20's to low 30's if they want to be in the game. mondeo should be low-mid 30s.

[fpv_gtho]

Well Camry is $28K to $39K, Sonata is $26K to $35K (or $31K for the top spec 4 cyl).

Mazda6 is $33K to $43K (no V6 option either) and Accord Euro is $34 to $43K (no V6 option either, but there is the other Accord line).

Epica should be a bit cheaper than the Camry, maybe even cheaper than Sonata if its going to really succeed. Mondeo however, will probably end up being more expensive than both the Accord Euro and Mazda6 by credit of the V6 option.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

I'm used to LHD indicators simply because every car i've driven has them.

the Epica looks like ass. basically. Holden do such a wonderful job of styling the VE and then nothing else in their line up matches it because it comes from O/S.

it's going to do pretty well i'd imagine - provided it can overcome the Korean stigma. the Sonata seems to do a pretty good job of that so hopefully it's at least on par with that car.

[motorsportnerd]

Mondeo however, will probably end up being more expensive than both the Accord Euro and Mazda6 by credit of the V6 option.

Assuming Ford provides the V6 option in the local Mondeo lineup. I've heard talk of standard 4-cylinder (2.0 or 2.3 litre I assume), a turbo-diesel option and a 5-cylinder 20v Turbo (same engine as the Focus XR5), but haven't heard anything about a V6.
Wouldn't a V6 option put it too close to the Falcon for comfort?

[fpv_gtho]

The XR5 engine would basically negate the V6 option, at arount 300nm/160kw its very similar figures, but delivered differently by virtue of the straight layout and one less cylinder.

I'd imagine simply by Ford chasing the Mondeo theyve put its threat to the Falcon to the wind. Sure, the first few years may see 4 cylinder only vehicles to tie Falcon over till 2008 (which again, needs to survive till 2010 untill it can have the burden taken by heavy exports)

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Isn't the falcon getting a bit smaller with Orion anyway? the Mondeo would only cannibalise sales from within the Ford group - people would most likely see it or the Mazda 6 as possible purchases.

as cool as the car looks and indeed is, it's not likely, if only due to simple economics, shouldn't happen.

If people want a 4 Cylinder premium sedan or hatch, send 'em Mazda's way. or better yet, come up with another Telstar style arrangement . it'd be cheaper for both parties

[fpv_gtho]

The thing is, the current Mondeo/6 IS a Telstar arrangement. Theyre not made alongside each other, and not really a simple rebadge either, but theyre on the same platform.

And yes, Falcon should be smaller for 2008, but you'll probably be hard pressed to notice. Wheelbase will be the same, but overall length and overhangs are apparently shorter.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

The platform may be the same but the costing and vehicle placement will be the key feature - as it stands the 6 does not directly compete with Falcon on sales - a Mondeo could very well.

Seeing as though the Falcon might be moving slightly upmarket regardless, we'll see how long this talk lasts.

[fpv_gtho]

At the end of the day though, even if they lose 1 Falcon sale to every 2 Mondeo's sold, and even again if its even 1 Mazda6 sale lost to every Mondeo sold, thats more profit to Ford.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

more profit to Ford Mo Co Worldwide - it does nothing for local manufacturing.

This will indeed be of primary concern to Ford AU - who no doubt are keen to sure up the secure future of Broadmeadows as a manufacturing, design and R&D element of Ford Global.