HE Mondeo

A model range change – Verona sedan and Ghia hatchback replaced the LX and GLX respectively – and new wheels, more features, a quieter drivetrain and revised trim distinguished the HE four-cylinder series.

Meanwhile the ST24 sports sedan was added, powered by a 125kW quad-cam 24-valve V6 engine. It also included a five-speed manual gearshift, a body kit, alloy wheels, ABS brakes, leather trim, and sports seats.

But it was all too late, with sales down to a trickle, and at the eve of the highly acclaimed Mk2 Mondeo release in Europe, Ford changed its mind for the Mazda Tribute-twin Escape SUV as its replacement in Australia and America.

Ironically, with rocketing fuel prices hitting Falcon sales hard, Ford Australia is investigating introducing the all-new, third-generation Mondeo in 2007 or 2008.