Manic Mondeo

PITSTOP

The Ford Mondeo is back. The Mondeo, one of Ford's best-selling sedans worldwide, received a facelift recently, and the revamped model is ready for sale in India now.

And the best part is that this CBU import is way cheaper than what it sold for when it was first launched in the country "� it now retails in Delhi for Rs 14.2 lakh.

Powering the Mondeo is a sublime 2000cc 16-valve DOHC petrol that produces 142 bhp at 6000 revs and 19 kgm of torque at 4500 rpm "� yes, the powerplant is unchanged.

However, the five-speed manual transmission's ratios have been revised and now offers refined shifts. Ford India has not committed on bringing in the diesel version yet. The new Mondeo has a longer wheelbase and a wider track to offer more interior space.

Externally, the changes are quite discreet. The major ones are a new front bumper incorporating fog lamps, new taillamps and chrome accents here and there.

The Mondeo features a host of safety systems including adaptive dual-stage front airbags, two side airbags, front deploying head restraints, retractable pedal box, ABS and EBD, among others. The Mondeo is one of Ford's best sedans, and what can we say, but welcome back!

Crocodile rock

For some reason, it's named after a nimble, small member of the crocodile family. The car we are talking about and not showing is the new Porsche Cayman S.

No pictures of the car have been released yet, but as soon as it's out, we'll show you how this two-seater coupe looks.

Based on the Boxster, but positioned in terms of performance and price between the Boxster S and the 911 Carrera, the new Cayman S will be muscular to look at and practical yet sporty. A 295 bhp 3400cc six-cylinder boxer engine, mounted amidships, will do the honours in the Cayman S.

Porsche promises that their new coupe will offer an excellent power-to-weight ratio, dynamic handling, superb steering response and a class-leading braking system. Sigh! Another Porsche for us to drive...