FORD has increased prices and announced specification enhancements on the Mondeo for 1997. The manufacturer has also confirmed it will in future publish on-the-road prices for all models by rolling the £470 delivery charge plus £25 for fuel and number plates into an all-in price, which will also include £145 road fund licence.

The price increase amounts to an average of 1.7% across the range, although the Ka, Fiesta Classic, Escort Focus, pre-August 1996 Mondeo, Galaxy, Probe and Maverick and pre-January 1997 Scorpio models are unaffected. For 1997, the Mondeo gets cheaper air conditioning, the option of side airbags, a new ABS system and upgraded security. The Scorpio gets dual airbags as standard for 1997.

Sample prices (with old OTR prices in brackets): Fiesta 3-dr 1.25 LX, £9,945 (£9,805); Escort 3-dr 1.6 LX, £13,390 (£13,145); Mondeo 5-dr 1.8 LX, £14,875 (£14,535); Maverick SWB 2.4 GLS, £18,060 (£17,820); Probe 3-dr 2.0 16V, £18,735 (£18,485); Scorpio 4-dr 2.3 Ultima, £24,875 (£24,140); Galaxy 7-seat 2.0 Aspen, £18,285 (£17,860); Courier van 1.8D, £9,565 +VAT (£9,370); Transit van SWB 80, £12,570 +VAT (£12,315).