BUYING: Mondeo ST24
Once commonplace, the first ST-badged Blue Oval is now a relative rarity — so grab this current bargain while you still can.
What you need to know if you’re in search of late 1990s performance.
Aperformance-focused version was never on the cards when Ford introduced the Mondeo in 1992, but with an existing V6 engine option and proven customer demand for a go-faster variant, it was an obvious addition when the facelifted Mk2 range broke cover in late 1996.
Christened the ST24, the new model was based on the Si V6 saloon. It featured the same 168 bhp Duratec 2.5-litre engine but with the addition of tweaked suspension and more equipment, such as airconditioning, half-leather trim and power driver’s seat adjustment.
Although identical to the engine of the Ghia and Si, the 24-valve V6 gave the ST24 enough pace to justify its sporty status, pushing the new saloon from 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds and onto a more than respectable top speed of 139 mph. Its driving dynamics were made even better with redeveloped suspension that was 20 mm lower than normal Mondeos and the introduction of larger 278 mm vented front discs and 252 mm solid rear items.
The arrival of the hatchback version in April 1997 ensured that the ST24 had the looks to match its performance. It came complete with the RSAP (Rallye Sport Appearance
Pack) bodykit, which comprised of a colour-coded rear spoiler, side skirts and a meshed front bumper with projector-style foglamps, and new, four-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels.
The ST24 family was completed with the launch of the estate in February 1998 but, like the saloon, it was stealthier than the hatchback with the RSAP only available as an option. That changed a few months later though, when the distinctive styling package was standardised for all versions of the ST24.
The ST24 soon gathered an enthusiastic following, with car buyers impressed by its blend of performance, practicality and refinement, but only two years after its introduction it was shelved in favour of the more-specialised ST200.
With its V6 being untouched from cooking Mondeos, classic Ford purists might argue that the ST24 was little more than badge-engineering. However, there’s no denying that it’s one of the very few performance Ford bargains left and, at 20 years old, it’s certainly a classic in terms of its age. Whether it’s a true classic Ford is undoubtedly arguable, but you can’t deny that with a near 140 mph top speed, fine handling and immense usability, it’s got all the hallmarks of a more memorable Blue Oval offering.