The dramatic all-new Ford Mondeo, now available in Malta, is designed to raise customers' expectations for a car in this class through a combination of style, dynamics and technology.
Over four million Mondeo models have been built at Genk, Belgium, since launch in 1993, and it is this plant that will build the current model, following a €715 million investment, alongside the current European Car of the Year, the S-Max, and the Galaxy.
The new Mondeo, which is the latest, most advanced expression of Ford's 'kinetic design', is an upper medium (D segment) car, measuring 4,844 mm in length on a 2,850 mm wheelbase; 2,078 in width (including the door mirrors); and 1,500 mm in height.
The distinctive front end has chamfered corners and a deep offset between the top of the bonnet and the front wings. A muscular shoulder line runs through the side of the car to a high point at the rear.
Distinctive rear lamps feature carefully designed graphics that enhance the overall feeling of premium quality. A strong undercut line runs from the bold front wing wheel lips through the side of the car. Under this, full surfacing extends down to strong rocker panels to ensure the vehicle maintains a dynamic road presence.
The spacious interior shares the same 'kinetic design' exterior language as the exterior. The driver will enjoy the 'cockpit' driving position as the higher beltline and flow-through centre console combine to enhance the cosseted feeling for front seat occupants. Intelligent use has been made of interior space, plus impressive packaging and improved luggage capacity.
New levels of craftsmanship are evident throughout. Careful use of 'piano black' interior styling accents create interest and a pleasing feel to key touch areas. Soft-touch material and ambient lighting is used extensively throughout the cabin to emphasise its quality and refinement.
The Ford Mondeo range has always offered a wide choice for customers, and the new Mondeo is no exception. Standard equipment across the range includes Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Ford Easyfuel capless refuelling with fuel inhibitor to prevent misfuelling, Thatcham Cat. 1 alarm, air-conditioning, 'follow-me-home' lights, trip computer and an MP3 connector socket.
The four-door saloon (five-door and estate versions are available on order) comes in four distinct series: Ambiente, with a high level of standard equipment essential for business and family needs; the contemporary Trend series; and, at the top of the range, the Ghia Titanium and Titanium X models.
These flagship models offer a choice of premium quality details. While the Ghia represents classic luxury, with extensive use of chrome and wood ornamentation inside, the Titanium model will appeal to those customers favouring a more contemporary, technology flavour.
Advanced new driver-focused technologies are available, and include keyless entry and keyless start with 'Ford Power' start button, new Ford 'Convers+' Human Machine Interface (HMI) instrument display, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control with Hill Launch Assist, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
The latest Mondeo is the first production Ford to feature the company's award-winning Easyfuel system that guards against either petrol or diesel misfuelling at the filling pump. The fuel filler neck aperture has been specifically designed around the different sizes of fuel nozzles so that only the nozzle that matches the corresponding fuel type of the car will enter the filler neck.
Driving dynamics is a core attribute of the new Mondeo, combining a refined ride with minimal noise, vibration and harshness. The major modifications include: wider track; optimised front suspension design; new rear suspension; isolated rear subframe; and an optimised steering system.
Ford has specified the trusted MacPherson front suspension system for the new Mondeo, incorporating features to enhance its driving experience, such as isolated subframes, control arm hydro bushings, S-shaped springs and dual path strut mounts.
At the rear a new version of the proven multi-link rear suspension design also benefits from an isolated subframe mounting system. This concept was adopted in the Ford S-Max 'Control Blade' design and uses four links to control each wheel precisely.
An enhanced Intelligent Protection System provides latest driver assistance and occupant protection technologies, including a driver's knee airbag, horizontal stroking steering column and full-length side curtain airbags. New manufacturing technologies include 'laser-brazing' for a higher quality, seam-free join of body side to roof panels.
The new Mondeo promotes stress-free, relaxed driving through low noise levels, which enables easy communication inside the vehicle and optimum use of the internal audio equipment. The combined effect of all the engineering actions, in terms of noise, is a reduction of 3 dB across the whole frequency range, compared with the current model. Wind noise, measured in Ford's state-of-the-art aero-acoustic wind tunnel, is the lowest in its class, and reinforces the quality ambience of the interior.
The new Mondeo is available with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines from 1.6-litre petrol with 110 bhp to 2.5-litre petrol with 220 bhp and diesels starting with the 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi with 125 bhp. Some engines come with five-speed manual transmission; others with six-speed manual or automatic.
Over four million Mondeo models have been built at Genk, Belgium, since launch in 1993, and it is this plant that will build the current model, following a €715 million investment, alongside the current European Car of the Year, the S-Max, and the Galaxy.
The new Mondeo, which is the latest, most advanced expression of Ford's 'kinetic design', is an upper medium (D segment) car, measuring 4,844 mm in length on a 2,850 mm wheelbase; 2,078 in width (including the door mirrors); and 1,500 mm in height.
The distinctive front end has chamfered corners and a deep offset between the top of the bonnet and the front wings. A muscular shoulder line runs through the side of the car to a high point at the rear.
Distinctive rear lamps feature carefully designed graphics that enhance the overall feeling of premium quality. A strong undercut line runs from the bold front wing wheel lips through the side of the car. Under this, full surfacing extends down to strong rocker panels to ensure the vehicle maintains a dynamic road presence.
The spacious interior shares the same 'kinetic design' exterior language as the exterior. The driver will enjoy the 'cockpit' driving position as the higher beltline and flow-through centre console combine to enhance the cosseted feeling for front seat occupants. Intelligent use has been made of interior space, plus impressive packaging and improved luggage capacity.
New levels of craftsmanship are evident throughout. Careful use of 'piano black' interior styling accents create interest and a pleasing feel to key touch areas. Soft-touch material and ambient lighting is used extensively throughout the cabin to emphasise its quality and refinement.
The Ford Mondeo range has always offered a wide choice for customers, and the new Mondeo is no exception. Standard equipment across the range includes Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Ford Easyfuel capless refuelling with fuel inhibitor to prevent misfuelling, Thatcham Cat. 1 alarm, air-conditioning, 'follow-me-home' lights, trip computer and an MP3 connector socket.
The four-door saloon (five-door and estate versions are available on order) comes in four distinct series: Ambiente, with a high level of standard equipment essential for business and family needs; the contemporary Trend series; and, at the top of the range, the Ghia Titanium and Titanium X models.
These flagship models offer a choice of premium quality details. While the Ghia represents classic luxury, with extensive use of chrome and wood ornamentation inside, the Titanium model will appeal to those customers favouring a more contemporary, technology flavour.
Advanced new driver-focused technologies are available, and include keyless entry and keyless start with 'Ford Power' start button, new Ford 'Convers+' Human Machine Interface (HMI) instrument display, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control with Hill Launch Assist, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
The latest Mondeo is the first production Ford to feature the company's award-winning Easyfuel system that guards against either petrol or diesel misfuelling at the filling pump. The fuel filler neck aperture has been specifically designed around the different sizes of fuel nozzles so that only the nozzle that matches the corresponding fuel type of the car will enter the filler neck.
Driving dynamics is a core attribute of the new Mondeo, combining a refined ride with minimal noise, vibration and harshness. The major modifications include: wider track; optimised front suspension design; new rear suspension; isolated rear subframe; and an optimised steering system.
Ford has specified the trusted MacPherson front suspension system for the new Mondeo, incorporating features to enhance its driving experience, such as isolated subframes, control arm hydro bushings, S-shaped springs and dual path strut mounts.
At the rear a new version of the proven multi-link rear suspension design also benefits from an isolated subframe mounting system. This concept was adopted in the Ford S-Max 'Control Blade' design and uses four links to control each wheel precisely.
An enhanced Intelligent Protection System provides latest driver assistance and occupant protection technologies, including a driver's knee airbag, horizontal stroking steering column and full-length side curtain airbags. New manufacturing technologies include 'laser-brazing' for a higher quality, seam-free join of body side to roof panels.
The new Mondeo promotes stress-free, relaxed driving through low noise levels, which enables easy communication inside the vehicle and optimum use of the internal audio equipment. The combined effect of all the engineering actions, in terms of noise, is a reduction of 3 dB across the whole frequency range, compared with the current model. Wind noise, measured in Ford's state-of-the-art aero-acoustic wind tunnel, is the lowest in its class, and reinforces the quality ambience of the interior.
The new Mondeo is available with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines from 1.6-litre petrol with 110 bhp to 2.5-litre petrol with 220 bhp and diesels starting with the 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi with 125 bhp. Some engines come with five-speed manual transmission; others with six-speed manual or automatic.