Ford shows new Mondeo
Why don't they change the name though...?
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The all-new Ford Mondeo makes its world debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show next week, and Ford's leaked a few details about it.
Although the four-door three-box saloon segment is no longer the centre of the car market, Ford sees the new model as its new flagship -- and the company's invested €715 million (£481 million) in its development to prove it. The money's been spent modernising Ford's Genk plant in Belgium and transforming it into what Ford described as "a world-class, flexible manufacturing facility". Although Ford as a whole is deeply unprofitable, Ford of Europe continues to make profits.
The car's being previewed in wagon bodystyle in near-production specification, with the launch scheduled across Europe from the second quarter of 2007. The 2007 Mondeo will be affordable, and offer more comfort, space and quality features, said Ford. It shares much of its architecture and technology with S-MAX and Galaxy, as well as a production line.
A comprehensive range of core bodystyles will be launched concurrently in the new range, but Ford's design team has chosen the new wagon for the Paris show. "The wagon bodystyle is very important in the CD segment so it is appropriate that we show this derivative in Paris first," said design director Martin Smith. "We've managed to achieve this kinetic look without compromising luggage capacity. I believe new Mondeo will challenge everyone's perceptions of a big Ford car, and prove that we can once again deliver style with substance in a desirable form."
Ford sees the car's so-called "kinetic design" as helping to shape the company's new models. The design language consists of:
- Dynamic lines and a three-plane plan front-end view
- Full surfaces
- Strong shoulders
- Bold wheel lips
- A rising belt line
- A distinctive kick-up of the window graphic at the C-pillar
Interior detailing has had the design team's attention too. Examples include new generation "infotainment" systems, plus the next generation of Ford's Human Machine Interface (HMI). This system features steering-wheel toggle switches as on Galaxy and S-MAX, plus a large central LCD screen situated between the main analogue instruments in front of the driver. Rear seat headroom and legroom have been maximised, said Ford.
It'll get a wide range of Ford powertrains, from the venerable Duratorq 2.0-litre TDCi diesel and a high-performance 2.5-litre turbocharged Duratec petrol engine derived from that in the S-MAX, to 1.6-litre Duratec petrol and 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines designed for economy.
Full series information, technical specifications and data for the new Mondeo range will be revealed early in 2007.
"The new Mondeo is critical to the Ford of Europe business," said Ford's European boss John Fleming. "The Ford Mondeo has always been a major player in the European CD segment, and with over four million owners looking for us to deliver something special, we have every intention of meeting their significant expectations with this all-new model."
"The new Mondeo Wagon we are previewing at Paris is aimed at preparing our customers for the most exciting and high quality Ford CD car we have ever delivered," said Ford VP for product development Joe Bakaj. "The finer technical details will be kept secret for a few more months, but we believe that the Paris showcar's dynamic and kinetic exterior design and stylish, spacious new interior will give a clear indication of how different the new Mondeo range will be. We can't wait to launch it."
I hope the saloon keeps the 'cls' coupe styling from the iosis concept.
All ford need is to have a good choice of top end engines, the st220 and st 2.2tdci of the current lineup are well down on power compared to their rivals - perhaps volvo has some engines for the job.
Liking the new one. Of course, that is not a picture of te £15k version
Ha ha. P~
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