All-New Ford Mondeo set for Geneva Debut

Press Release

• Daring to be different: the new Ford Mondeo marks a step change for Ford in terms of design and technology

• Striking and individual: dynamic and eye-catching styling embodies Ford's 'kinetic design' form language, expressing energy in motion

• Premium quality: New model builds on traditional Mondeo strengths and adds premium car features, including limousine-like comfort and NVH characteristics, ambient interior lighting, and soft-touch materials

• Transformed: New driver-focused technologies available 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 and Hill Launch Assist, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

• Impressive: List of standard equipment for the range includes Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Ford Easyfuel capless refuelling with fuel inhibitor to prevent misfuelling, 'follow-me-home' lights, trip computer, air conditioning, and an auxiliary audio input socket located in the glove box for external audio device connection

• Great to drive: New model delivers real driving quality as a core attribute and builds on Mondeo's acclaimed driving dynamics

• No-compromise safety: 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 curtain airbags

• Powertrain choice: Range of efficient powertrains with four Duratorq TDCi diesel and five Duratec petrol engines ranging in power output from 110 PS to 220 PS, including a new 2.3-litre, 161 PS Duratec HE unit coming later in 2007. New Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission available later in 2007 complements the proven Durashift 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions

• Distinct series: Available as Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Ghia – with optional X-pack for Titanium and Ghia, and Sport pack for Trend and Titanium

• Flexible and Spacious : Intelligent use of space, impressive package and improved luggage capacity

• Crafted by Ford: New manufacturing technologies include 'laser-brazing' for higher quality, seam-free join of bodyside to roof panel. The new Mondeo range was fully developed in-house and is exclusively built at Ford’s Genk 'flexible manufacturing' plant in Belgium

Mondeo Transformed
Ford of Europe's large car range is being completely transformed with a strikingly different, all-new model.

The dramatic and distinctive new Ford Mondeo epitomises Ford's 'kinetic design' styling language and introduces many new technical features to the Ford range. Mondeo's established strengths have been built on, notably with improved driving dynamics and safety enhancements.

Three individual Mondeo bodystyles, each embodying Ford of Europe's dynamic 'kinetic design' form language, will be launched simultaneously across Europe from summer 2007. The new range offers a broad choice of trim series and a wide range of powertrains, and brings new levels of refinement and comfort to its class and to the Ford of Europe portfolio.

"The Ford Mondeo has always been acclaimed for its strong attributes, particularly its driving dynamics and safety performance," said Steve Adams, Vehicle Line Director, Large & Luxury Cars, Ford of Europe. "With this remarkable new model we've taken these qualities a step further and enhanced the performance of the car in almost all aspects as well as transforming its design and quality."

The new Ford Mondeo benefits from Ford Motor Company's Global Shared Technologies initiative, sharing many elements of its core architecture with the Ford S-MAX – Car of the Year 2007 – and the new generation Ford Galaxy new Mondeo, however, is an individual model in its own right.

Mondeo Choice

The Ford Mondeo range has always offered a wide choice for customers, and for the new Mondeo the development team has worked hard to develop a comprehensive series strategy thatmeets the segment's diverse owner expectations.

Three distinct bodystyles – a classic four-door limousine, a stylish and flexible five-door sedan and the capacious wagon – will be available simultaneously from launch. For each bodystyle, four distinct series are available: the Ambiente, which provides a high level of standard equipment essential for business and family needs, the contemporary Trend series, and, at the top of the range, the Titanium and Ghia models.

The range-topping Titanium and Ghia models offer a choice of premium quality details. While the Ghia model represents 'classic luxury' with extensive use of chrome and wood ornamentation inside, the Titanium model will appeal to those customers favouring a more contemporary 'techno' flavour, with its metal-finish interior elements, standard Ford Convers+ HMI system, and blue glass.

An X-pack option will also be available for the Titanium and Ghia series, while a Sport pack can be specified for Trend and Titanium models, featuring lower suspension, partial leather seats and a choice of 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels.

Indvidual market series specifications will be released closer to launch.

New Mondeo Exterior Design

"W e wanted to create an emotional connection with the new Mondeo that would attract people from an aesthetic point of view even before they appreciate its technology," explained Martin Smith, Executive Director of Design, Ford of Europe. "Our goal was to make people feel impressed when they see the car, and ultimately want to own one."

The new Mondeo brings Ford's 'kinetic design' form language and philosophy to new levels, embodying all of its key elements. Together, these create a sleek and dynamic profile that represents 'energy in motion', and delivers a design presence that signals power and grace, setting it apart from run-of-the mill cars.

Immediately obvious when seen from the front is the new Mondeo's distinctive 'face', which is characterised by its trapezoid-shaped lower grille; a 'kinetic design' element that is increasingly recognised as part of the new Ford identity and is already evident on several recent Ford models, including the S-MAX and the redesigned Ford C-MAX.

A high bonnet line adds to the muscular proportions of all three bodystyles and ensures that new Mondeo meets the latest pedestrian safety requirements. The bonnet includes two shaped grooves in the surface which, in effect, create a 'power bulge', hinting at the dynamic qualities of the car.

Viewed from above, Mondeo's front three-plane-plan view is immediately evident, providing a clear link between the production vehicle and the definitive expression of 'kinetic design' – the iosis concept car – first revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005.

The stylish and flexible five-door sedan, classic four-door limousine and spacious wagon each feature a strong silhouette with the A-pillar angle perfectly blending through to the different bodystyles. The raised shoulder line gives a muscular feel to the car and improves the visual stance.

Another Ford exterior design signature is the use of pronounced wheel 'lips' or arches. This design element signifies the strong driving dynamics the Ford brand represents.

For the first time on the new Mondeo, Ford of Europe is utilising an innovative manufacturing technique known as 'laser-brazing'. This provides a way of joining the side and roof panels together in a more aesthetically pleasing way. A higher quality finish is achieved as there is no need for plastic or rubber trims running the length of the roof to cover the area where the panels would conventionally meet.

All bodystyles feature two-piece rear lamps with honeycomb-shaped filters and a body-coloured 'sacrificial panel' at the rear, covering the entire width of the lower portion of the tailgate or bootlid. Testing has proved this to be successful as a cost-effective and relatively simple-to-repair solution in the event of damage.

For the first time on Mondeo, blue glass is fitted as standard on the Titanium and Titanium X models in support of the 'modern techno' contemporary look for this series. Blue glass distinguishes these models from the rest of the range which uses green tinted glass.

All Mondeos will be available with a special infra-red (IR) front screen. This provides a cooling effect to the interior in comparison to non-infra-red glass. Tests show that the reflected energy performance of the IR glass is up to four times better when compared to standard glass.

New Mondeo Interior

New Mondeo's 'kinetic design' exterior language has also been carried through to the spacious interior which has been fashioned to carry a similar sense of style and quality.

In order to optimise the interior package and visibility, Ford's engineers developed and first used on Mondeo a new Computer Aided Virtual Engineering (CAVE) system. CAVE uses a combination of computers and projectors to create a virtual life-sized interior of a car. Using a specially designed rig, a real car seat is fixed into the appropriate position for the 'driver' who can then evaluate all-round visibility as well as comfort levels for reaching the steering wheel and operating major controls.

New Mondeo benefits from wide door opening angles to facilitate easy entrance and exit for passengers. Once inside, drivers will find themselves in a spacious and dynamic cabin.

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. Front seat legroom and shoulder room have been increased by 24mm and 52mm respectively.

New levels of craftsmanship are evident throughout the new Mondeo. For example, careful use of 'piano black' interior styling accents adds to the ensemble and creates additional interest and a tactile feel to key touch areas. Soft-touch material is used extensively throughout the cabin to emphasise the quality and refinement of the interior and helps to absorb any squeaks and rattles from items placed in the numerous smaller stowage areas. On Ghia and Titanium models, a new woven headlining is used which extends down the A-pillars.

New interior lighting enhancements include the use of 'ambient lighting' on all models to provide a warm amber illumination to the centre console. Additional clear lighting adds a soft glow to the front footwell areas to provide better visibility when getting into and out of the car.

New design seats include an available 8-way power adjustable sport seat for the driver that provides separate adjustments for fore/aft, seating height, cushion angle and backrest recline. 8-way power adjustment is standard equipment on the Ghia X model and optional on all other series with the exception of Ambiente which has two-way manual adjustment complete with lumbar control.

The 8-way power adjustable driver's seat can be specified with an optional memory function. Memory buttons enable up to four different seating positions to be stored and recalled or to return to the 'last-used' position through the use of any remote key that corresponds to the car.

The memory function also applies to both door mirrors . As each stored seat position is recalled the door mirrors return to their corresponding position. The seat and mirror memory positions are programmed to be recalled only when the car is stationary.

Also for the first time, n ew Mondeo Ghia and Titanium models are fitted with additional B-pillar ventilation openings which improve interior comfort and increase demisting performance.

Air conditioning is standard equipment on all new Mondeo models, and for maximum interior climate control, Dual Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC) is available. The DEATC system features individual temperature controls for the driver and front passenger.

A 12 volt powerpoint, positioned at the rear of the flow-through centre console, allows rear passengers to use or charge additional electrical devices whilst on the move. Second row passengers also benefit from optional seat heating elements and dedicated reading lamps that are standard on high-series models.