All-New Ford Mondeo set for Geneva Debut

Press Release

New Mondeo Versatility

The second row of seats in all three new Mondeo bodystyles features a 60/40 split seat back and cushion arrangement and the seat backs fold forward to allow larger, more bulky loads to be transported.

In two-seat mode the wagon and five-door models offer substantial luggage capacities of 1745 litres and 1460 litres respectively. The closed luggage area of the four-door has a generous capacity of 535 litres. Those models equipped with a Continental Comfort Kit for tyre inflation also gain an additional 15 litres of capacity within the spare wheel well.

Tie-down points and hooks are provided in the luggage area of each bodystyle and an optional third 12 volt powerpoint is incorporated within the luggage compartment of the wagon to charge electrical devices.

Large pockets run the full length of the front doors and can comfortably hold a 1.5 litre drinks bottle. The glove box has been enlarged by approximately 10 per cent and can easily carry drinks cans. The 'aux in' socket for connection of portable audio devices is also conveniently located in the glove box.

The deep centre armrest and the area adjacent to the steering wheel provide additional stowage areas for small items within easy reach of the driver.

New Generation Ford Human Machine Interface

The new Mondeo features as standard the next generation of Ford's advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI) system. Three levels of HMI are available, depending on series and technical features specified.

The new HMI system brings vehicle interaction and systems control to a new level. The system features three main components:

Toggle Switches: Two toggle switches are prominently placed on the steering wheel. The right toggle switch uses a geometrical representation system with a well-known hierarchical structure; in its simplest form this translates to up, down, left and right. Each selection is confirmed by pressing 'ok' in the centre of the toggle switch. The left toggle switch has up and down movement to control the volume and seek functions when in audio mode

Multimedia Unit: A new colour and configurable multimedia display unit is integrated into the flow-through centre console. This unit enables passengers to control the radio, navigation system, mobile phone, CD changer and audio devices connected through the auxiliary socket.

Instrument Cluster Display: All new Mondeo models are provided with one of three levels of HMI depending on series and features. Situated in the centre of the instrument cluster the HMI display screen gives concise and clear information in the driver's field of vision. The Standard and Enhanced clusters use a negative monochrome display with red illumination, while a new 15cm Ford Convers+ full-colour premium cluster display is also available.

The new Ford Convers+ system, which may be specified as an option on Trend, Ghia and Ghia X models, comes as standard equipment on the modern techno Titanium and Titanium X series. It features a 15cm colour display screen positioned between a specially designed speedometer and rev counter, and provides the same information and functions as the Standard and Enhanced clusters but in addition gives the driver visual control of the multimedia and audio functions, including auxiliary input and phone control.

Being simple and intuitive to operate, all levels of Ford's new HMI system follow strict, straightforward and logical rules and combine critical areas of ergonomic development to optimise the interaction of the driver with the vehicle features, comfort and entertainment systems.

Advanced Navigation, Audio and Communication Systems
Depending on series level and optional equipment specified by the customer, a choice of three stereo radio/CD players is available for new Mondeo, including two new generation Sony units, one of which has a 6-CD autochanger. Both of the Sony units have MP3 compatibility and offer 40 radio station presets. Radio station memory buttons have increased in quantity from six to twelve, and these now provide the dialling feature when in telephone mode.

All new Mondeo models feature a 3.5mm 'aux in' socket in the glove box for easy connection of portable audio and MP3 devices.

In addition, optional navigation guidance is provided through a choice of CD or DVD based navigation systems.

Full details of available HMI, navigation, audio and communications systems will be released closer to launch.

New Keyless Entry and Keyless Start

Two major new technical features available to Mondeo customers for the first time are the keyless entry and keyless start functions.

Where the option is taken for keyless entry, a conventional mechanical key is no longer needed to unlock the car. Instead, the car uses three external antennae to detect the presence of the correct fob within a small boundary around the car's body. The keyholder simply pulls a door handle to gain entry to the cabin or the handle on the bootlid or tailgate to access the rear load area.

Titanium X and Ghia X models are equipped with keyless start as a standard feature. As the driver enters the car with the correct fob about their person, three internal antennae detect its presence. The engine is then started with one press of the Ford Power start button while the driver depresses the clutch pedal on manual transmission models, or the brake pedal on automatics. This sequence reduces the risk of a child inadvertently starting the engine.

New Ford Easyfuel System for Capless Refuelling
The new Mondeo is the first Ford production model to feature the company's award-winning Easyfuel system.

The system guarantees against both petrol and diesel misfuelling at the filling pump as the fuel filler neck aperture has been specifically designed around the different sizes of fuel nozzles. Ford has engineered its system only to allow the nozzle that matches the corresponding fuel type of the car to enter the filler neck.

Initially shown as a concept technology at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Ford Easyfuel system was awarded 'Idea of the Year Award' in the UK's Autocar Magazine 2005 Awards.

Hill Launch Assist

When the optional Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) system is specified,Ford'sHill Launch Assist (HLA) system can also be fitted. Using the braking system, HLA is engaged when the car is stationary to prevent it from rolling downhill. HLA provides a two and a half second delay when the driver moves their foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal as the system maintains pressure to the braking system.

Ford Precision Drive : New Mondeo Driving Quality
The Ford Mondeo has been acclaimed for its driving quality since the launch of the first generation model in 1993. The new Mondeo will extend the model's reputation in this area and from the outset was developed with superior driving dynamics as a core attribute. Consequently, the new Mondeo combines sporty driving dynamics with a refined ride and minimal noise, vibration and harshness.

While the core vehicle delivers superior driving quality with exceptional steering, handling and ride, Ford's optional new Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) can be specified for even better handling, comfort and stability, plus shorter braking distances.

The CCD system continuously adjusts the damper properties to the current road and driving conditions and offers the driver a choice of three different settings: Comfort, Normal and Sport. The system has been tuned extensively to the specific weights and wider track of the new Mondeo.

New Mondeo's driving quality attributes will be packaged as Ford Precision Driveto reinforce Ford's leadership credentials firmly in customer minds.

Recognising that Ford has a strong heritage of acclaimed driving dynamics to live up to, the Mondeo development team has paid special attention to the car's suspension and steering system. The major modifications include:

• Wider track

• Optimised front suspension design

• New rear suspension design

• Isolated rear subframe

• Optimised steering system