Press Release
Refined Suspension System
Ford has again opted for the trusted MacPherson front suspension system for the new Mondeo, focusing on precision and package. The suspension subframe is extremely rigid and wide, sitting in isolating rubber mounts for enhanced ride comfort.
The system also incorporates other benefits to enhance the Mondeo driving experience, including i solated subframes, control arm hydro bushings and S-shaped springs, plus dual path strut mounts.
At the rear, new Mondeo uses a new version of a proven multi-link rear suspension design with an isolated subframe mounting system featuring rubber bushings. This suspension concept is already familiar in the Ford S-MAX 'Control Blade' system design and uses four links to control each wheel precisely.
Reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness and Improved Sound Quality
New Mondeo provides stress-free, relaxed driving through low noise levels which enables easy communication inside the vehicle and optimum use of the internal audio equipment up to high speeds.
The combined effect of all the engineering actions that have been implemented is an overall improvement in terms of noise reduction within the cabin of more than 3dB across the whole frequency range in comparison to the previous Mondeo.
Wind noise levels, measured in Ford's state-of-the-art aero-acoustic wind tunnel are the lowest of its vehicle class. The low sound pressure levels and source harmony achieved for engine, road and wind noise contributions reinforce the quality ambience of the new Mondeo interior.
New Mondeo Powertrains
The new Mondeo is available with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, including the range-topping 220 PS Duratec 5-cylinder petrol unit as used in the Ford S-MAX and based on the engine of the high performance Ford Focus ST.
From late 2007, the range will be expanded with a new 2.3-litre Duratec HE 161 PS 4-cylinder petrol unit, plus a new Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission featuring a Sport mode that changes gear at higher engine revs.
Delivering an optimum blend of performance and economy, the range of engines offers low noise levels coupled with excellent driving quality. The following engine and gearbox combinations are available, depending on market:
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1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi 100 PS or 125 PS diesel with 5-speed manual transmission. The 125 PS version can be specified with 6-speed manual transmission as an option.
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2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi 130 PS or 140 PS diesel, both with 6-speed manual transmission and coated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
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1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT 110 PS or 125 PS petrol engines with 5-speed manual transmission.
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2.0-litre Duratec HE 145 PS petrol engine with Durashift 5-speed manual transmission.
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A new 2.3-litre Duratec HE 161 PS 4-cylinder petrol engine with Durashift
6-speed automatic transmission. -
Range topping, performance oriented 2.5 litre Duratec 5-cylinder 220 PS petrol engine with Durashift 6-speed manual transmission.
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From late 2007, a new and advanced Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode will be available as an option with a 130 PS version of the
2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine as well as being the standard transmission for the new 161 PS, 2.3-litre Duratec petrol unit.
Full details of the new Mondeo powertrain line-up and technical specifications will be released closer to launch, along with target performance data.
New Mondeo Driver Assistance and Safety Systems
Using the basic foundation of the car's ultra-stiff body structure, the new Mondeo features an impressive no-compromise array of active and passive safety technologies.
The new Mondeo also features an airbag for the driver's knee area and a horizontal stroking steering column which, together, have further enhanced Ford's acclaimed Intelligent Protection System (IPS).
Active safety systems are intended to aid the driver in safe driving and the avoidance of a collision, while passive safety systems protect the occupants and help reduce and avoid injuries.
The following active safety features for driver assistance are standard:
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A standard, enhanced Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system
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Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
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Standard Hazard Warning Light Assistant and 'follow-me-home' lights
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Highly developed, advanced lighting systems
For added reassurance, a host of new driver assistance features can be specified as optional equipment (depending on series and powertrain) including:
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Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Alert (FA) audio and visual collision warning system, and collision mitigation by braking
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Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control ( IVDC) active suspension system with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD)
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Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Run Flat tyres
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Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
The following passive safety features come as standard on all series of the new Mondeo:
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Enhanced Ford Intelligent Protection System (IPS) with seven airbags, including a new driver's knee airbag and full length side curtain airbags
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Ultra-stiff body structure for a rigid safety cell
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Improved driver protection through a horizontally stroking steering column
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Retracting safety pedals
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Optimised airbag deployment
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Enhanced safety belt system with pretensioners for front seat occupants
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Advanced seat design
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Advanced neck injury protection system for front seat occupants
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High-level child protection with ISOFIX
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Designed from the outset with enhanced pedestrian protection as an objective
Advanced Manufacturing Technology
The New Ford Mondeo will be built at the company's Genk manufacturing facility, one of the most flexible and modern automotive production facilities in Europe. The addition of all three bodystyles of the new Mondeo to the plant alongside the S-MAX and new Galaxy models represents the completion of a 715 million Euros investment programme for the Ford production plant at Genk in Belgium.
A key development in the technology used to build the new Mondeo is the utilisation of laser-brazing. Conventionally, the bodyside and roof panel of a car are welded together, leaving a joint that is traditionally covered with a plastic trim. With laser-brazing, the roof and bodyside can be joined together more effectively and without a visible join for a high quality appearance.
This technology is new to Ford, and was fundamental in helping to deliver the new Mondeo's expressive design and high levels of craftsmanship.
Ford of Europe's Commitment to Sustainability
The n ew Mondeo has been developed from the outset with Ford's Product Sustainability Index ( PSI) initiative behind it. This incorporates the whole product life cycle; from raw material construction through to production, vehicle operation, right through to the end-of-life operations.
The reflected indicators include life cycle global warming, life cycle air quality, use of sustainable material, restricted substances – including allergy-tested interior – and drive-by exterior noise as well as social and economic aspects, which include pedestrian and occupant safety, mobility capability and cost-of-ownership.
Using the PSI, Ford can target continuous improvement from one vehicle generation to the next.
Sustainability plays a key role in Ford Motor Company's policies. The development and integration of a sustainability management system encompasses the pursuit of improved air quality and fuel efficiency during the vehicles' life cycles, together with built-in recoverability at the time they have completed their useable life.
Ford Motor Company is committed to socially and environmentally responsible manufacturing and since 2000 Ford facilities worldwide, including Genk, have improved energy efficiency by over 16 per cent. Ford is targeting a further year on year 1 per cent improvement.
A Car to Change Perceptions
The all-new Ford Mondeo epitomises Ford's 'Feel the Difference' philosophy and is a step change for Ford's large passenger car range.
"We want the new model to change fundamentally the overall perception of Ford Mondeo in Europe," said Joe Bakaj, Ford of Europe's Vice President for Product Development. "New Mondeo has built on all of the strengths of its predecessor but now has more design emotion, more refinement, more technology and more presence. We're proud of it, and we know our customers will be too."
