04-11-2009

Sharp new Mondeo to get turbo boost
Ford family favourite moving upmarket with hi-tech engines and classy looks promised

Make way for the new Mondeo! Insiders have revealed the replacement for Ford’s big-selling family favourite will be more upmarket, stylish and efficient than ever, with a range of hi-tech turbo engines. And our exclusive pictures preview how it will shape up.

Sticking with a development of the current car’s kinetic design language, the next Mondeo promises to be even more striking. The five-door hatchback layout will be retained, but a higher waistline, more steeply raked windscreen and a lower roof will mean its overall shape will be closer to a coupé than a traditional saloon – a trend which was started by the Jaguar XF.

The bold front has a much larger lower grille, swept-back headlights and more pronounced lines in the bonnet – features it will share with the new Focus, due at the end of 2010. Massively flared wheelarches and even deeper creases characterise the profile, while the rear shows off its sporting intentions with a metal diffuser and subtle bootlid spoiler.

Meanwhile, a redesigned interior will take the Mondeo closer than ever to competitors in the premium segment. But as with all modern Fords, the cabin will have a trendier appearance than its more sombre German counterparts.

Designers will draw inspiration from the futuristic layout in the recently revealed C-MAX. Expect angular shapes and a dashboard more reminiscent of a concept car than a showroom-ready model.

If it’s to keep its loyal fan base and broaden its appeal even further, the newcomer will need be even better to drive than the current car – and the signs are good. Under the skin will be a modified version of the existing platform that should give the Mondeo the same dimensions and superb dynamics as its predecessor.

Alongside an updated range of four-cylinder diesels, Ford will offer super-efficient direct-injection, turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engines that give a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while providing the same power as larger-capacity units currently on sale.

Three engines are planned, starting with a 1.6-litre offering between 150bhp and 180bhp, and scheduled to debut in the C-MAX next year. There will also be a 2.0-litre producing upwards of 200bhp – and a 150bhp 1.4-litre version. While there are no plans to build a hot ST variant, the ageing 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit could be replaced by a new 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with 350bhp and 475Nm of torque.

The new Mondeo is likely to debut in concept form within 18 months, and will go on sale in 2012. Prices are set to be unchanged.

Coupe is on the cards, too!

To keep up with the ever-expanding choice offered by rival manufacturers, Ford is planning a wide range of Mondeo variants for the next-generation model.

And, in addition to a saloon and a more practical estate, a Mercedes CLS-style Coupé is on the cards to take the fight to the well received Volkswagen Passat CC.

This would also be aimed at stealing sales from models such as the Audi A5 Sportback and forthcoming BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo, and would feature an even more rakish design.

Engines will be taken from the top rung of the EcoBoost ladder, while inside will be a luxurious interior with two individual rear seats. Its good looks should ensure it will take its place as the figurehead for what will be the most desirable Mondeo line-up yet.

Bron | Auto Express

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