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Auto Express Car Reviews
New Ford Mondeo revealed
The new Ford Mondeo has been revealed at the Detroit Motor Show
By Dan Strong
January 2012
The fight for the future of the family car starts here. Ford boss Alan Mulally has pulled the wraps from the stunning new Ford Mondeo, which will go on sale in the UK in March 2013.
Mulally described the launch of the newcomer as a key moment in Ford's strategy for 2012 - a year in which the US firm will launch more cars that ever before.
Video: watch our video of the new Mondeo at Detroit
Promising that 10 new models will be based on the chassis that underpins the new Mondeo he outlined an ambitious plan that sees the car maker selling 1 million versions of the new Mondeo every year by 2014.
Like the Fiesta, Focus and Kuga, the newcomer is a world car that will be sold unchanged across the globe. It will be called Fusion in the US, but will continue to be known as Mondeo in the UK and Europe.
Pricing is likely to match the current car, particularly when it comes to the popular Edge and sporty Zetec models – which start at £17,795. But in other respects, it’s all change.
From the body to the chassis to the engines, everything about this fifth evolution of the Mondeo is brand new. And for the first time ever, there will be hybrid and plug-in hybrid models that’ll return 56mpg and 140mpg respectively.
The new car is seen here in saloon form, but hatch and estate versions will be built, too. And it’s rumoured that Ford is also planning a dramatic four-door coupe rival to the VW CC, inspired by the Evos concept seen at last September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
Cutting-edge entertainment technology and new safety kit are promised as well, including a lane-keeping system, radar-equipped adaptive cruise control and hands-free auto parking.
Inside, the new Mondeo will also get SYNC, Ford’s Microsoft-developed in-car entertainment system, which streams music to the car’s speakers from your phone and also incorporates Bluetooth and Internet access. The MyFord Touch system will be available, too, offering voice control for all major systems.
If this sounds like a radical overhaul, it is. But the new Mondeo doesn’t only have to prove it can compete with rivals globally; it has to reinvigorate the declining family car class, too.
The designers’ most obvious achievement has been shaking off the boxy silhouette of older Mondeos. The new car measures 4,869mm long, 1,852mm wide and 1,476mm tall – about the same size as the current car – but it’s four centimetres lower, meaning it has a much sleeker profile. There are slimmer roof pillars and the bodywork has a smooth, unruffled finish. The 19-inch wheels give the show car plenty of presence, and will be available as an option on the popular Zetec trim level.
The new grille and headlamp arrangement takes inspiration from the Evos concept and signals a new evolution for Ford’s Kinetic design language. Sparkling LED tail-lamps and polished exhausts add a touch of class to the car.
The driver-focused cabin offers upmarket fit and finish, with soft-touch plastics and fabrics on the dash and doors. Seats are supportive, and there’s an oversized centre console, which helps separate the driver from the rest of the cabin. Elsewhere, extra space has been freed up by moving the dash closer to the windscreen and redesigning the seats to make the most of the car’s 2,850mm wheelbase.
We've sat in the new cabin, and can report that the quality does represent an improvement over current Fusion. It's a near match for current Mondeo too, featuring a clean, neat design that puts the driver centre stage.
But as impressive as the design is, it’s what’s under the skin that should give the new Mondeo an edge over rivals when it goes on sale here next year.
For starters, there will be one of the broadest selections of fuel-efficient engines ever seen in the family car class. The stars of the show will no doubt be the petrol-electric hybrids, but the line-up will also feature 1.6 and 2.0-litre turbo EcoBoost petrol engines, equipped with stop-start technology. Diesel choices will include updated versions of the 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDCi engines already seen in the Focus. All cars will also offer a choice of six-speed manual or paddleshift SelectShift automatic gearboxes.
And the news doesn’t end there. According to one source, Ford is testing an ultra-efficient version of the new Mondeo, powered by a 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. This could appear in 2013.
All of that is backed up by the latest entertainment and driver-assistance technology that will use new sensors, cameras and radar which enables the car to see the road ahead and respond to danger.
How will the Mondeo drive? We haven’t tested it yet, but the ingredients look very promising. The car’s bodywork is 10 per cent stiffer, which should improve steering accuracy and offer a more stable platform for mounting the suspension.
It also gets tuned electric power-steering, plus MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new multilink set-up at the rear – comparable to systems seen in current Audis and BMWs.
Refinement promises to be first-rate, too. All versions of the Mondeo get acoustic underbody shields and weight-saving sound-absorbing material. The model will also be one of the first cars in the family class to feature a full-perimeter bonnet seal.
What’s more, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Mondeo will have active noise control, which uses the audio system to cancel out road noise and enhance the engine note.
Unsurprisingly, the new car gets the very latest safety technology. As well as offering a stronger body, it will have dual front knee airbags, plus adaptive front airbags that deploy according to the seat occupant’s size, position and seatbelt usage.
The countdown to the launch is now well and truly underway, and the Mondeo’s next public outing will be at March’s Geneva Motor Show, where it’ll appear as a hatchback. From what we have seen, it looks like Mondeo Man has never had it so good.
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37 Comments
If "everything about this fifth evolution of the Mondeo is brand new", then it's not an evolution.
On the Aston theme, Autocar have a picture of a white one on their website and it really does look remarkably like an Aston from that angle.
Ford going from strength to strength.
Ok so the look isn't a huge step away from the current Mondeo, but thats not a bad thing, (if it aint broke) the current Mondeo still looks great and only needs a few tweeks to bring it up to date. The biggest being the interior, and up to date equipment which is lacklustre compared to the new Focus.
With Fords 'One Ford' philosophy, hopefully this won't change for the European market, and it will easily give BMW and Audi buyers something to think about. Lets just hope residuals are stronger, and if it looks similar to an Aston, thats ok... better to look like an Aston than a Kia or a Citroen.
Plus ça change...
...plus c'est la même chose.
I am impressed that in all that text you've managed to completely avoid mentioning the fact that from the rear 3/4 view the car looks near identical to the current model.
I like the front however, even though I know it is not 'exactly the same', I think Aston Martin have every right to be annoyed about that grille. The interior is an improvement, but from the A -pillar back - where is the progress?
Stylistically, this is another missed opportunity I think.
Would rather save up a bit more to buy a British made Jag,
Made in Belgium EUville made by brussels sprout in Genk Belgium.
Looks much the same as the outgoing Belgium made Mondeo model oh you get a different grill, 4 wheels and yes a round steering wheel as well but get to destroy British jobs.
Would rather buy a new British made Jag or failing that a Toyota Avensis thats also made British made, securing British workers jobs for their families.
Who said that he would rather buy a uk made whatever? That is the stupidiest thing in the world! Nahhhh seriously, if anybody always rathered buy some "intown" products then life would be too boring.
By the way running costs are not exactly the same you know.
Oh and yeah, the car DOESN"T look like the autoexpress rendition especially in the rear.
And what you read here is wrong. I don't believe one bit it is an overall new car from bolts to the chassis. It the previous heavily reworked. The platform was too good and too young to let it go, almost suicidal to invest in a new one.
And multi-link? Ford showed the way to many bitches!!!
IVOR!!!!
Good ride with your toyobra! Or you pos mondeo based failed experiment baby jag used. By the way if you are so keen on uk made with 90% import parts inside a primera 1.8 can be had for next to nothing and is a good reliable car.
Anonymous Styling
Technically no doubt, a very fine car but I find the styling and design to be lacking a clear design focus, there seems to be different themes and influences going on, with hints of Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Maserati. I prefer what Ford is doing in their Suv range like the C Max & S Max. I think the 1st and 2nd generation Mondeos were good Designs but this latest generation just doesn't seem to know what it wants to be.
God, insn't the front end hideous?
I hope ford will employ some stylists for the production models.
Progress.. ahem..
Look at the Audi A3 and most 3 series BMW's, they've been making the same car for years and years its become boring, yet no one moans and they still sell loads. This platform is a different market to the C & B -segment hatchbacks which date quicker.
As for buying british built, again it doesn't seem to affect other manufacturers, its only the real patriots that seem to insist on buying british built, then go home and use their Japanese built TV, china built Microwave etc.
New?
This surely is just he current car with a new PUG-esque awful gaping mouth look? The rest of the car looks just like the current one. And we know how toned down the current mondeo was when production commenced.
If you really want to find the true influence of the headlamps and front styling it is the US taurus. Grill is aston martin like, back is like an audi a7 or a5 sportback.
It could be much worse. I think they blended it pretty well and it is better looking than the old car. Interior also looks more robust, but softer materials? The old mondeo was soft touch all over.
Good Job Ford!
The current Mondeo is a fine car indeed, and this new one builds on that. The more I look at it the better it looks, and I reckon that in the metal it will look better still.
The front end is distinctive, even if it is reminiscent of an Aston without it being a copy. The rear end definitely has a bit of an Audi A5 Sportback look about it, but again it isn't a copy. In fact it looks a bit like an Audi with added flair.
The profile is very sleek, and yet maintains a masculine look too it.
All in all, I like it, and I believe that it will do very well and start to win back a few people who already respect the current Mondeo but who can't manage to pull themselves away from the lure of a premium German badge, because in all honesty that is all they are buying. And following sheeple like that is one of the things that helped inform my choice of car last year ... I didn't even cast a look in their direction. I run a vehicle leasing brokerage and the last thing I wanted was an Audi, BMW or Mercedes (in that order). In fact I was a little disappointed that Ford weren't offering something to replace my Type R - actually they do offer something I love with the S-Max, but I have no need for one.
Now bring on the the Coupe version of this Mondeo and I'll be able to widen my choice next time around!!
Ivorbiggen
1) You probably haven't
2) What about the Ford engine plants in Britain?
Ugly
No doubt it will be a good car but it is ugly with minimal windows. If I was still a rep I wouldn't want one
It's OK but...
The one that will sell most will not look like the ones at the unveiling, which were fully loaded versions.
It is definately a synical move to use the Aston style grill to try to give it some class!
It will still lose money, hand over fist and most of its value in the first four years.
It will still start to get rattles and squeeks about a year into its life.
It will still be a low class repmobile that will be seen being thrashed up and down the country.
It is still only a Ford!
Part Aston Part Jag
The new Mondeo looks part Aston, part Jag, which can only be a good thing for the ford. But I wouldn't want my Jag or Aston confused with a Mondeo. Giorikas81 - I have the baby Jag - don't care it's based on a Mondeo, don't knock it, it's a fantastic car. I would've bought an Audi if I wanted an overpriced Golf with an a**ehole image.
Was never a fan of the current Mondeo, thought it reminded me of the police car in Home and Away, but I drove one a while back and it's gigantic inside, much bigger than some cars in the class above and it drove great. This can only be a better car but Ford's once unique design philosophy seems to now be copy the premium marques instead. It's not just Ford though, many cars look the same even the Jag XF has a hint of Lexus from some angles :-(
leBaronet
It shows the Americans still have no idea about marketing - fancy still calling it Mondeo!!!
It looks fat at the front and the same as the old one from 3/4 angle - same meat different gravy.
The i40 Hyundai beats it into a cocked hat..
ST
Nice looking car , what about an ST version.
won't be fooled
I don't somehow think I'm going to be fooled into thinking there's an Aston in my rear view mirror once this hits our roads, not unless it's going to be severly lowered and widened. Oh yes and missing the great big ugly licence plates that adorn our cars. :)
Forget what you think you know
"It will still lose money, hand over fist and most of its value in the first four years.
It will still start to get rattles and squeeks about a year into its life.
It will still be a low class repmobile that will be seen being thrashed up and down the country.
It is still only a Ford! "
Spoken just like somebody that hasn't been near a Ford for years! Ford has completely changed it's product in recent years, I suggest that you forget what you think you know and when you are next looking to buy a car pop down to the local dealer and drive one. The quality is easily as good as the equivalent "Premium" brands and they drive a lot better!!!
Ford = Bored
I'm in my Fiftys.
In the 70s Ford was the brand i longed to buy into.
How times have changed.
Lack lustre styling.
Even Kia and Hyundai are equal to Ford with a better warranty.
Come on Ford.Get your act together and get back to waht you did so well.
Value for money cars with a touch of style.
Excellent effort. Styling looks evolutionary, yet manages to look clean, way better than the underwhelming Focus. Interior avoids the visual clatter the Focus has in spades, this is the first seriously classy Ford for ages. Should be repositioned to BMW 5-series segment though, it is only 5" less than 5 metres long, it will be absolutely massive inside. Well done Ford, excellent effort. As for made in Belgium, so what, Ford has hundreds of dealers in the UK. We still support the British economy buying one, even if it is made in the continent.
Matt, you funny fella, a rival for the VW CC will never be a Mondeo 'anything'. The VW is a luxury car. The Ford definitely not.
I like the look of the current Mondeo in 'luxo' guise, and this improves on that. Dont go with the kitchen appliance white tho. Dont know about recollections of Aston at the front, I can easily see lots of the current Mitsubishi Lancer, with that protruding snout. The grille and lower grille look fantastic, after an abomination of a front they recently put on a new car. The sides are very attractive and restrained too. The crease running front to rear through the door handles looks very good design. Guys [at AE] why is it there are less and less technical details in anything you write for us? Seems all we get now is the 'fluff'. The whole car world is bleating about efficiency, yet makes cars heavier and heavier, while ignoring an extremely vital ingredient of the efficiency equation with drag. I dont understand. Anyone got a clue........ AE when do you go into bat for the motorist, and ask the awkward questions and make the critical comments of/to the car makers??
Sorry I spelt your name with 2 t's Mat. And I realise it was Dan whom wrote the article. Cheers
It's nice too look at ( for a while atleast)
Yes, it looks good but so many people will buy this car. There are so many alternatives yet UK people don't like the change. Alot of people will but this car then we'll all get tired of seeing it on the roads.
If ford can design amazing looking cars like this why did they make such a pigs ear of the ford focus ?
Very boring update/refresh do you need an alternative?
It's better than previous but would rather have a new Kia Optima it's the biggest seller from the fastest growing car company in the U.S and for good reason.
The Optima is a car that will sell on looks alone.
Coming to the UK soon.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/276052/kia_optima_17_crdi.html
Heads not required
Ford seem to have fallen for the current ludicrous fashion for sloping rooflines that require the removal of heads in order to occupy the back seats. Do these designers have no adult friends? Fine for kids I'm sure, but like an increasing proportion of the population, my kids are adult now so I need 4 seats for real adults in any car I own. Plus I go out for meals etc - with other adults! Amazing eh?
It's an understeering Belgium made FWD Mondeo you Muppets
Pretentious Mondeo is not and never ever will be an Aston you muppets.
Aston Martin is a Great British company its cars are designed and made in Britain creating British jobs.
Ford Mondeo is an Belgium made assembled together with Belgium hands that sends profits back to the USA.
Aston Martin is a RWD car built by a quality hand built great British company that won't understeer, it's drivetrain can also take handle lots of power. It create both big profits and most importantly for the British economy hard to come by these days British jobs.
New Belgium Mondeo is non of the above, just more pretentious rubbish from Ford, that has nothing in common with an Aston Martin at all.
Remember the very last Granada ?
" shudder"
Well it looks like Ford have reemployed the same 'designer' who signed-off the Grille of the very last Ford Granada.
The rest of the car is fine - but --- WYHat is it with these awful
Grilles?
And are they ashamed of the oval blue badge now ?
some post total bs.
VW luxury? Have you taken a look at some parts of the dash for starters? (which is the same in all passats).
Ford doesn't need to be "luxury". Smart people are smart buyers. Style has nothing to do with "faux luxury".
It is good that they got something left from aston martin. Which is now under china bosses...end of story. I know that it is .co.uk for this site but try to imagine things a little bit of the uk borders.
Mondeo Name Better Than Fusion
Front end is very Aston Martin. Ford should consider calling it the Mondeo in North America too. Fusion sounds goofy while Mondeo sounds exotic. Just saying.
Aston Martin saloon?
Looks better, at the least the grill is not following some other manufacturers that make them all very similar. The fact that the grill resembles an Aston Martin will subconsciously make it favourable. It looks aesthetically pleasing and well done for getting the badge off the grill. Have never owned a ford and never intend too but at least they have started to make a difference again.
Not
How boring. The rear looks too squashed up, it's still too overweight and the front end with an Aston grille is tacky.
"Made in Britain" Toyota Avensis.
Toyota Avensis is "Made in Britain", it's engine is also "Made in Britain.
Why export British assembly worker jobs & our kids jobs & future overseas to Belgiums Mondeo assembly plant in Genk what has the EU ever done for us?
Ford have not produced assembled 1 single car in the UK since 1999. Why buy from Johny Foreigner, back Britain instead.
Toyota Avensis reliability is legendary, the Mondeo's suspension starts falling to bit at 75,000 with very costly repairs. Never get mentioned, when you test drive a brand new car.
Ford "Needs to go further"
Ford need to produce more than ZERO cars in the UK.
Skool report : Very poor indeed could try harder, "Needs to go further" 1/10 and build a least 1 car per year in Britain.
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Leading the way for safety kit
Like the latest Focus, the new Mondeo will be packed with Volvo levels of technology. It gets a lane-keeping system that uses a forward-facing camera behind the rear-view mirror, alerting the driver if the car drifts out of its lane. If no action is taken, the car will steer itself back in line.
Meanwhile, the adaptive cruise control uses radar that looks down the road, keeping pace with traffic ahead. When not cruising, the system can also brake the car if it detects a crash is imminent.
Active park assist will reverse park the car automatically, while the blind spot information system uses sensors in the rear quarter panels to detect unseen traffic.
It will even work when you’re backing out of a parking space with an obstructed view.
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