Ford Mondeo

Mondeo range unveiled

At last, the wraps have been taken off Ford's latest family class challenger - arguably the most important car it's ever launched

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Sam Hardy

14th February 2007

The new Ford Mondeo is finally here - and with saloon, hatchback and estate models making their debuts over the next five pages, we've got the blue oval's latest family challenger covered from every angle.

They will all star at next month's Geneva Motor Show, with sales starting in June. The large family car market has been hit by the growing popularity of SUVs, 4x4s and people carriers - as well as prestige brands such as Audi and BMW.

So the company has pulled out all the stops, giving the model an all-new look that's much more dramatic than any of its predecessors. Inside is the brand's highest-quality cabin ever. Driving dynamics are still a top priority, too, and the latest Mondeo builds on its reputation as the best-handling car in its class with heavily modified suspension which has been tuned to also offer better refinement.

The newcomer is full of technology aimed at making the driver's life easier. This includes adaptive cruise control, as well as a whole host of equipment as standard, such as air-conditioning throughout the range.

The hatchback featured on these first two pages of our coverage will be the big seller. At the front, a bold nose incorporates Ford's trademark twin-trapezoidal grilles - the upper intake showing off the all-new three-bar layout for the first time in Europe - mixed with large headlamps and integrated lower spotlights.

Raised lines from the upper grille run up the bonnet to the A-pillars, and with thick shoulder lines and small glass areas, there's a real feeling of solidity. Extended wheelarches and sporty low sills, plus a sleek roofline, give the hatch an athletic profile. The look is completed at the rear by sharply angled C-pillars and tail-lights inspired by the S-MAX MPV's.

An increase in overall dimensions means space is improved inside, and the new Mondeo promises to be the roomiest car in its class. That goes for the estate, too. It's certainly good looking, although prac-ticality is the star feature of the load-lugger, and buyers can expect enormous carrying capacity. The saloon also boasts plenty of luggage space thanks to its deep boot.

Whichever bodystyle you prefer, all models are set to rival premium brand makers in terms of quality. Dark, soft-touch plastics are used throughout, and are offset by aluminium detailing. The centre console gets piano black trim, and is dominated by a digital screen showing information relating to the stereo and climate control.

It's backed up by a smaller read-out in the instrument binnacle, which displays satellite navigation instructions. Ford is calling this its Human Machine Interface (HMI), and it's designed to incorporate all the items a driver needs on a day-to-day basis in one, easily viewed place.

There have been some big leaps in terms of dynamics, too. Engineers have updated the previous model's MacPherson strut front suspension with new springs, bushes and mounts, while at the rear there's a completely fresh multi-link layout. A wider track and tweaked steering should ensure the Mondeo is even sharper to drive. Adaptive dampers with several different settings will be offered as an option on performance models.

Yet the new Ford should blend its better handling with greater refinement. By isolating the subframes of the front and rear suspension, Ford says it's reduced road noise by 3dB. It also claims class-leading wind noise.

A wide choice of engines will be available. The petrol line-up consists of 1.6-litre Ti-VCT units in 108bhp or 123bhp form, a 143bhp 2.0 and a new 159bhp 2.3-litre. Topping the range is the 217bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-charged motor from the Focus ST.

As for diesels, buyers can choose from a 1.8-litre TDCi in either 99bhp or 123bhp guise, and a 2.0 TDCi with 128bhp or 138bhp. Five and six-speed manual gearboxes are offered, as is an all-new six-ratio Durashift auto.

For the first time, the Mondeo will also come with keyless entry and keyless start (the engine is fired via a dash-mounted 'power' button). Other firsts include Ford's EasyFuel system, with the fuel filler neck designed for petrol or diesel nozzles to prevent misfuelling.

The newcomer is full of technology aimed at making the driver's life easier
Four trim levels will be available: Edge, Zetec, Titanium and Ghia. The latter two will be the flagships, with Ghia offering a more traditional luxury feel. It features leather upholstery and wood inlays, while Titanium has contemporary materials. Buyers will also be able to specify options packages, with the X-pack providing even more kit, and the Sport pack bringing lowered suspension and larger alloys.

All cars are well specified as standard, however; air-conditioning, stability control, 'follow-me-home' headlights (which stay on briefly after the engine is turned off), a trip computer and an MP3 socket in the glovebox are all included in the equipment tally.

Ford's new adaptive cruise control - which automatically matches the car's speed to that of the vehicle in front - features as an option. So does a tyre pressure monitoring system and Hill Launch Assist, which holds the model briefly on a slope after the driver has taken his foot off the brake.

While prices have yet to be confirmed, the new Mondeo is set to start at around £16,000 for the hatch and saloon, with the estate £1,000 more.