Family Ford Goes Upmarket

A full year after it has introduced the S-MAX, Ford is planning to pull the wraps off its next-generation Mondeo range.

Auto Express Car Reviews

22nd February 2005

Available as both a saloon and estate, the car will be vital in the firm's fresh assault on family buyers. However, with people choosing more practical SUVs and crossover models instead, sales across the sector are in decline, so the range is moving upmarket to stay ahead of the game. As a result, it will have to compete with rivals traditionally seen as more exclusive, including the forthcoming Alfa 159 and the Volvo S60.

The biggest change will be the styling. After the conservative MkII Focus, Ford is aiming to produce a stylish, modern design to distance the car from the current Mondeo's 'repmobile' image. A concept hinting at the new look will appear at a European motor show in 2006. Helping the newcomer's challenge is Ford's new D1 platform, which will provide first-rate ride and handling while putting the emphasis on safety and strength. It is capable of taking four-wheel drive, for a sporty ST version.