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Next Mondeo's Caught Cold

In last week's issue, we revealed the first-ever picture of the next Ford Mondeo, and explained that pre-production prototypes were testing - and this week's mag has the shots which prove it.

By Craig Cheetham

17th March 2005

The car in the mag may be heavily disguised, but using our network of contacts we were able to discover the identity of this plastic-clad prototype. There are also clues in what little bodywork is visible, as the model has the same mirrors as the current Mondeo, plus a noticeably larger windscreen in keeping with the next-generation car's look.

Our spies tell us this is the sixth Mondeo prototype built so far, and is an entry-level 1.6-litre petrol version. That's the engine which will kick off the line-up; developing around 110bhp, it's set to replace the current 1.8 Mondeo as the base model.

Further up the range, the existing 2.0-litre unit will remain, along with five-cylinder 2.3 turbo and 2.4 motors from Volvo to create an ST performance range-topper. Diesel versions will come with either the 1.6 or 2.0-litre TDCi engines from the Focus, while the flagship machine will get the 2.7 V6 powerplant found in the Land Rover Discovery.

As with the current car, three bodystyles will be available: a four-door saloon, a five-door hatch and an estate. There will also be an MPV model badged Mondeo D-MAX, which will be based on the SAV concept unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. Safety will be key for the new car, with Ford aiming for a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. At least six airbags and a stiff bodyshell will help, while uprated ESP stability control and brake assistance will aid accident avoidance.

The Mondeo will be the first car to use Ford's new flexible platform. This can be easily modified with various different drivetrains and wheelbases, thanks to a large number of interchangeable components.

The innovative chassis will go on to underpin various other models, including the next Volvo S60 and S80, Land Rover Freelander and Jaguar X-Type, and will be adaptable for front, rear or four-wheel drive.

For an alternative review of the latest Ford Mondeo visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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