Ford of Europe will unveil a near-production example of its fully redesigned D-segment Mondeo line at the Paris motor show next week. Unusually, the wagon version will be shown first.
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The car will be launched across Europe from the second quarter of 2007.
Although the original 1993-2000 Mondeo was conceived as a ‘world car’ (it was also built and sold in the US under the Ford and Mercury nameplates) the new model, replacing the current line launched in 2000, is, like its predecessor, designed mainly for Europe (a small number will likely still be sold in some Asian markets and Australia and New Zealand).
Like its immediate predecessor, it will not go on sale in the key US market, where it would compete directly with the Ford Fusion. (Ford US also spurned Ford Europe’s latest C-segment Focus, preferring instead to lightly redesign the previous-generation European-designed model).
The 2007 Mondeo is based on Ford’s ‘Shared Technologies’ programme, which has already produced the S-Max and Galaxy. Models in the programme share architecture and technologies (rather than a platform), as well as the same production lines.
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By GlobalDataThe new Mondeo will again be built in Genk, Belgium, which has received a EUR715m investment and now produces the S-Max and Galaxy minivans as well (the previous Galaxy was made with the VW group in a joint venture plant in Portugal).
In a statement, Ford said the new Mondeo has been developed in line with its product sustainability index (PSI). PSI provides a basis for permanent evaluation and improved sustainability performance for new generations of vehicles across environmental, social and economic areas. This ‘holistic’ approach to product development is an industry first, with the new S-Max and Galaxy being the first vehicles created using PSI.
Ford Europe said the new Mondeo demonstrates its ‘kinetic design’ language. The new model incorporates all of the key ‘kinetic design’ elements – dynamic lines, three-plane plan front-end view, full surfaces, “strong shoulders”, bold wheel lips, a rising waist line and a distinctive kick-up of the side window line at the C-pillar.
The ‘kinetic’ design is followed through in the interior. The new car has more space inside than the previous model, and a low-profile instrument panel also adds to the feeling of spaciousness, the designers claim.
Engine options will include Ford’s Duratorq 2.0-litre TDCi diesel (from a line developed, produced and shared with the PSA group) and a new high-performance 2.5-litre turbocharged Duratec petrol engine derived from that introduced earlier this year with the S-Max. The automaker’s familiar 1.6-litre Duratec petrol and 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines will also be offered.
At Paris, Ford will also show a line of flex-fuel vehicles that can run on E85 bio-ethanol.
