This is the new 2013 Ford Mondeo, revealed to coincide with the launch of the new Ford Fusion at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show.
Confused? Ford no longer makes market-specific models, so each model has to be used around the world.
In America the Fusion is a Mondeo-like family saloon unlike the blue-rinse shopping buggy which recently retreated from the UK.
The red car (below) is the American version which will be known at the Fusion and go on sale during 2012.
Once they’ve altered the suspension, engine choices and slapped on a few bits of European trim, it will arrive as the UK Mondeo in spring 2013 (the white car is a rendering of how the UK Mondeo will look).
This is Ford’s third global model after the Fiesta and Focus. It’s also the least radical compared with the old model.
Yes, this is an all-new car, although you might not guess if viewing from certain angles.
The Styling
The new Mondeo is longer, taller, and narrower than the outgoing model. The styling is also rather conservative.
It’s like they’ve taken the old Mondeo and paid Aston Martin to style the nose.
And while it won’t pass for the Rapide it’s very elegant nonetheless.
Apart from the new light clusters, daytime LED running lights and the front grille it could almost pass for the old Mondeo.
But in part it’s understandable. When you have so much riding on a new model, the pressure to play safe must be immense.
At least with market specific models, more adventurous styling that goes wrong won’t endanger the company.
Unfortunately, this new globalitis seems to be a growing trend with car manufacturers.
Chief exterior designer for the American Fusion, Chris Hamilton said “Our design goal for the new car was to give the mainstream sedan buyer a top-drawer visual experience, adding some emotional appeal to an already sensible choice.”
While US buyers will be offered a four-door sedan, UK buyers will get the choice of five-door hatchback or estate.
The Power
At present, Ford Europe is rather silent about what will power the UK Mondeo. But based on the information about the Fusion, we can at least surmise part of what to expect.
Most of the heavy lifting is likely to be done by Ford’s 1.6 and 2.0-litre Ecoboost petrol engines and diesels of the same capacity.
As the Mondeo is aimed at fleet buyers and Ford has promised class leading co2 emissions, all models are likely to get start-stop technology.
And on the same theme, the 197bhp 2.2-litre TDCi performance diesel may be dropped in favour of a tuned 2.0-litre diesel that can manage at least 50 mpg.
Beyond conventional power, things become rather vague.
In America, the Fusion will offer hybrid power from launch. And as it has swapped its nickel hydride batteries for lithium ion, it’s lighter and capable of up to 62 mph in EV mode.
The US market will also get plug-in hybrid options making it the most efficient Ford saloon ever.
It’s uncertain whether Europe will get any of these hybrid options.
The Technology
The new Mondeo will be full of all the cutting-edge technologies which have already appeared in the Fiesta and Focus including;
- Lane-Keep AssistActive Parking
- Radar Cruise Control
- Touch-Screen Infotainment System (Sat Nav, Music, Phone)
- Sync Multimedia Console
- Ford MyKey – Keyless Entry And Start
- Blindspot Monitors
- Active Noise Control (Hybrid Only)
Inside, the cabin will be full of softer touch plastics moving even closer to the standard of the BMW 3 Series, which is good.
Under the bodywork, the suspension gets MacPherson struts at the front and a new multi-link axle at the back.
And the power steering will be more fuel efficient, using electric actuators rather than hydraulics. It will be interesting to see whether the Mondeo manages to retain the steering feel and ride quality of previous generations. Only time will tell.
Mondeo Man, your new corporate chariot has just arrived.
So what do you think Motoring Spyists? Is the new Mondeo an improvement? Do you like the styling? Will you be adding it to your list of potential company cars?
The old Mondeo was a very good looking car anyway & this one is just too much of the same for me (Although I do like the Aston nose)
It like a face lift (as opposed to a completely new model)
Completely agree Ian. Apart from the Aston nose, it looks virtually the same as the old model.
You’d think with the cost of developing a new model they’d want to make it look different so that people would know it’s a new model.
But I suppose Porsche does alright with the 911.