This is the all-new Mondeo and it will be coming as a liftback sedan with the exception of top-level trims and the hybrid. The hybrid Mondeo is basically the European version of the US-spec 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid and it will be built alongside diesel and petrol Mondeos at Ford’s production facility in Valencia, Spain. Furthermore, a range-topping Vignale trim will be added in the near future, which includes more visual sauce and cabin design spice, as well as some preferential services.
As expected, a wagon version is also available for all the mums and dads that need adequate space for their families. A neat thing about the new model is that even the entry-level variant comes with alloy wheels, dual-zone air conditioning, Sync2, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that deletes much of yesteryear’s physical buttons, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity, while satellite navigation is an optional extra. An interesting option comes in the form of inflatable rear seat belt technology. Ford says that the industry-first safety belt technology can disperse crash forces across a body area five times greater than that of conventional seat belts.
As anyone would expect from a new-generation model, the latest Mondeo is laden with a suite of other active and passive safety features, but the engineering team behind the nameplate hasn’t forgot to spruce up the powertrain. As such, the powerplant lineup now includes a 2-liter TDCi twin sequential turbocharged diesel with 210 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque available from 2,000 rpm. A small low-inertia turbo is used to respond quickly to initial boost demand, while a bigger high-inertia unit sustains boost pressure higher in the rev range.
In addition to that, a revised 2-liter TDCi turbo diesel engine with a single variable geometry turbocharger churns out either 150 or 180 horsepower. All three 2-liter TDCi variants feature a revised engine block, new cylinder head and fuel injection designs, with the addition of a NOx trap exhaust after-treatment system to lower CO2 emissions. The lower powered diesels can be had with Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system for added traction and road-holding.
As for the petrol-fed end of the deal, the peppy 1L three-cylinder EcoBoost will be available with 125 horsepower on tap. If you’re not a downsizing fan, then the 1.5-liter EcoBoost with 160 ponies or the 2-liter EcoBoost with 203 or 240 horsepower are the alternatives. If you want to go green without opting for the hybrid model, then the 1.6-liter diesel-fed ECOnetic Technology Mondeo is the car for you. Other highlights worth mentioning are the adaptive LED headlamp technology, the digital instrument cluster, electric power assisted steering and Active Grille Shutter technology as on the smaller Focus. Additionally a new high-power diesel engine will lead a range of efficient EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel engines.
Ford’s new Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection can identify people in the road ahead, or who could cross the vehicle’s path, and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings. The system processes information collected from a windshield-mounted camera, and radar located in the bumper, and checks it against a database of “pedestrian shapes” to distinguish people from typical roadside scenery and objects.
Pedestrian Detection is among a raft of new features and improvements detailed by Ford today, which enhance the all-new Mondeo. The system is part of the Pre-Collision Assist package that also introduces Active Braking, which can autonomously apply engage to help mitigate rear-end collisions, right up to the vehicle’s maximum speed.
Range-topping diesel
Ford also announced the all-new Mondeo will offer a new high-powered 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine featuring twin sequential-turbocharging and delivering 210PS and 450Nm of torque. The all-new Mondeo goes on sale later this year as a four-door hybrid, five-door or estate in dealerships across Europe. The high-powered diesel will be available in early 2015.
Sensing danger
Pedestrian Detection identifies people and reduces the severity of collisions at speeds of up to 50mph.
If a pedestrian is detected in front of the car, and a collision becomes imminent, the driver will first receive an audible and visual warning. Should the driver not respond, the system then shortens the time required to apply the brakes by reducing the gap between brake pads and discs. If there is still no response from the driver the brakes are applied autonomously and the vehicle speed is reduced.
Engineers tested the system on closed circuits using rigs fitted with life-size dummies. They also spent months testing and refining the system on roads around the world to prove system reliability under real-world conditions.
The all-new Mondeo also will apply automatic braking to mitigate or avoid a collision with a vehicle ahead. Active City Stop operates at speeds of up to 25mph. At higher speeds new Pre-Collision Assist uses radar and camera technology to scan up to 200m ahead, and can autonomously apply up to full braking force to help the driver mitigate or avoid many types of rear-end collision.
Radar technology also enables the new Distance Indication feature and Adaptive Cruise Control technology. Distance Indication provides an intuitive visual interface to inform the driver of the time gap to the vehicle ahead. Adaptive Cruise Control automatically maintains a chosen distance from the vehicle ahead.
In addition, the forward-facing camera supports Lane Keeping Aid, which applies steering torque to guide the all-new Mondeo back in to lane if unintended drifting is detected; and Traffic Sign Recognition, which provides the driver with the latest detected speed limit, cancellation signs and overtaking regulations via the instrument cluster display.
Parking and night driving made easier
Mondeo drivers will be able to see more clearly with the introduction of Ford’s adaptive LED headlamp technology to Europe. The sophisticated technology combines full-LED headlamps offering daylight-mimicking light clarity with Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System that adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match driving environment. It can choose one of seven settings according to vehicle speed, ambient light conditions, steering angle, distance to the vehicle in front and windscreen wiper activation.
Mondeo is also designed to help drivers in and out of parking spaces. An advanced version of Active Park Assist featuring Perpendicular Parking enables drivers to detect suitable spaces and reverse hands-free into those parallel to the road or side-to-side with other cars.
This advanced parking feature will be supported by both Park-Out Assist, which helps drivers to exit parallel parking spaces; and Side Parking Aid, which delivers an on-screen visual representation and audible warning of obstacles to the sides of the vehicles, as well as to the front and rear.
Multi-faceted engine range
A powerful new twin sequential turbocharged 2.0-litre TDCi engine, available in 2015, will offer 210PS and 450Nm of torque – delivered from 2,000rpm – with significantly reduced CO2 compared with the outgoing 200PS 2.2-litre TDCi engine.
“The new high-powered TDCi diesel engine follows the downsizing trend we’ve led with our EcoBoost petrol technology. Smaller engines deliver better fuel efficiency and emissions, and we claim the power back with advanced technology,” said Andrew Brumley, chief engineer, Ford Engine Programs. “Twin sequential turbocharging delivers the seamless performance consumers want every day in all conditions, and makes turbo-lag a distant memory.”
Electronically-controlled twin sequential turbocharging enables faster engine response. A small, low-inertia turbine is used to respond quickly to initial boost demand, and a larger high-inertia turbo is able to sustain greater boost pressure for peak performance.
The turbochargers are supported by both charged air-cooling and water air-cooling for a more efficient feed of air into the engine; an Active Thermal Management System that improves warm-up times by supplying cooling to specific components on-demand to reach peak efficiency faster; and a variable oil pump that reduces parasitic losses by increasing oil pressure on-demand.
A revised 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with single variable geometry turbocharger technology delivers 150PS and 180PS. All three 2.0-litre TDCi variants feature a revised engine block, and new cylinder-head and fuel injection designs, and Ford’s lean NOX trap exhaust after-treatment system for even cleaner emissions.
The 150PS and 180PS diesel engines will be available with Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, which offers a seamless transition between front-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive performance to automatically enhance traction and road-holding when needed. The system continually measures how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds, and can adjust power delivery to individual wheels in 100 milliseconds.
All-new Mondeo will also be the first vehicle in its segment to offer a 1.0-litre petrol engine. Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine was in 2014 named International Engine of the Year for an unprecedented third time in a row, and will join the Mondeo engine line-up in early 2015 with 125PS and CO2 emissions of 119g/km.* The engine calibration has been refined to deliver optimised performance for a larger vehicle.
Ford’s new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine also will be available in Mondeo for the first time with 160PS and delivering 134g/km CO2 emissions,* while the 2.0-litre EcoBoost is available with 203PS and 240PS.
An ECOnetic Technology model will be available, powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine with anticipated class-leading diesel CO2 emissions of 94g/km.* The all-new Mondeo is the latest vehicle from Ford to deliver “power of choice” to customers with a range of fuel-efficient EcoBoost petrol, TDCi diesel and Hybrid Electric Vehicle powertrains.
First Mondeo Hybrid
The all-new Mondeo Hybrid will be the first Ford Hybrid Electric Vehicle to be manufactured in Europe alongside the petrol- and diesel-engine Mondeo range at Ford’s state-of-the-art facility in Valencia, Spain. It will deliver 99g/km CO2* from a specially-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine combined with two electric motors – one to drive the wheels and another to supply regenerative charging – and 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery with an anticipated life-span of 10 years and 150,000 miles.
The Mondeo Hybrid represents the third generation of Ford global hybrid technology, and utilises in-house battery, control software and continuously variable transmission technology. It also is the first generation of Ford hybrid globally to operate without engine accessory drives for significantly reduced drag.
Fuel efficiency and emissions are further reduced across the range by aerodynamics that cut drag by up to 10 per cent; Active Grille Shutter; Smart Regenerative Charging; and Electronic Power Assisted Steering and Auto-Start-Stop with all powertrains.
Stronger and safer
The all-new Ford Mondeo uses sophisticated materials and production techniques to provide greater strength and improved safety with reduced weight and enhanced sustainability.
An industry-first application of hydro-formed high strength steel is used to produce the A-pillars, B-pillars, and roof rails. A new magnesium inner tailgate structure for the four- and five-door models delivers a weight-saving of approximately 40 per cent compared with a traditional steel equivalent. Also helping save up to 115kg for the 1.5-litre EcoBoost model for re-investment elsewhere is a recycled Front Energy Absorber, Ford’s first design to meet pedestrian protection requirements in both the U.S. and Europe.
Class-leading dynamics
The first model for Europe to be built on Ford’s new global CD-segment platform, the all-new Mondeo will debut Ford’s new integral link rear suspension configuration for improved refinement and more dynamic performance. The new suspension design delivers the compliance required for greater comfort, while retaining lateral stiffness for enhanced steering and handling. It also allows the wheel to move rearwards on impact with bumps. This delivers improved impact absorption for a smoother ride and reduced noise levels. The all-new platform and body structure combination delivers 10 per cent more torsional stiffness than the outgoing model for the most responsive and versatile Mondeo driving experience yet. The chassis is enhanced with active systems including Torque Vectoring Control, Pull-Drift Compensation, Active Nibble Compensation, Continuous Control Damping and Torque Steer Compensation.
The introduction of Electric Power Assisted Steering to Mondeo for the first time also enables steering weight to adapt and match the “comfort,” “normal” and “sport” chassis settings of Ford’s Continuous Control Damping. Drivers will notice a greater difference between the chassis characteristics delivered by the three settings. An optimised anti-lock braking system helps reduce stopping distances by more than one metre from 62mph.
Superior refinement
Mondeo driver and passengers will benefit from a quieter and more refined experience that better enables conversation even at high speed. Road noise reductions of around three decibels in the rear and two decibels in the front have been achieved with integral link rear suspension and additional sound deadening material within the underbody shields, wheel arch liners and front and rear doors to block tyre noise. The number of holes within the body shell also has been reduced to minimise noise transfer. Wind noise is reduced to levels previously only experienced in the premium segment through optimised window pillar and door mirror shape, enhanced door and window seals, and improved interior noise absorption. The thickness of the rear window glass is increased by 0.4mm, helping reduce passing traffic noise for rear seat passengers.
More seals have been added between the bonnet and front wings, and the engine bay sound insulation changed from fibreglass to foam, saving 1.5kg in weight while contributing to a reduction of between 1.5 and two decibels for powertrain noise transmitted to the cabin. In addition, all-new Mondeo features a humidity sensor that enables pre-emptive measures against flash-fogging of window interiors, and delivers best-in-class cooling from 55degrees C to 18degrees C in 15min.
Mondeo will transform driving and convenience with features including first-in-class power-adjustable, memory-equipped steering column; power tailgate; heated steering wheel; and heated and cooled multi-contour seats with unique Active Motion massage function.
Better connected with SYNC and MyKey
Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system with advanced voice control and an eight inch colour touchscreen will enable drivers to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems using simple conversational language. For example drivers can even bring up a list of local restaurants by using the command: “I’m hungry”.
Segment-first enhanced MyKey technology will enable Mondeo owners to programme a key – usually for younger drivers. MyKey can now inhibit incoming phone calls as well as restrict the top speed; prevent deactivation of driver assistance and safety features; reducing the maximum volume of the audio system, and disable the audio system altogether if driver and passengers are not using safety belts.
Sophisticated design
The all-new Mondeo will deliver best-ever quality and craftsmanship for both the refined, elegant, sporty and highly expressive exterior, and the interior that features optimised ergonomics and comfort, with premium finishes and equipment.
A sports coupe profile with low roofline incorporates a retractable panoramic glass roof for the wagon bodystyle. The lean side-profile is sculpted to convey “visual lightness,” while the sophisticated and technical front end design features Ford’s more prominent trapezoidal grille, a power-dome bonnet and adaptive, slim-line, laser-cut headlamp design.
Inside, Mondeo drivers are greeted by a digital analogue instrument cluster, while a sleek, wrap-around centre console design delivers a sporty, cockpit-like feel. A soft-touch instrument panel and flock-lined central front storage area and glovebox are representative of the high material quality and craftsmanship throughout. Smart-design front seats feature a thinner seat back – enabling rear seat passengers to enjoy additional legroom without sacrificing comfort for driver and front passenger.
“This is the most elegant, upscale but also athletic Mondeo yet; we wanted owners washing their car on a Sunday afternoon to be able to appreciate the subtle sculpturing that delivers that sportiness,” said Christopher Hamilton, Mondeo chief designer.
