If you thought the presentation of the new European-market 2013 Ford Mondeo at the Blue Oval's "Go Further" brand event in Holland today wouldn’t hold any substantial surprises since it's basically a rebadged version of the North American market Fusion sedan with different powerplants, you're wrong. Very wrong.
Along with the four-door sedan variant of the Mondeo, Ford also premiered the two more body styles, the sleek five-door liftback and the more spacious and practical Wagon (Estate) models, both of which were uniquely developed for Europe, which means don't expect to see either in North America.
While Ford is keeping most details close to its chest until the world debut of the 2013 Mondeo series at the Paris Motor Show later this month, it did reveal some details about the powertrain options for Europe.
Besides the 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine with 123HP (125PS) and 170Nm (125 lb-ft) of torque that we told you about on Wednesday, Ford confirmed the availability of a hybrid variant.
The new Mondeo HEV is Ford’s first hybrid passenger car for Europe, and will be offered exclusively in sedan form. The hybrid model combines a specially-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 35kW lithium-ion battery
Another first for the Mondeo will be a diesel-powered all-wheel drive variant.
Some of the features highlighted by Ford during the presentation are the full LED headlamps, rear inflatable seatbelts, a segment-first SYNC with MyFord Touch infotainment system featuring voice-activated in-car connectivity, an eight-inch color touchscreen and the ability to act as a WiFi hotspot for up to five devices.
“This is the most premium Mondeo we’ve ever built and the most premium vehicle Ford’s loyal European customers have ever been offered,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe. “It raises the bar in its segment in terms of style, technology and quality.”
14 Comments:
I understand that wagons don't sell well here in the US but who concluded that "liftbacks" or "sportbacks" won't sell here? I'd buy one over a sedan. Better looks and more practicality seems like a win win to me.
Looks brilliant, but do we really need to wait 12 - 14 months before it comes to Britain ?
Am I correct in thinking the first picture of the Instrument panel is the US spec, not European ?
Truckar? TruCar? Caruck? Cartruck? Just looks too big, square, bulky and truck like. Ford obviously doesn't know much about the varying design shapes between cars=wedge and trucks= rectangular.
I'm with you Chris. I REALLY wish Ford would sell the 5 door here in the USA. I'd buy that in a second. The wagon looks really good but I'd prefer the 5 door.
That hatchback is damn good looking.
HEY FORD, bring the 5 door to the USA!!! I WILL BUY IT!!! I like the instrument panel in the manual transmission version than in the automatic. I hate the dinky little tach in the auto. I'm wondering if the instrument panel is a big lcd panel that's reconfigurable? That would be nice but I doubt it.
Audi + Aston Martin = New Ford's face, pretty good by the way.
IT'S ONLY A SECOND FACELIFT TRAP! *CRAP http://good-wallpapers.com/pictures/10070/Ford%20Mondeo%20Estate.jpg http://www.automobilesreview.com/img/2011-ford-mondeo-avant/2011-ford-mondeo-avant-01.jpg
Since Audi, Volvo, VW and BMW abandoned the wagon, if Ford brought in a Manual Diesel Fusion wagon it would own the market... and give the finger to VW and Volvo, and god damit Ford get one Diesel engine approved for the US market please, help your damn EPA numbers and resale value in one fell swoop!!
Also, how come the Europeans get a nice big panoramic sunroof and we here in the USA just get the little sunroof taken from the Fiesta??? I hope there is a panoramic option on the US versions!!!
soon or later ASTON MARTIN is going to regret lending their legendary grill design to ford.it look amazing on them.
Very nice looking (better than a Passat), but why did they make it so long ? (4m80 was more than enough to give great interior room)
What a shameless use of the Aston Martin grill by Ford. What's even more funny is how it is only the Americans who are keeping quiet about this rather lame appropriation of an iconic grill while most car forums in Europe are commenting negatively about this. Yet we see the American boys criticizing daily about how other brands(Hyundai, etc.) copy others, but when their own brand national brand does it it is suddenly OK. Just bcus you buy a company doesn't give you right to shamelessy use what you bought & do no real design work of your own. Also, I Just love the Jaguar derived body of the new Ford Fusion. Amusing Americans.
Liftback: for the man who is so small and so sad that he needs an entire sales department to come up with witty terms to assure him that he is not driving a crummy, plain and old hatchback, but a trendy, sporty and clever liftback.
Post a Comment