Unlike its American sibling (the Fusion), Europe’s Mondeo won’t be axed — at least in the foreseeable future.

We bring you as proof the first spy shots of the facelifted version that will debut early next year across European markets. As you can see, there aren’t many notable changes on the outside of this Mondeo Wagon prototype spotted undergoing winter testing.

Only the front and rear ends are covered in camouflage, suggesting those areas will be the ones to see changes. Expect a new bumper at the front as well as subtle changes to the tailgate and taillights.

Subtle design updates inside and out

The interior doesn’t look that different either, although we can spot some changes. For example, the center console features new switchgear for the climate control system right below the standard Sync 3 touchscreen and a rotary dial for the automatic transmission.

The latter looks very similar to the one used in the latest Ford Focus, leading us to believe the Mondeo prototype uses the same eight-speed automatic transmission as the compact model. Since Ford has announced in October that the updated Mondeo Hybrid family will gain a wagon version in 2019, this might be just it.

Mondeo Hybrid gains wagon version, regular models get new engines

The 2019 Ford Mondeo Hybrid Wagon will use the same 184 hp (187 PS) 2.0-liter gasoline-electric powertrain as the five-door liftback. However, it’s expected to gain a 9.0 kWh lithium-ion battery that debuted in the 2019 Fusion Hybrid. Replacing the current 1.4 kWh pack, the bigger battery should give the updated Mondeo Hybrid a pure-electric driving range of around 25 miles (40.2 km).

Along with the updated hybrid powertrain, the facelifted 2019 Mondeo family is expected to gain new EcoBlue 2.0-liter turbo diesel and EcoBoost 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engines borrowed from the 2019 Focus.

The Mondeo will also get the Co-Pilot360 safety pack consisting of adaptive cruise control, active parking assist, evasive steering assist, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Photo credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for Carscoops