The new 2011 Ford Mondeo

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Ford of Europe is launching the most stylish and technologically advanced Mondeo model ever. With a fresh, restyled exterior, an enhanced interior, plus new high-efficiency Ford EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel powertrains and a host of new driver comfort and convenience features and safety technologies, the new Mondeo completes the rejuvenation of Ford’s large car range, and takes its position as the flagship model in the company’s European portfolio.

Following significant updates to the Ford S-MAX and Galaxy models earlier this year, the new Mondeo on sale in September/October is the latest Ford car to benefit from the continuing evolution of Ford kinetic design.

New Mondeo will see the first application of a higher performance 240PS derivative of the efficient new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine, joining the existing 203PS version of this engine, introduced in Mondeo, new S-MAX and new Galaxy earlier in 2010.

The latest Mondeo also introduces a comprehensively revised version of the 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, which boasts a 12 per cent power increase to 200PS, making it the most powerful Ford Duratorq diesel engine so far.

Mondeo design
The new Mondeo is set to build on the model’s established reputation as a stylish, versatile and great-to-drive vehicle, and for offering high levels of driving enjoyment and comfort to its occupants.

Central to this is the application of a fresh look for both body styles available in the UK – five door and wagon – to distinguish the new model. Ford’s design team set out to emphasise further the kinetic design signatures in each body style while incorporating new technologies such as LED lighting.

Bolder graphics and proportions at the front end, including larger lower trapezoidal and slimmer upper grilles, plus a revised bonnet profile and integral new LED day running lights further emphasise the Mondeo’s premium appeal and sporty stance.

New Mondeo’s sleek lines are emphasised in the side profile by a new, full chrome window surround for the higher series models, while larger, re-designed, LED tail lamps give additional kinetic movement to the rear.

Sophisticated interior
The interior of the new Mondeo has also been comprehensively reworked to give it a higher level of quality and sophistication through meticulous attention to detail, and by employing new, higher quality trim materials.

The re-designed centre console flows more elegantly, while the door panels feature a new ‘toproll’ and flush, integrated, door release mechanisms. Further enhancements include a new central overhead console featuring LED ambient lighting, and a woven headliner.

The use of new high quality interior trim materials in new Mondeo boost the overall feeling of craftsmanship and are complemented by high-class inlay foils and new ‘jewel’ detailing on switches and vents in satin chrome. New interior colour schemes also offer two new lighter interior executions for a rich, premium, appeal.

New powertrains
The new Mondeo offers a wide range of Ford’s latest high-efficiency powertrain technologies, delivering a key combination of fuel efficiency and low emissions, yet still maintaining Ford’s renowned driving enjoyment.

New Mondeo is the first Ford of Europe model to feature a more powerful 240PS version of the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost power unit. This joins the existing 203PS engine already available in Mondeo and the new S-MAX and Galaxy.

Lightweight all-aluminum construction is the key to the new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine, which features latest-generation high-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing. It has an advanced combustion system which contributes significantly to achieving new levels of performance and fuel efficiency for petrol engines in this power range.

Average CO2 emissions of just 179 g/km are achieved for the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine, regardless of the power rating or body style. Ford EcoBoost technology offers fuel consumption and emission reductions of up to 20 per cent compared with conventional petrol engines of a similar performance.

New Mondeo also introduces a significantly re-engineered version of the 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, which now boasts a 12 per cent peak power increase to 200PS, making it the most powerful Ford Duratorq diesel to date.

This new powerhouse is joined by the significantly improved 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel introduced to the Mondeo range earlier this year, and available with 115, 140 or 163PS power ratings, all three of which deliver average CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km with a six-speed manual transmission and regardless of body style. Existing 1.6- and 2.0-litre Ford Duratec petrol engines have also been retained, offering 120 and 145PS outputs.

New 1.6-litre engines from the Ford EcoBoost petrol and Duratorq TDCi diesel engine families will be available in the future to extend the wide powertrain choice even further.

New Ford ECOnetic Technologies are also available on new Mondeo to help ensure efficient and economical motoring. Innovations include Smart Regenerative Charging, the Ford Eco Mode driver information system and, for the first time in a Ford model, an Active Grille Shutter system. This electronically controlled device regulates the airflow through the radiator and engine compartment, reducing aerodynamic drag and benefitting engine heating characteristics to improve fuel economy and warm-up performance, particularly in cold climates.

Powertrain advances seen in the new Mondeo also extend to the transmission, with the latest Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission system fitted as standard equipment with Ford EcoBoost petrol engines and available as an option with 140PS and 163PS versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi.

New technologies for enhanced safety and comfort

Mondeo’s wide range of the latest driver assistance technologies includes Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert and Auto High Beam – all utilising a new high sensitivity camera unit located at the top of the windscreen in front of the rear view mirror.

Also extending to Mondeo are many features already introduced on the latest S-MAX and Galaxy models, including Ford’s Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limiter, Rear Door Power Child Locks and Rear View Camera. LED lighting technology is used for the daytime running lights and rear tail and brake lamps as well as inside the car.

Source: Ford (press release/media site)