Ford rolled out a car in Paris that is critical to the marque’s success in Europe. The next edition of the US carmaker’s European flagship, the Mondeo, was previewed in near final production form as a sporting and stylish estate. The Mondeo is previewed as an estate because of the importance of this bodystyle in European markets.
The model is the first to fully adopt Ford’s Kinetic design language, first debuted in the iosis concept at Frankurt last year. Elements of the ‘dynamic, bold and fluid’ design have been introduced to production vehicles with the S-MAX and Galaxy earlier this year. The kinetic design evident is the style of the Mondeo is intended to wrap the safety and technology in a sporty, dynamic package to emphasize a premium style.
The front of the Mondeo shows the new face of Ford, also evident in the iosis X concept, with a large upper grille opening, and an inverted trapezoidal lower grille. The headlights are large and distinctive and flow back into the front wheelarches which are separated from the bonnet to create the strong shoulder line that runs to the rear of the car.
"With the purest expression of 'kinetic design' revealed in the Ford iosis Concept at Frankfurt 2005, we then introduced the first elements into volume production on the new S-MAX and Galaxy," Martin Smith, Ford of Europe design director. "Now, the new Mondeo takes the next major step along our journey towards a more expressive and emotional Ford range."
High quality materials, surfaces and finishes are used in the interior to carry through the kinetic design theme. Dynamic lines and full surfaces are featured with a low-profile instrument panel to maximize interior room for front seat occupants. The gear lever is located high and within easy rear of the driver in the flow-through centre console.
Special attention to interior detail includes new generation infotainment systems and the next generation of Ford's Human Machine Interface (HMI). The HMI system features the same steering-wheel used on the new Galaxy and S-MAX and introduces the availability of a large central LCD screen with full-colour graphics between the main analogue instruments in front of the driver. Rear seat headroom and legroom have been maximized for occupant comfort and safety.
"New Mondeo will deliver premium levels of comfort in a class-leading package," says Steve Adams, Ford's Vehicle Line Director for Large Cars. "You can also expect innovative and top-of-the-range new technology features, particularly those aimed at assisting and pampering the driver
Full details and technical specifications for the Mondeo will be released in early 2007. A wide range of engines will be offered, including the Ford Duratorq 2.0-litre TDCi diesel and a high-performance 2.5-litre turbocharged Duratec engine derived from the engine in the new S-MAX. Also offered will be an efficient 1.6-litre Duratec petrol and 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines.
Also revealed was the iosis X. This concept was intended to be a deliberate link to Ford’s kinetic design concept car from last year, with the X in the name signifying the crossover capabilities.
“There’s been a lot of speculation about Ford producing a compact crossover or Sport Utility Vehicle. The iosis X is intended to send a very strong message that we will be entering this market in around 18 months from now, and that our new model will be both stylish and individual,” explained John Fleming, president and CEO Ford of Europe.
The iosis X includes all the key design themes and graphic elements of the iosis, including the two piece grille, head light design, metal accents and trapezoidal shapes.
Skid plates were incorporated as a separate design element and are included as “floating” on the rocker panels with inspiration from the aerodynamic elements of a Formula 1 car.
The iosis X is an exciting five-door sports-crossover that proves we can extend the boundaries of kinetic design into a niche market vehicle,” explained Smith. “It takes our ‘energy in motion’ philosophy even further and shows how different Ford cars will be in the future.”
