New Ford Mondeo (2013) in Paris: The Brave New World Car

B already on the Detroit Motor Show 2012 Ford had anticipated the fourth generation of the Ford Mondeo with the US model Fusion. It is based on the C /D architecture that all other mid-range models from the Ford Group will use in the future. This saves enormous costs with high quantities and is called 'One Ford Strategy' in the managerial diction.

Ford Mondeo from the second half of the year in Germany

That means the new one Ford Mondeo is a world car and has now arrived in Europe. From the second half of 2013, Ford will be offering a five-door hatchback sedan in Europe as well as the tournament station wagon version. The four-door sedan followed a few months later and will only be available as a plug-in hybrid drive variant.

The Ford Mondeo HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine (185 hp) in combination with a 48 hp electric motor. This electric motor draws its energy from lightweight lithium-ion batteries that guarantee a range of around 160 kilometers when fully charged.

Ford Mondeo tournament receives all-wheel drive

While the hybrid drive is reserved for the four-door model, the Ford Mondeo Tournament can optionally claim all-wheel drive. The internal combustion engines are the same for all body shapes. A 1.6-liter Ecoboost unit with 180 hp and 233 Nm torque is used on the gasoline side, while the top engine is the two-liter engine with 240 hp and 340 Nm. The 1.6 and 2.0 liter TDCi units are part of the range of diesel engines. At the end of 2013, the 1.0-liter Ecoboost petrol engine will also find its way into the Ford Mondeo. The three-cylinder develops 120 hp and provides a maximum torque of 170 Nm - via overboost up to 200 Nm.

A CVT transmission is available to customers as transmission options for the hybrid model. Otherwise, Ford offers a manual six-speed gearshift and a six-speed automatic for the front and all-wheel drive models.

Compared to the still current Ford Mondeo, the new generation only grows in length. The model adds nine centimeters and comes to 4.87 meters. The Mondeo has been shrunk by four centimeters (1.85 meters) in width and two centimeters (1.48 meters) in height. The wheelbase remains unchanged at 2.85 meters. The Ford Mondeo tournament will grow in lengthAnother six centimeters and can optionally be equipped with a large panoramic sliding roof. Overall, the already spacious Mondeo is expected to gain even more legroom, especially in the back seats. Ford does not provide any further information on the trunk volume or technical data.

Adaptive LED headlights upgrade the new Ford Mondeo

One thing is certain, however, that the new Ford Mondeo will receive adaptive LED headlights that also have cornering lights. In terms of headlight range and intensity, the headlights adapt to the respective speed of the vehicle. At higher speeds, they support the foresight with a greater depth of illumination, while at slower speeds they offer a wider field of vision.

The optional Ford Sync multimedia system on board provides for a broader entertainment spectrum. In addition to an eight-inch touchscreen, the air conditioning and audio system as well as the navigation system can be operated by voice control. The system also has various interfaces for USB, SD card and audio /video. Up to five mobile devices can be active on the Internet via an integrated WLAN hotspot.

Large radiator throat like Aston Martin

The new seat belt airbags in the new Ford Mondeo are more of a passive nature and are supposed to protect the rear passengers even better. The airbag unfolds around the torso and shoulder and is supposed to distribute the impact forces up to five times better than a conventional airbag.

The design of the new Ford Mondeo is certainly not conventional. It is based on the Evos concept car that debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2010 and is significantly more dynamic than the current model. The trapezoidal grille is somewhat reminiscent of the Aston Martin design. The bonnet is strongly arched and flanked by two narrow headlights. The new Ford Mondeo is dominated by a fairly high window line and strong beading on the side. Narrow lights can also be seen at the rear,