New-look Mondeo revealed for 2013

The new Ford Mondeo has been revealed in North America, with the European spec version due here in the first quarter of 2013.

Known as the Fusion in the US, the manufacturer says it brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles and, despite trim and engine changes for the European market, it will maintain the same appearance.

Previous versions of the North American Ford Fusion were derived from the same platform as the Mazda6. But with Mazda embarking on its own product development with Skyactive technology, and Ford trying to rationalise the number of platforms it uses, this Fusion will be similar to the next version of the Ford Mondeo.

"Our vision for Fusion was clear - deliver the very best of what One Ford stands for," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development.

"We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with groundbreaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy - one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result."