Long-awaited versions of the Ford Mondeo powered by second-generation common rail diesel technology will enter European showrooms early next year.

The Mondeo TDCi joins the Focus TDCi in being powered by Ford's new Duratorq TDCi engine range and a Fiesta TDCi will also follow in 2002.

Ford is planning an 'aggressive push' in diesel engine development with its joint venture with recognised diesel leaders PSA Peugeot Citroen and its decision to transform its Dagenham factory into a global diesel centre of excellence, the manufacturer said at Frankfurt.

The new 130bhp 2.0-litre 16v Duratorq engine will extend the Mondeo's diesel offering which presently gives fleets the choice of a 115bhp 2.0-litre direct injection engine or a 90bhp lead-in variant.

The TDCi achieves peak torque of 330Nm at 1,800rpm - 16% higher than the Duratorq TDDi output using the same base engine architecture.

Ford said it was unable to give a CO2 figure for the new diesel engine for 'a couple of weeks', although it was able to say that the car would have a 0–62mph time of 9.9 seconds.

The Focus is powered by a 1.8-litre TDCi unit in addition to 75 and 90bhp TDDi powerplants. (October 2001)