The new model, shown here in concept form and due to make its debut today at the Paris Motor Show, will follow the lead taken by the recently-launched S-MAX and Galaxy MPVs in having a greater focus on interior quality feel and gadgets.
With Mondeo sales continuing to fall away in the UK fleet sector (down 9.5% year-to-date), Ford knows that it must produce a car which is more than just a workhorse to appeal to company car drivers and fleet managers.
When the production cars make their debuts at the Geneva Motor Show next March in saloon, hatchback and estate guises, they will feature the latest incarnation of Ford’s steering wheel-controlled Human Machine Interface. A new colour digital screen will display functions straight ahead of the driver.
Ford’s vehicle line director for large cars, Steve Adams, said: ‘You can expect innovative technology features in the new Mondeo, particularly those aimed at assisting and pampering the driver.’
As well as improved quality, the new Mondeo will also be a bigger car than before, with particular attention paid to increasing space for rear seat passengers.
And Ford claims it will remain affordable despite being larger and with more features. This is borne out by strategy of the new Galaxy, which was actually cheaper than the model it replaced.
Sales of the new Mondeo will begin in June next year. It will be built at the same Genk production line in Belgium as the Galaxy and S-MAX.
First pictures of new saloon model
Pictures of the new Mondeo saloon have been leaked from the set of the new James Bond film, Casino Royale.
Bond (Daniel Craig) will temporarily abandon his Aston Martin DBS for a commandeered new Mondeo. They are the first pics of the new car in its saloon format.
It's not just Ford that have got in on the product placement act with its Mondeo and DBS. Heineken have also been rumoured to be in on the act. Bond may be swilling lager instead of his trademark shaken Martini.
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