Ford's Multi Award winner the 1.0 litre EcoBoost has won the Engine of the year again.

• Ford 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine named 2017 International Engine of the Year “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” for the sixth year in a row
• Fuel-efficient, compact and powerful engine has won 10 International Engine of the Year awards since launch in 2012; powers one in five Ford vehicles sold in Europe
• Ford to offer 1.0-litre EcoBoost with innovative cylinder deactivation technology for further reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel-efficiency from early 2018

Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has been voted 2017 International Engine of the Year “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” for the sixth year in a row – meaning the compact and powerful three-cylinder petrol engine remains undefeated in its category since launch in 2012.

Judges praised the engine’s combination of performance, fuel-efficiency and technology. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost has now won 10 International Engine of the Year awards including, overall winner a record three times, and “Best Newcomer”.

“Our 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has been a game-changer, setting the benchmark for compact, fuel-efficient engines with sophisticated EcoBoost turbocharging, direct fuel injection and Twin-Independent Variable Camshaft Timing technologies,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “Even with 10 International Engine of the Year awards under our belt, we’re still finding ways to push back the boundaries of powertrain engineering, and deliver even more benefit to our customers from this acclaimed small engine.”

Offered with 100 PS, 125 PS and 140 PS, Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine now powers one in five new Ford vehicles sold in Europe, including two in five Fiestas. Ford EcoBoost petrol engines in capacities up to 3.5-litres deliver power and fuel-efficiency to Ford vehicles around the world, from the compact all-new Ford Fiesta to Transit vans, pick-up trucks, and Ford Performance models including the Focus RS and the Ford GT supercar.

The frugal three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine was named “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” by a panel of 58 automotive journalists, from 31 countries. First introduced to the Ford Focus in 2012, the innovative engine has continued to dominate its segment, faced with growing competition in a category popular with car buyers and important to carmakers. This year, the sub-1.0-litre award category featured 35 engines, nine more than in the 1.0-litre EcoBoost’s debut year.

“The baby Ford EcoBoost engine is still the best 1.0-litre, three-cylinder design around, despite newer powertrains arriving on the scene,” said Dean Slavnich, co-chairman of the 19th International Engine of the Year awards that were held in Stuttgart, Germany, and editor-in-chief of Engine Technology International magazine. “Even more impressive is that it is the first-ever powertrain to secure its class title every year it has been nominated.”

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine featuring cylinder deactivation technology will, from early 2018, deliver reduced running costs for customers by automatically stopping one of the engine’s cylinders when full capacity is not needed, such as when coasting or cruising with light demand on the engine.

An example of the advanced engineering that enables Ford to deliver the power of choice to customers with fuel-efficient petrol, diesel and electrified powertrains, the technology can disengage or re-engage one cylinder in 14 milliseconds – 20 times faster than the blink of an eye – with no compromise in performance or refinement.

Porsche to rename the Boxster and Cayman from the 2016 Model Year to 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman.

Mid-engine sports cars from Porsche get new names                          

The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman – these will be the new names of the two-door mid-engine sports cars from Porsche effective with the introduction of the 2016 models. The Stuttgart sports car manufacturer’s 718 designation is a reference to the ground-breaking sports car of this type of the year 1957, which enjoyed much success in renowned car races of the period. 

718 Boxster and 718 Cayman are showing more similarities – both visual and technical. In the future, both will have equally powerful flat four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engines with turbocharging. And the roadster will be positioned at a higher price level than the Coupé – as is the case for the 911 models.

Porsche will introduce the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman over the course of 2016.

The 718 model series is a continuation of the proven four-cylinder concept and the history of distinguished Porsche sports cars. The latest example is the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car, which also has a highly-efficient, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with just 2 litres of displacement. 

So, not only did Porsche finish first and second in the 24 hours of Le Mans, but most recently it also won the manufacturer’s and driver’s championship titles in the WEC World Endurance Championship. With these victories, the 919 Hybrid has opened up the prospects for the performance potential of future sports car engines from Porsche.

History of the 718: four-cylinder flat engine has many car racing victories

Four-cylinder flat engines have a long tradition at Porsche – and they have enjoyed incredible success. 

In the late 1950s, the 718 – a successor to the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder – represented the highest configuration level of the four-cylinder flat engine. Whether it was competing at the 12-hour race in Sebring in 1960 or at the European Hill Climb Championship that ran between 1958 and 1961, the Porsche 718 prevailed against numerous competitors with its powerful and efficient four-cylinder flat engine. 

The 718 took first place between 1959 and 1960 at the legendary Italian Targa Florio race in Sicily. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1958, the 718 RSK with its 142-hp four-cylinder engine scored a class victory.

Porsche 919 Hybrid: technological front-runner for production cars

In 2014, Porsche returned to the top category of the famous endurance race in Le Mans and the WEC World Endurance Championship with the 919 Hybrid race car. 

The LMP1 vehicle, which was designed for extreme efficiency, is the most complex race car that Porsche has ever built. It serves as a platform for fundamental technology research for future production models – combining two different energy recovery systems with a two-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

Ford launches new ST ranges, with improved power and lower emissions.

• Following its dynamic debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, prices from £22,195 have been announced for the new Ford Focus ST – available with both 250PS EcoBoost and 185PS TDCi 2.0-litre engines
• CO₂ of the petrol engine is reduced by 10g to 159g, while first diesel Focus ST emits only 110g/km
• Auto-Start-Stop technology improves fuel efficiency of EcoBoost model by six per cent
• Top-of-the-range ST-3 specification enhanced by upgrades including ‘Rock Metallic’ alloys with red brake callipers, illuminated scuff plates and SYNC 2

The new Focus ST 12-model range has gone on sale priced from £22,195 ahead of first deliveries from February 2015.

Showcasing a new sports exterior design and enhanced and improved interior for Ford’s latest global performance car, two engines, three series and two bodystyles make up the hot new Focus ST range in the UK.

Both the 250PS EcoBoost petrol and 185PS TDCi diesel 2.0-litre engines are offered in the ST-1, ST-2 and ST-3 series.  The latest Ford Focus ST line-up continues the acclaimed estate bodystyle for both roomy loadspace and sporty handling, alongside the five-door hatch alternative.

The Ford Focus ST’s powerful new 2.0-litre diesel develops 185PS/400Nm and emits only 110g CO₂/km.  The CO₂ output of the 2.0-litre 250PS petrol engine is reduced by 10g to 159g.

In addition to the full ST body styling kit, sport tuned suspension and 18-inch unique ST alloy wheel standard features on the new Ford Focus ST-1, ST-2 has LED daytime running lights as standard and the top ST-3 series is enhanced by a series of upgrades, including ‘Rock Metallic’ alloys with red brake callipers, illuminated scuff plates, privacy glass, SYNC 2 with 8-inch touchscreen and cruise control with speed limiter.

Both petrol and diesel models offer Auto-Start-Stop for the first time, improving the EcoBoost engine version’s fuel efficiency by six per cent and making it the most fuel-efficient petrol Focus ST ever.

“The new Focus ST delivers an even more sophisticated balance of performance, driving dynamics, refinement and style – the core of Ford’s Sports Technologies DNA,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “Even more enjoyable and rewarding to drive and with the choice of diesel power for the first time, the new Focus ST is in a class of its own.”

The Focus ST also will benefit from technology and craftsmanship revealed this year for the new Ford Focus – the world’s best-selling global nameplate.** The sporty and aggressive new five-door and wagon models will offer class-leading driver assistance technologies and connectivity features including the SYNC 2 in-car connectivity system.

Ford has sold more than 140,000 Focus ST models in 40 countries worldwide since the car was first launched in 2002 – 43,600 of those in Britain.

Enhanced driving dynamics

Ford Team RS, the award-winning European arm of Ford’s Global Performance Vehicle group, made improving the entire driving experience the number one objective for the new Focus ST.

The sports suspension features all-new front springs and sportier new shock absorber tuning front and rear. In combination with the model-specific anti-roll bars and rear springs from the previous generation ST, these enhancements deliver an even sharper dynamic performance.

The calibration of the Electronic Power Assisted Steering and electronic vehicle control systems also has been revised to meet the specific sporting requirements of the new Focus ST.

These changes deliver:

• A quicker response from the variable ratio steering, improving turn-in and delivering better overall balance
• A new Electronic Transitional Stability function in the advanced three-stage Electronic Stability Programme. This senses vehicle stability and driver inputs, intervening as required to maintain optimal precision and control during rapid changes of direction at speed – for example in a lane-change situation
• Revised Electronic Torque Vectoring Control settings that further optimise wheel torque distribution, maximising traction through corners and increasing agility

Power delivery refinement under hard acceleration – particularly front wheel traction and gear shift quality – is also assisted by engine mounts engineered specifically to accommodate the performance of the new Focus ST. Additionally,Ford worked with Michelin to develop a new 19-inch tyre that complements the driving dynamics, especially maximising lateral grip.

“Ford has long enjoyed a reputation for producing performance hatchbacks with superb driving dynamics and the new Focus ST more than lives up to that pedigree,” Bakaj added. “The engineering enhancements to the suspension, steering and electronic control systems deliver greater responsiveness, agility, precision and an exhilarating driving experience – whichever powertrain you choose.”

Power of choice

The new 185PS 2.0-litre diesel engine that debuts in the new Focus ST has been optimised to deliver ST performance and character alongside fuel efficiency and everyday practicality.

The increased power output of the Focus ST 2.0-litre TDCi – a 23 per cent gain over the 150PS 2.0-litre engine in the new Focus range – is achieved by electronic calibration, a revised air intake system and a new sports-tuned exhaust.

Peak power is developed at 3,500 rpm and there is 400Nm of torque available from 2,000-2,750rpm, enabling the new Focus ST diesel to achieve a maximum speed of 135mph. The torque output enables impressive in-gear acceleration and strong performance at low rpm. In 4^th gear, acceleration from 31-62mph takes just 5.5 seconds, the combination of a shorter ratio and the increased power enabling the Focus ST to outpace the 150PS 1.5L EcoBoost Focus by 2.7 seconds.

Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine uses turbocharging, Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing technology, and high-pressure direct-injection to deliver uncompromising performance. Peak power is available at 5,500rpm, 360Nm of torque is available from 2,000-4,500rpm, and maximum speed is 154mph. 

Both engines use a six-speed manual transmission with a performance-oriented, short-throw shift. The gear ratios – exclusive to ST and matched individually to each engine – deliver rapid acceleration in lower gears and comfortable cruising at speed.

Powerful appearance

The new Focus ST features sportier and more aggressive styling than the previous generation, with a lower, wider stance; new dynamically sculpted bonnet; slimmer headlamps and rectangular foglamps.

The sports bodykit also includes body‑coloured side skirts and diffuser elements either side of the exhaust, and a rear roof spoiler optimised for aerodynamic performance. All new Focus ST models feature twin-hexagonal centre tailpipes.

Black lamp bezels, ST badging and new 19-inch ST Design alloy wheels – that are available as an option – complete the look.

“Focus ST has proved very popular with Ford’s sporty customers and the new model takes that to an even more striking and dramatic level,” said Bakaj. “The signature honeycomb upper grille has been reproportioned, there are new rectangular fog lamps in the outer apertures, and the lower fascia offers a much sharper definition and profile. At the rear, the width of the car is emphasised by a new full-width graphic.”

A new dark grey exterior paint colour called Stealth is introduced exclusively to the Focus ST3. Deep Impact Blue is new to the full ST range that also includes Tangerine Scream, Frozen White, Panther Black, Race Red and Moondust Silver

Cockpit-style cabin

Ford has redesigned the Focus interior for a more intuitive layout that also is simpler, with a clearer visual connection between the key components and significantly fewer buttons in the cabin.

An additional bank of three gauges – an ST hallmark – is situated on the instrument binnacle and displays turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure information. A new, flat-base sports steering wheel with a soft-feel leather covered rim; a satin chrome-topped gear lever; and ST pedals deliver the interior that ST drivers expect. 

Satin chrome door grab handles and illuminated aluminium scuff plates add extra touches of refinement, and sports seats developed jointly by Ford and Recaro provide the support required to fully enjoy the ST driving experience, and also are comfortable for every day driving.

Advanced technologies

Driver assistance, convenience and connectivity technologies that will be introduced for the first time include the Ford SYNC 2 connectivity system. SYNC 2 offers access to audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones using class-leading voice control and a high-definition, 8-inch colour touchscreen that displays the ST logo on start-up.

Adaptive Front Lighting, available for the first time on the Focus ST, adjusts the intensity and angle of the Bi-Xenon HID headlamp beams according to vehicle speed, steering angle and distance to objects to provide optimal illumination. Cross Traffic Alert also is a new addition for Focus ST, and warns drivers reversing from parking spaces if other vehicles are about to cross their path.

Ford’s enhanced Active City Stop collision avoidance system – now operative at speeds of up to 31mph – readies the brakes if a potential impact is detected and – if the driver does not respond – will automatically apply the brakes. Lane Keeping Aid applies steering torque to guide the Focus ST back in to lane if drifting is detected.

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At LONG LAST the Ford Mondeo comes to Europe, and about time too !

• Ford’s new Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection can ‘see' people in the road ahead – or that could cross the vehicle’s path – and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings
• The technology – debuting on the all-new Ford Mondeo – can potentially reduce the severity of collisions involving pedestrians or help drivers avoid an accident altogether.
• All-new Ford Mondeo also debuts a powerful new 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi engine that features twin-sequential turbocharging for power and reduced emissions
• Light-weight, high strength materials reduce overall vehicle weight
• Integral link rear suspension, stiffer chassis, and new brakes deliver class-leading driving dynamics and improved stopping distances.
• Superior refinement offered with up to 3 decibels less interior noise and best-in-class cooling

Ford Motor Company announced today the all-new Ford Mondeo will be its first car globally to offer a new pedestrian detection technology that could help reduce the severity of accidents or help drivers avoid them altogether.

Additionally a new high-power diesel engine will lead a range of efficient EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel engines.

Ford’s new Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection can identify people in the road ahead, or who could cross the vehicle’s path, and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings. The system processes information collected from a windshield-mounted camera, and radar located in the bumper, and checks it against a database of “pedestrian shapes” to distinguish people from typical roadside scenery and objects.

“The new Mondeo is the most technologically advanced Ford vehicle ever introduced in Europe,” said Ulrich Koesters, vehicle line director, Ford of Europe. “Features like Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection add safety and security for drivers in busy urban conditions.”

Pedestrian Detection is among a raft of new features and improvements detailed by Ford today, which enhance the all-new Mondeo. The system is part of the Pre-Collision Assist package that also introduces Active Braking, which can autonomously apply engage to help mitigate rear-end collisions, right up to the vehicle’s maximum speed.

Range-topping diesel

Ford also announced the all-new Mondeo will offer a new high-powered 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine featuring twin sequential-turbocharging and delivering 210PS and 450Nm of torque. The all-new Mondeo goes on sale later this year as a four-door hybrid, five-door or estate in dealerships across Europe. The high-powered diesel will be available in early 2015. 

Sensing danger

Pedestrian Detection identifies people and reduces the severity of collisions at speeds of up to 50mph.

If a pedestrian is detected in front of the car, and a collision becomes imminent, the driver will first receive an audible and visual warning. Should the driver not respond, the system then shortens the time required to apply the brakes by reducing the gap between brake pads and discs. If there is still no response from the driver the brakes are applied autonomously and the vehicle speed is reduced.

Engineers tested the system on closed circuits using rigs fitted with life-size dummies. They also spent months testing and refining the system on roads around the world to prove system reliability under real-world conditions.

“The real world testing was crucial. Pedestrians come in all shapes and sizes, and adopt an infinite number of postures,” said Gregor Allexi, active safety engineer, Ford of Europe. “We covered more than 500,000Km to make sure that we tested Pedestrian Detection against the widest range of people and situations possible.”

The all-new Mondeo also will apply automatic braking to mitigate or avoid a collision with a vehicle ahead. Active City Stop operates at speeds of up to 25mph. At higher speeds new Pre-Collision Assist uses radar and camera technology to scan up to 200m ahead, and can autonomously apply up to full braking force to help the driver mitigate or avoid many types of rear-end collision.

Radar technology also enables the new Distance Indication feature and Adaptive Cruise Control technology. Distance Indication provides an intuitive visual interface to inform the driver of the time gap to the vehicle ahead. Adaptive Cruise Control automatically maintains a chosen distance from the vehicle ahead. 

In addition, the forward-facing camera supports Lane Keeping Aid, which applies steering torque to guide the all-new Mondeo back in to lane if unintended drifting is detected; and Traffic Sign Recognition, which provides the driver with the latest detected speed limit, cancellation signs and overtaking regulations via the instrument cluster display.

Parking and night driving made easier

Mondeo drivers will be able to see more clearly with the introduction of Ford’s adaptive LED headlamp technology to Europe. The sophisticated technology combines full-LED headlamps offering daylight-mimicking light clarity with Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System that adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match driving environment. It can choose one of seven settings according to vehicle speed, ambient light conditions, steering angle, distance to the vehicle in front and windscreen wiper activation.

Mondeo is also designed to help drivers in and out of parking spaces. An advanced version of Active Park Assist featuring Perpendicular Parking enables drivers to detect suitable spaces and reverse hands-free into those parallel to the road or side-to-side with other cars.

This advanced parking feature will be supported by both Park-Out Assist, which helps drivers to exit parallel parking spaces; and Side Parking Aid, which delivers an on-screen visual representation and audible warning of obstacles to the sides of the vehicles, as well as to the front and rear.

Multi-faceted engine range

A powerful new twin sequential turbocharged 2.0-litre TDCi engine, available in 2015, will offer 210PS and 450Nm of torque – delivered from 2,000rpm – with significantly reduced CO₂ compared with the outgoing 200PS 2.2-litre TDCi engine.

“The new high-powered TDCi diesel engine follows the downsizing trend we’ve led with our EcoBoost petrol technology. Smaller engines deliver better fuel efficiency and emissions, and we claim the power back with advanced technology,” said Andrew Brumley, chief engineer, Ford Engine Programs. “Twin sequential turbocharging delivers the seamless performance consumers want every day in all conditions, and makes turbo-lag a distant memory.”

Electronically-controlled twin sequential turbocharging enables faster engine response. A small, low-inertia turbine is used to respond quickly to initial boost demand, and a larger high-inertia turbo is able to sustain greater boost pressure for peak performance.

The turbochargers are supported by both charged air-cooling and water air-cooling for a more efficient feed of air into the engine; an Active Thermal Management System that improves warm-up times by supplying cooling to specific components on-demand to reach peak efficiency faster; and a variable oil pump that reduces parasitic losses by increasing oil pressure on-demand.

A revised 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with single variable geometry turbocharger technology delivers 150PS and 180PS. All three 2.0-litre TDCi variants feature a revised engine block, and new cylinder-head and fuel injection designs, and Ford’s lean NO_X trap exhaust after-treatment system for even cleaner emissions.

The 150PS and 180PS diesel engines will be available with Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, which offers a seamless transition between front-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive performance to automatically enhance traction and road-holding when needed. The system continually measures how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds, and can adjust power delivery to individual wheels in 100 milliseconds.

All-new Mondeo will also be the first vehicle in its segment to offer a 1.0-litre petrol engine. Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine was in 2014 named International Engine of the Year for an unprecedented third time in a row, and will join the Mondeo engine line-up in early 2015 with 125PS and CO₂ emissions of 119g/km.* The engine calibration has been refined to deliver optimised performance for a larger vehicle.

Ford’s new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine also will be available in Mondeo for the first time with 160PS and delivering 134g/km CO₂ emissions,* while the 2.0-litre EcoBoost is available with 203PS and 240PS.

An ECOnetic Technology model will be available, powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine with anticipated class-leading diesel CO₂ emissions of 94g/km.*

The all-new Mondeo is the latest vehicle from Ford to deliver “power of choice” to customers with a range of fuel-efficient EcoBoost petrol, TDCi diesel and Hybrid Electric Vehicle powertrains.

First Mondeo Hybrid

The all-new Mondeo Hybrid will be the first Ford Hybrid Electric Vehicle to be manufactured in Europe alongside the petrol- and diesel-engine Mondeo range at Ford’s state-of-the-art facility in Valencia, Spain. It will deliver 99g/km CO₂* from a specially-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine combined with two electric motors – one to drive the wheels and another to supply regenerative charging – and 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery with an anticipated life-span of 10 years and 150,000 miles.

The Mondeo Hybrid represents the third generation of Ford global hybrid technology, and utilises in-house battery, control software and continuously variable transmission technology. It also is the first generation of Ford hybrid globally to operate without engine accessory drives for significantly reduced drag.

Fuel efficiency and emissions are further reduced across the range by aerodynamics that cut drag by up to 10 per cent; Active Grille Shutter; Smart Regenerative Charging; and Electronic Power Assisted Steering and Auto-Start-Stop with all powertrains.

“The all-new Mondeo offers power of choice to consumers with the most diverse range of powertrain options we’ve ever delivered for a car in this segment,” Brumley said.

Stronger and safer

The all-new Ford Mondeo uses sophisticated materials and production techniques to provide greater strength and improved safety with reduced weight and enhanced sustainability.

An industry-first application of hydro-formed high strength steel is used to produce the A-pillars, B-pillars, and roof rails. A new magnesium inner tailgate structure for the four- and five-door models delivers a weight-saving of approximately 40 per cent compared with a traditional steel equivalent. Also helping save up to 115kg for the 1.5-litre EcoBoost model for re-investment elsewhere is a recycled Front Energy Absorber, Ford’s first design to meet pedestrian protection requirements in both the U.S. and Europe.

“The weight saved during development has been carefully re-invested into fuel-saving features such as aero-shields and Auto-Start-Stop technology; comfort and convenience features; and a stronger and safer body structure,” Koesters said. “We’ve improved the strength of safety relevant areas by 40 per cent, and verified the performance with thousands of computer simulations and more than 180 real-world crash tests.”

Hydro-forming uses high pressure hydraulic fluid to press metal into more complex shapes than is possible using traditional stamping methods for better strength-to-weight-ratios and bending stiffness.

The Mondeo’s hydro-formed roof rails are assembled from fewer sections and laser welded; removing joints that can act as weak-spots while saving 2.5kg in weight on each side. The B‑pillar design reduces side impact intrusion by 64mm while saving 6kg in weight.

The Mondeo body structure features 61 per cent high strength steel. Bake-hardened steel is used in the roof structure to reduce weight by a further 0.5kg.

Further structural developments include:

• An anti-roll bar uniquely designed to limit transmission travel in a frontal impact, minimising steering rack movement
• Sill rocker panels made of martensitic boron steel for improved side impact protection
• Bumper crash cans optimised for energy absorption and harmonised with chassis rail characteristics
• A flanged front cowl design that allows for flex under impact to increase energy absorption
• An integrated rear underbody wheel-arch-to-rail connector that increases torsional stiffness by up to 25 per cent compared with a traditional design

Ford also uses a pioneering technique to transform discarded plastic water bottles into front bumper components. Recycled plastic is used to produce the Xenoy material that accounts for 38 per cent of the all-new Mondeo Front Energy Absorber. The component sits behind the front bumper and is designed to help mitigate severity of collisions with pedestrians.

Ford’s industry-first inflatable rear seatbelt technology will make its European debut on the all-new Mondeo. It will be the first vehicle in its segment to feature belts that, in the event of an accident, expand in just 40 milliseconds to disperse crash forces across a body area five times greater than that achieved by a conventional seatbelt.

Inflatable rear seatbelts are joined by nine further airbags including a driver-knee bolster airbag, a driver airbag optimised for chest protection, and deeper side airbags shaped more effectively to protect the occupant and direct them away from the impact area.

Class-leading dynamics

The first model for Europe to be built on Ford’s new global CD-segment platform, the all-new Mondeo will debut Ford’s new integral link rear suspension configuration for improved refinement and more dynamic performance.

The new suspension design delivers the compliance required for greater comfort, while retaining lateral stiffness for enhanced steering and handling. It also allows the wheel to move rearwards on impact with bumps. This delivers improved impact absorption for a smoother ride and reduced noise levels.

The all-new platform and body structure combination delivers 10 per cent more torsional stiffness than the outgoing model for the most responsive and versatile Mondeo driving experience yet. The chassis is enhanced with active systems including Torque Vectoring Control, Pull-Drift Compensation, Active Nibble Compensation, Continuous Control Damping and Torque Steer Compensation.

The introduction of Electric Power Assisted Steering to Mondeo for the first time also enables steering weight to adapt and match the “comfort,” “normal” and “sport” chassis settings of Ford’s Continuous Control Damping. Drivers will notice a greater difference between the chassis characteristics delivered by the three settings.

An optimised anti-lock braking system helps reduce stopping distances by more than one metre from 62mph.

“We’ve tuned the all-new Mondeo specifically to meet the needs of European drivers and continue the class-leading driving dynamics delivered with every Mondeo generation,” said Geert van Noyen, vehicle dynamics manager, Ford of Europe. “We went through five designs just for the rear suspensions bushes – with each taking two months – before we were satisfied, and also placed a lot of emphasis on tuning steering to deliver a smooth and fluid feel for a class-leading driving experience.”

Superior refinement

Mondeo driver and passengers will benefit from a quieter and more refined experience that better enables conversation even at high speed.

Road noise reductions of around three decibels in the rear and two decibels in the front have been achieved with integral link rear suspension and additional sound deadening material within the underbody shields, wheel arch liners and front and rear doors to block tyre noise. The number of holes within the body shell also has been reduced to minimise noise transfer.

Wind noise is reduced to levels previously only experienced in the premium segment through optimised window pillar and door mirror shape, enhanced door and window seals, and improved interior noise absorption. The thickness of the rear window glass is increased by 0.4mm, helping reduce passing traffic noise for rear seat passengers.

More seals have been added between the bonnet and front wings, and the engine bay sound insulation changed from fibreglass to foam, saving 1.5kg in weight while contributing to a reduction of between 1.5 and two decibels for powertrain noise transmitted to the cabin.

In addition, all-new Mondeo features a humidity sensor that enables pre-emptive measures against flash-fogging of window interiors, and delivers best-in-class cooling from 55degrees C to 18degrees C in 15min.

Mondeo will transform driving and convenience with features including first-in-class power-adjustable, memory-equipped steering column; power tailgate; heated steering wheel; and heated and cooled multi-contour seats with unique Active Motion massage function.

Better connected with SYNC and MyKey

Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system with advanced voice control and an eight inch colour touchscreen will enable drivers to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems using simple conversational language. For example drivers can even bring up a list of local restaurants by using the command: “I’m hungry”.

Segment-first enhanced MyKey technology will enable Mondeo owners to programme a key – usually for younger drivers. MyKey can now inhibit incoming phone calls as well as restrict the top speed; prevent deactivation of driver assistance and safety features; reducing the maximum volume of the audio system, and disable the audio system altogether if driver and passengers are not using safety belts.

Sophisticated design

The all-new Mondeo will deliver best-ever quality and craftsmanship for both the refined, elegant, sporty and highly expressive exterior, and the interior that features optimised ergonomics and comfort, with premium finishes and equipment.

A sports coupe profile with low roofline incorporates a retractable panoramic glass roof for the wagon bodystyle. The lean side-profile is sculpted to convey “visual lightness,” while the sophisticated and technical front end design features Ford’s more prominent trapezoidal grille, a power-dome bonnet and adaptive, slim-line, laser-cut headlamp design.

Inside, Mondeo drivers are greeted by a digital analogue instrument cluster, while a sleek, wrap-around centre console design delivers a sporty, cockpit-like feel. A soft-touch instrument panel and flock-lined central front storage area and glovebox are representative of the high material quality and craftsmanship throughout. Smart-design front seats feature a thinner seat back – enabling rear seat passengers to enjoy additional legroom without sacrificing comfort for driver and front passenger.

“This is the most elegant, upscale but also athletic Mondeo yet; we wanted owners washing their car on a Sunday afternoon to be able to appreciate the subtle sculpturing that delivers that sportiness,” said Christopher Hamilton, Mondeo chief designer.