Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label inflateable rear seatbelts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inflateable rear seatbelts. Show all posts

Tuesday, 16 December 2014

Over 50% of fleet drivers would consider the All-New Mondeo.

Over half of UK executives in one of the largest “user chooser” market segments are eager for the all-new Ford Mondeo’s arrival.

Sewells Intelligence questioned over 2,200 “user chooser” company car drivers, the largest survey of its kind. Over half of those in the lower/upper medium vehicle sector* said that they would definitely or be likely to consider the Ford Mondeo as their next company car.

Available from next month in diesel and petrol five-door and estate bodystyles, plus a four-door hybrid, the all-new Ford Mondeo offers head-turning exterior styling, greater interior refinement and technologies including adaptive LED headlamps, Inflatable Rear Seatbelts and SYNC 2 connectivity.


In addition, Sewells also surveyed over 2,000 fleet managers and business decision-makers across the UK, again the largest survey of its kind, who placed Ford in the top two most desirable brands for businesses overall.

Simon Staplehurst, of Sewells Research and Insight, said: “It’s easy to be blinded by the kudos of a premium badge, yet surveys like our User Chooser Barometer highlight that company car drivers also strongly consider Ford. Given that this Mondeo will also offer a hybrid petrol-electric option, it’s only likely to further increase interest from drivers.”

All-new Ford Mondeo introduces adaptive LED headlamp technology, which combines full LED headlamps, offering daylight clarity, with Adaptive Front Lighting to adjust the beam angle and intensity to match the environment.

In the event of an accident, the Mondeo’s Inflatable Rear Seatbelts expand to disperse crash forces across a body area five times greater than that achieved by a conventional belt – offering valuable extra protection to very young or old passengers with weaker chest areas.
Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system boasts an eight-inch colour touchscreen to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems using voice commands.

The all-new Ford Mondeo, also capable of automatically parking itself in both parallel and perpendicular spaces, as well as avoiding pedestrians which stray into the car’s path, is now on sale from £20,795.

Thursday, 4 December 2014

EURO NCAP Awards Five stars to the New Ford Mondeo.

  • All-new Ford Mondeo is awarded highest safety rating by Euro NCAP
  • Mondeo is the first Ford globally to offer Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection to brake automatically apply if people are identified in the road ahead
  • All-new Mondeo delivers segment-first Inflatable Rear Seatbelts, and offers nine airbags – including a driver-knee bolster airbag
  • Body structure includes industry-first application of high strength steel and intelligent design to improve front and side impact protection
The all-new Ford Mondeo has been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating by independent crash test authority Euro NCAP.

The new Mondeo, now available to order in the UK, is the first Ford worldwide to offer Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. This technology is designed to detect 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.


Also introduced for the first time in Europe is Ford’s Inflatable Rear Seatbelt technology  a segment-first for Mondeo. In the event of an accident, the seatbelt can expand to disperse crash forces across a body area five times greater than that achieved by a conventional seatbelt.

“This is the most technologically advanced Ford ever introduced in Europe. Through features like Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, and Inflatable Rear Seatbelt, we’ve delivered safety features that provide exceptional protection for drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike,” said Ulrich Koesters, vehicle line director, Ford of Europe.
Technologies offered by the all-new Mondeo also include:
  • Dynamic LED headlights, which offer the daylight-mimicking light clarity of full-LED headlamps combined with Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System
  • Ford MyKey, which enables owners to programme a key – usually for younger drivers – that can prevent incoming phone calls, set a maximum audio volume and restrict the top speed
  • Active City Stop, to help drivers avoid low speed collisions
  • SYNC 2 with Emergency Assistance, a voice-activated interface that enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel, and can directly connect vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident
“Euro NCAP’s five-star standard is getting higher and higher and cars now have to combine outstanding occupant crash protection with sophisticated driver assistance systems in order to make the grade. 

The Mondeo delivers on both counts and is amongst the first to offer pedestrian detection technology,” said Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP general secretary.
“We encourage car buyers to take full advantage of the safety on offer and to prioritise safety options over others.”

The all-new Mondeo body structure features 61 per cent high strength steel, and uses an industry-first application of hydro-formed high strength steel for the forward window pillars and the roof rails – reducing side impact intrusion by up to 64mm.

Further structural developments include an anti-roll bar uniquely designed to limit transmission travel in a frontal impact – minimising steering rack movement, and sill rocker panels made of martensitic boron steel for improved side impact protection.

Available as a five-door model, estate and four-door hybrid, the all-new Mondeo is priced from £20,795 for first customer deliveries from December.

Friday, 10 October 2014

FORD MONDEO #3 - All-new Mondeo comes with sophisticated tech, innovative Chassis & noise reducing body.

  • All-new Ford Mondeo debuts in Europe with new integral link rear suspension for optimised interior comfort and refinement
  • Adaptive LED headlamps for easier night driving also debut in Europe; SYNC 2 voice control and Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking enhance driver convenience
  • High quality interior delivers new heating, ventilation and climate system with best-in-class cooling; interior noise levels reduced by up to three decibels
  • Mondeo also offers new 10-inch digital-analogue instrument display, power tailgate, heated steering wheel and first-in-class power-adjustable, memory-equipped steering column
The all-new Ford Mondeo combines innovative driver assist technologies, an advanced chassis structure, and high quality interior to deliver superior comfort and refinement.
Mondeo introduces in Europe a new integral link rear suspension for improved ride comfort and interior noise reductions. Mondeo also offers Ford’s new SYNC 2 voice control connectivity system with eight inch touchscreen for easy operation of phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems. 
Technologies including Ford’s first adaptive LED headlamps in Europe and Active Park Assist featuring Perpendicular Parking contribute to a simplified driving experience.

“The new all-new Mondeo uses Ford’s latest innovation and technologies to deliver the most refined and user-friendly Mondeo driving experience yet,” said Ulrich Koesters, vehicle line director, Ford of Europe. “From systems that guide drivers hands-free out of parking spaces at the start of journeys to seats that deflate to allow easy exit at the end, the Mondeo is focused on the occupant from start to finish.”
Lighting the way with advancedtechnology
All-new Mondeo’s adaptive LED headlamps combine the daylight-mimicking light clarity of full-LED headlamps with Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System, which adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match the driving environment. The system 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.
The all-new Mondeo will feature an advanced version of Active Park Assist featuring Perpendicular Parking, which enables drivers to detect suitably-sized parallel parking spaces and reverse hands-free into spaces parallel to the road and 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 provides an on-screen visual representation and audible warning of obstacles to the side of the vehicle, as well as to the front and rear.
Control climate and more with voice commands
The SYNC 2 system enables drivers to control key in-car systems using simple, natural voice commands and a high-resolution eight inch colour touch screen. Connectivity is delivered via Bluetooth, USB and SD card ports.
Simply pushing the voice control button and saying “I’m hungry” will display a list of local restaurants, and the MICHELIN guide can help drivers choose where to eat. SYNC 2 will then connect users by phone to the restaurant to book a table and guide them there.
Entering a navigation address is also simplified. Rather than reciting the address in stages, users can say the full address at once, and can select music from a connected MP3 device by asking SYNC 2 to play an artist or track. Cover art is also displayed on screen with compatible players.
Customers can place hands-free phone calls with the command “Call <name>”, without first having to give the command “phone”, while the system is in audio, navigation or another mode.
SYNC 2 also features Ford’s Emergency Assistance, which directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region.
“We have developed SYNC 2 so it is simple and intuitive for drivers to use, and it seamlessly switches between touch screen and voice commands,” said Christof Kellerwessel, chief engineer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe. “Drivers will be able to controlmore in-car systems than ever before, while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”
Mondeo drivers can also control interior climate using voice commands including: “Max AC” to cool down quickly, or more specific commands such as: “Temperature 20 degrees”.
The all-new Mondeo’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system has been fine-tuned for quieter operation. The system also helps optimise interior comfort with automatic climate control to maintain less than one degree variation even in extreme climates, and adaptive fans that maintain a constant airflow as vehicle speed changes. Rear cabin occupants benefit from dedicated air-vents.
In addition, the all-new Mondeo features an air-quality sensor that automatically switches on air recirculation when pollution is detected, and a humidity sensor that enables pre-emptive measures against flash-fogging of window interiors. Cooling from 55deg C to 18deg C in 15 minutes is best in class.
New chassis for improved refinement
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 alongside 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. Self-levelling rear suspension is offered for the estate model, maintaining optimal ride height for comfort and handling regardless of load.
Integral link rear suspension contributes to road noise reductions of around three decibels in the rear and two decibels in the front, supported by 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 all-new Mondeo 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. A wind noise level of 21.1sone – a metric for loudness – is an eight per cent improvement over the previous generation Mondeo. 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, contributing to a reduction of between 1.5 and two decibels for powertrain noise transmitted to the cabin.
Further fine tuning of handling and ride comfort is delivered with active systems including Torque Vectoring Control, Pull-Drift Compensation, Active Nibble Compensation, and Torque Steer Compensation.
“We’ve tuned the all-new Mondeo specifically to meet the needs of European drivers,” 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.”
Quality and convenience
Inside, Mondeo Titanium drivers are greeted by a 10-inch digital-analogue instrument cluster. The customisable colour display delivers animated notifications for features such as Lane Keeping Alert.
A sleek, wrap-around centre console design delivers a sporty, cockpit-like feel, and the centre console features a symmetrical design that is accessible to both the driver and the front seat passenger – as is the large, open flow-through storage bin in front of the gear selector.
A soft-touch instrument panel, flock-lined central front storage area and glovebox, chrome surrounds and accents on the air-vents and soft touch controls are all 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. Rear cabin occupants benefit from the light airy feel offered by an optional full-length panoramic glass roof in the Mondeo estate.
Comfort and convenience is enhanced for drivers with features including first-in-class power-adjustable, memory-equipped steering column, as well as power tailgate and heated steering wheel.
“The all-new Mondeo offers a sophisticated suite of features and technology that enhance driving, comfort and convenience like no other car in its class,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe.

FORD MONDEO #1 - All-new Mondeo showcases new engines, reduce weight and Pedestrian detection.

  • All-new Mondeo debuts Ford’s new Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which can detect 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
  • Widest powertrain range ever will include first Mondeo Hybrid, first-in-segment 1.0-litre and new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engines, and new 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with twin-sequential turbocharging
  • All-new Mondeo weight reduced by 25kg, with 80 per cent of up to 115kg body weight savings ‘reinvested’ to support enhanced fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions
  • Integral link rear suspension, stiffer chassis, Electric Power Assisted Steering and new brakes deliver class-leading driving dynamics and improved stopping distances
  • Driver assistance, comfort and safety features include Ford’s adaptive LED headlamps, Inflatable Rear Seatbelts, SYNC 2 and MyKey
  • Advanced materials include high-strength steels, magnesium and smart plastic; innovative hydro-forming technique also helps improve strength
  • Superior refinement with road noise down three decibels, eight per cent less wind noise, and best-in-class cooling; sophisticated design supported by enhanced quality and craftsmanship
The all-new Ford Mondeo marks the global debut of a new pedestrian detection technology that could help reduce the severity of accidents or help drivers avoid them altogether.
Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection feature is delivered alongside the model’s widest ever range of powertrains including the first Mondeo petrol-electric hybrid. A new 210PS TDCi diesel engine with twin sequential turbocharging will be available early next year.
Available in four-door (hybrid only) and five-door bodystyles, and as an estate – developed specifically for Europe – the all-new Mondeo offers greater refinement and craftsmanship, technologies including Ford’s adaptive LED headlamps and Inflatable Rear Seatbelts; and sophisticated design.

“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.”
Detecting pedestrians
Ford’s new Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection can detect people in or near the road ahead, or who may cross the vehicle’s path. If the system detects a potential collision it automatically applies 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 help distinguish people from typical roadside scenery and objects.
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 automatically 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 an important part of the development. 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 300,000 miles that included an extremely wide range of people and potential situations.”
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 which allows it to scan ahead and automatically apply up to full braking force to help the driver mitigate or avoid many types of rear-end collision.
Radar technology further 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 towards the lane marking is detected; and Traffic Sign Recognition, which provides the driver with the latest detected speed limit, cancellation signs and overtaking restrictions via the instrument cluster display.
Widest engine range ever
All-new Mondeo petrol engine options will include the 1.5-litre EcoBoost and 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines, to be joined in early 2015 by Ford’s fuel-efficient and surprisingly powerful 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine –  which was recently named International Engine of the Year for an unprecedented third time in a row.
The all-new Mondeo will also offer a high-powered 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine featuring twin sequential-turbocharging and delivering 210PS and 450Nm of torque. An ECOnetic Technology model will be available, powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine with CO2 emissions of 94g/km* and 2.0-litre TDCi diesel models with 150PS or 180PS.
The four-door Mondeo Hybrid combines a specially-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery to provide optimised fuel economy and CO2emissions of 99g/km.*
Fuel-efficiency and emissions are improved across the Mondeo powertrain range by up to 14 per cent, supported by features including drag-reducing Active Grille Shutter.
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 all-new platform and body structure is enhanced with Electric Power Assisted Steering for the first time on Mondeo, and an optimised anti-lock braking system also helps reduce stopping distances by more than one metre from 62mph.
“With a body structure that’s 10 per cent stiffer than the previous generation Mondeo and handling-enhancing technology that includes Torque Vectoring Control, this is the most responsive and versatile Mondeo yet,” Koesters said.
Stronger body with advanced materials
The all-new Ford Mondeo uses sophisticated materials and production techniques to deliver 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 achieve body structure weight savings of up to 115kg for the 1.5-litre EcoBoost model is a recycled Front Energy Absorber, Ford’s first design to meet pedestrian protection requirements in both the U.S. and Europe. The 1.5-litre EcoBoost Mondeo weighs 25kg less than the previous generation 1.6-litre EcoBoost model, with 80 per cent of weight savings re-invested in technology to support enhanced fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emissions, improved safety and better comfort.
“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.”
The all-new 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 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
Comfort, convenience and safety technology
The all-new Mondeo introduces Ford’s adaptive LED headlamp technology to Europe; combining full-LED headlamps with Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System to enhance the driver’s view of surroundings.
An advanced version of Active Park Assist featuring Perpendicular Parking enables drivers to detect suitably-sized parallel parking spaces and reverse hands-free into spaces and is supported by Park-Out Assist, which helps drivers to exit parallel parking spaces. Side Parking Aid also warns drivers of obstacles to the side of the vehicle, as well as to the front and rear.
Ford’s industry-first Inflatable Rear Seatbelt technology will make its European debut on the all-new Mondeo. In the event of an accident, the belt rapidly expands to disperse crash forces across a body area five times greater than that achieved by a conventional seatbelt.
The all-new Mondeo will also enhance comfort and convenience for drivers with features including first-in-class power-adjustable, memory-equipped steering column, and Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system.
Segment-first enhanced MyKey technology will enable Mondeo owners to programme a key fob – usually for younger drivers. MyKey now can inhibit incoming phone calls as well as restricting the top speed; preventing deactivation of driver assistance and safety features; reducing the maximum volume of the audio system, and disabling the system altogether if driver and passengers are not using safety belts.
Superior refinement, design and quality
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, while wind noise is reduced by eight per cent to levels previously only experienced in the premium segment.
Mondeo delivers 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.
Produced at Ford’s state-of-the-art plant in Valencia, Spain, the all-new Mondeo will feature a sports coupe profile with low roofline and incorporate a retractable panoramic glass roof for the estate 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.
“With four-door, five-door and wagon featuring stunning design and quality – and a power of choice engine range that now includes a hybrid electric vehicle option for the first time – Mondeo has never been more appealing,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe.

Tuesday, 30 September 2014

Ford announces pricing for new Mondeo, with all models due by the year end.

  • All-new Ford Mondeo available to order with prices starting from £20,795
  • New suspension and steering enhance refinement and driving dynamics; most diverse Mondeo powertrain line-up ever features first Mondeo hybrid electric vehicle
  • Advanced Mondeo technology includes debut of Ford’s Pedestrian Detection and adaptive LED headlights, enhanced Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, and Active City Stop
  • Further technology highlights include power tailgate, SYNC 2 connectivity and industry-first Inflatable Rear Seatbelt
Ford Motor Company announces the opening of its order books for the all-new Ford Mondeo, delivering class-leading driving dynamics, innovative technology, greater refinement and craftsmanship and sophisticated design.
All-new Mondeo will be available in the UK in five-door and four-door (hybrid only) bodystyles, plus as an estate developed specifically for Europe.
“The all-new Mondeo is a significant new chapter for one of Europe’s best-known vehicles with a history dating back more than 20 years,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “Mondeo will make high specification and premium features accessible to even more drivers – including our industry-first Inflatable Rear Seatbelt and Ford’s first LED headlights in Europe.”
Class-leading dynamics and power of choice
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.
Engineering experts from Ford of Europe led the global development of the all-new Mondeo chassis to help ensure continued best-in-class driving dynamics. Engineers at Ford’s Lommel Proving Grounds, Belgium, tuned the all-new Mondeo to deliver a consistent feel to the controls and vehicle responses for a confidence-inspiring driving experience. All-new Mondeo steering weight and directness adapts to match the “comfort,” “normal” and “sport” chassis settings of Ford’s Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control system for the first time.

“With a body structure that’s 10 per cent stiffer than the previous generation Mondeo and handling-enhancing technology that includes Torque Vectoring Control, this is the most responsive and versatile Mondeo yet,” said Ulrich Koesters, vehicle line director, Ford of Europe.
All-new Mondeo petrol engine options will include the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost from launch, with Ford’s fuel-efficient and surprisingly powerful 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – that was named International Engine of the Year for an unprecedented third time in a row – joining the line-up in early 2015.
ECOnetic Technology models will be available, powered by 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesel engines with anticipated CO2 emissions of 94g/km and 107g/km*. Separate all-wheel drive variants join the line-up early next year.
The four-door Mondeo Hybrid combines a specially-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery to provide optimised fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. Mondeo Hybrid is the first hybrid electric vehicle that Ford will manufacture in Europe, delivering anticipated CO2emissions of 99g/km.
Sensing danger
The all-new Ford Mondeo debuts a new a pedestrian technology that could help reduce the severity of accidents or help drivers avoid them all together. 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.
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 Adaptive Cruise package that also introduces Active Braking, which can autonomously apply up to full braking force to help the driver mitigate or avoid many types of rear-end collision.
Lighting the way with advanced technology
All-new Mondeo introduces Ford’s adaptive LED headlamp technology to Europe; combining 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.
The all-new Mondeo will feature an advanced version of Active Park Assist featuring Perpendicular Parking, which enables drivers to detect suitably-sized parallel parking spaces and reverse hands-free into spaces parallel to the road and 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.
Additional driver assistance features include Ford’s Active City Stop collision avoidance system, which readies the brakes if a potential impact is detected and – if the driver does not respond – will automatically apply the brakes at up to 25mph, and Lane Keeping Aid, which applies steering torque to guide the vehicle back in to lane if drifting is detected.
Superior comfort and innovative safety features
Ford’s industry-first Inflatable Rear Seatbelt technology will make its European debut on the all-new Mondeo. In the event of an accident, the belt rapidly expands to disperse crash forces across a body area five times greater than that achieved by a conventional seatbelt.
Mondeo also will enhance comfort and convenience for drivers with features including first-in-class power-adjustable, memory-equipped steering column, power tailgate and heated steering wheel.
Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system with advanced voice control and an 8-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 now can inhibit incoming phone calls as well as restricting the top speed; preventing deactivation of driver assistance and safety features; reducing the maximum volume of the audio system, and disabling the system altogether if driver and passengers are not using safety belts.
Expressive design and superior quality
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.
Produced at Ford’s state-of-the-art plant in Valencia, Spain, the all-new Mondeo will feature a sports coupe profile with low roofline and incorporate a retractable panoramic glass roof for the estate 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.
“The all-new Mondeo offers a sophisticated suite of features and technology that enhance driving, comfort, convenience and safety like no other car in its class,” Bakaj said. “With four-door, five-door and estate featuring stunning design and quality – and a power of choice engine range that now includes a hybrid electric vehicle option for the first time – Mondeo has never been more appealing.”