Ford Offers Sneak Peek at New Mondeo

BRENTWOOD, England — Ford has released teaser images of its new Mondeo in advance of the car's world debut at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. The vehicle should be of major interest to U.S. buyers, even though the car initially will only go on sale in Europe this summer, since it is one of several vehicles under consideration by the Dearborn automaker for launch in America.

Just as Saturn has done with the Astra, sister car to the Opel Astra, Ford is taking a hard look at whether its European models, such as the Mondeo, would be appealing to American buyers who have shown a decided distaste for products like the Ford Five Hundred. The Five Hundred was recently renamed the Taurus in a bid to boost the vehicle's showroom traffic. The Mondeo is said to be one of several vehicles being studied for a U.S. launch at the behest of Ford's new president and CEO Alan Mulally.

The new Mondeo goes upscale, apparently adopting design cues from sister brand Jaguar. It will be offered in three variants: a sedan, a hatchback and a wagon. "It's probably the most elegant car we've ever launched, and it's certainly the most technologically advanced," said Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain's chairman and managing director.

Ford says the new Mondeo is the most recent example of its "kinetic design" language. Exterior cues include striking taillights, a shoulder line that runs through the side of the car and chamfered corners. The cabin gets such luxury touches as piano black trim, soft-touch materials and ambient lighting.

The Mondeo will come in four trim levels in Europe, including the base Edge, the Zetec series, and the top-of-the-line Ghia and Titanium X models. Ford says the Ghia represents "classic luxury," with lots of chrome and wood in the cabin. The Titanium model has a more contemporary look, à la Audi.

High-tech features include vehicle dynamics control with hill launch assist and adaptive cruise control. The new Mondeo gets a wider track and a new rear suspension.

For Europe, the engine choices include a 1.8-liter 98-horsepower or 123-hp diesel with a five-speed manual transmission or a 2.0-liter 138-hp diesel with a six-speed manual transmission. Gas engines include a 108-hp or 123-hp 1.6-liter with a five-speed manual transmission and a new 2.3-liter four-cylinder that makes 159 hp. The new engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. A range-topping 2.5-liter five-cylinder delivers 217 hp and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

The Mondeo is set for launch in Europe in June.

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