Ford Mondeo Concept (2007)

Ford Mondeo Concept

The all-new Mondeo is striking and unmistakably a member of the Ford family, and takes the company's 'kinetic design' form language to a new level.

A comprehensive range of core bodystyles will be launched concurrently in the new range in early 2007, but the Ford of Europe design team chose the five-door as the appropriate model for CASINO ROYALE, while the new wagon derivative makes its debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

The new Mondeo clearly demonstrates how Ford of Europe's 'kinetic design' language is shaping the company's new models. This form language will be progressively applied to future Ford vehicles in an appropriate way, depending on individual vehicle or market segment tastes.

The new Mondeo range will incorporate all of the key 'kinetic design' elements:

• Dynamic lines
• Three-plane plan view
• Full surfaces
• Strong shoulders
• Bold wheel lips
• A rising belt line
• A distinctive kick-up of the window graphic at the C-pillar

"With the purest expression of 'kinetic design' revealed in the Ford iosis Concept at Frankfurt 2005, we then introduced the first elements into volume production on the new S-MAX and Galaxy," Smith added, "Now, the new Mondeo takes the next major step along our journey towards a more expressive and emotional Ford range."

Immediately evident in the new model's appearance is the distinctive front end, with its chamfered corners and the deep offset between the top of the bonnet and the front wings. Seen from above, the three-plane plan view of the frontal area is immediately obvious, and a key visual link between the new Mondeo and the 2005 iosis Concept vehicle, emphasizing their proportional relationship.

The new family face of Ford is further represented at the front end by a premium-feel, large upper grille opening, and an inverted trapezoidal grille below the license plate. Large and distinctive headlamps and lower foglamps are a key design element, and draw the eye around the chamfered corners, neatly disguising the volume required to meet the latest pedestrian protection requirements.

A muscular shoulder line runs through the side of the car to a relatively high point at the rear. This produces a dynamic window graphic when the so-called "daylight opening" (DLO) is viewed in profile, and an upward kick at the rear of the DLO further emphasizes the feeling of motion. Distinctive rear lamps also feature carefully designed graphics that enhance the overall feeling of premium quality.

A strong undercut line runs from the bold front wing wheel lips through the side of the car. Under this, full surfacing extends down to strong rocker panels to ensure the vehicle maintains a dynamic road presence.

The undercut and full surfaces are key graphic elements of 'kinetic design' and are already becoming familiar as new Galaxy and S-MAX become more visible on European roads.

'Kinetic design' themes are carried through to the all-new interior, which features high quality surfaces, materials and finishes.

Here, dynamic lines and full surfaces are again evident, and the slim instrument panel provides very generous cabin space for front seat occupants. The flow-through centre console allows the gear shifter to be located high and within easy ergonomic reach of the driver.

The design team have also paid great attention to interior detailing, and examples of this include the new generation infotainment systems, plus the next generation of Ford's Human Machine Interface (HMI). This easy to use system features the same steering-wheel toggle switches seen on new Galaxy and S-MAX, but introduces a large central LCD screen with full colour graphics situated between the main analogue instruments in front of the driver.

Rear seat headroom and legroom have also come in for scrutiny by the Mondeo development team, and these have been maximized for occupant comfort and safety.

"New Mondeo will deliver premium levels of comfort in a class-leading package," says Steve Adams, Ford's Vehicle Line Director for Large Cars. "You can also expect innovative and top-of-the-range new technology features, particularly those aimed at assisting and pampering the driver."

The 2007 Mondeo range will feature many of the new premium technologies seen on Ford S-MAX and Galaxy, and also introduce some new features unique to the new model.

The Ford team is also determined to ensure that new Mondeo will maintain its position as the best CD car for driving quality, with superior driving dynamics, and targeting best-in-class steering, ride and handling.

Full series information, technical specifications and data for the new Mondeo range will be revealed early in 2007.