Ford has announced some more spec and tech details for the new Mondeo, which has just officially gone on sale here - order now for November delivery! The Mondeo arrives not a moment too soon either - we've been waiting 18 months since Ford first launched this car, badged as Fusion, for the US market.
Of course, Ford kinda had to wait a while to make the Mondeo's numbers add up. Sales of big saloons have dropped dramatically in recent times and there would have been little point in launching a car like this into a falling marketplace. Now though, the Mondeo stands a decent chance of making a success of itself.
To help, Ford is stuffing it absolutely full of the kind of technology and innovation that customers have come to expect. The new eight-inch touchscreen and Sync 2 infotainment we already knew about, as did we the MyKey system that allows you to pre-set limits for speed and stereo for those using the car's spare key.
Now though, we know a little more about the engine line-up. The new 1.6-litre diesel ECOnetic model, for instance, will have a CO2 emissions figure of just 94g/km - pretty impressive for one so big. There will also be a new range-topping diesel engine, with twin turbos and an output of 210hp and 450Nm of torque. Shades of the old ST TDCI there, but don't expect many of those to be sold in Ireland. There will be a four-wheel-drive option on that engine and the 150hp and 180hp diesel models too.
On the tech front, Ford has confirmed that the Mondeo will use a new collision avoidance system. It aims a front-mounted camera at whatever's ahead of you and compares everything it sees to a database of pedestrian and road-furniture shapes. If it detects something awry, such as a pedestrian stepping off the kerb in front of you, or a stopped vehicle ahead that you haven't spotted, then, at speeds of up to 45km/h, it can hit the brakes fully, bringing the car to a stop - or at least slowing it down enough to turn a serious accident into a fender-bender.
"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."
There will also be little gizmos such as lane keeping assistant, traffic sign recognition and active cruise control.
The Mondeo can also be had with LED headlights and a self-parking system that can get you in and out of perpendicular parking spots as well as dealing with the kerb-side shuffle.
Ford is also claiming that the Mondeo will keep its crown as the best car in the class to drive, while it also improves its refinement and ride comfort. "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."
Anything else?
Apparently, Ford still thinks we all get out on Sundays to wash our cars. "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. Haven't they ever heard of the Gold Wash down at the corner garage?