Ford Mondeo updated with new looks

New-look Mondeo completes comprehensive update of Ford's flagship large car family. With emphasis on new technology and enhanced quality it looks smarter from both inside and out. Ford says 1,350 parts have changed, including a new bonnet, front end and rear tailgate. The overall effect is subtle to put it mildly, but if you look at the old car and the new car together, the new one definitely looks a bit classier and more sophisticated – especially at the front.

The new Mondeo is set to build on the model's established reputation as a stylish, versatile and great-to-drive vehicle, and for offering high levels of driving enjoyment and comfort to its occupants. Central to this is the application of a fresh look for both body styles available in the UK – five door and wagon – to distinguish the new model. Ford's design team set out to emphasise further the kinetic design signatures in each body style while incorporating new technologies such as LED lighting. New Mondeo's sleek lines are emphasised in the side profile by a new, full chrome window surround for the higher series models, while larger, re-designed, LED tail lamps give additional kinetic movement to the rear.

The interior of the new Mondeo has also been comprehensively reworked to give it a higher level of quality and sophistication through meticulous attention to detail, and by employing new, higher quality trim materials. The re-designed centre console flows more elegantly, while the door panels feature a new 'toproll' and flush, integrated, door release mechanisms. Further enhancements include a new central overhead console featuring LED ambient lighting, and a woven headliner. The use of new high quality interior trim materials in new Mondeo boost the overall feeling of craftsmanship and are complemented by high-class inlay foils and new 'jewel' detailing on switches and vents in satin chrome. New interior colour schemes also offer two new lighter interior executions for a rich, premium, appeal.

Mondeo's wide range of the latest driver assistance technologies includes Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert and Auto High Beam – all utilising a new high sensitivity camera unit located at the top of the windscreen in front of the rear view mirror. Also extending to Mondeo are many features already introduced on the latest S-MAX and Galaxy models, including Ford's Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limiter, Rear Door Power Child Locks and Rear View Camera. LED lighting technology is used for the daytime running lights and rear tail and brake lamps as well as inside the car.

But apart from all these, the most important changes is in the engine compartment, where the Mondeo got the new 2.0-liter Ecoboost inline-four and the Powershift dual-clutch transmission

On the other hand, this is probably just as well given the prices – Ford is yet to confirm figures before it goes on sale in November, but it is expected to be in the region of £26,000. That sounds an amazing amount of money until you remember that the Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 Turbo is £25K – and it has 20bhp less and CO2 emissions 25 percent higher than the Mondeo.