The 2007 Ford Mondeo
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.
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