What's the news?
If you've driven a Mk5 Ford Mondeo, one thing you can definitely say about it is that it isn't a loud car. But Ford is going further with its new Vignale sub-brand version of the Mondeo, debuting a noise-cancelling sound system and acoustic glass, to make this luxury machine even more subdued.
Ford's system, called Active Noise Control (ANC), is a similar set-up to that found in other manufacturers' cars (like the Nissan GT-R), in that three cabin-mounted microphones register unwanted sounds from the engine and transmission. ANC then broadcasts the opposing sound waves from the Mondeo Vignale's speakers to counteract such intrusions, without affecting either the volume the stereo is playing at or blasting across a discreet conversation being held between the car's occupants.
ANC has even been tuned to recognise driver/vehicle behaviour, so if you're accelerating in a low gear it has pre-determined aural responses. Coupled with acoustic glass - which features a layer of acoustic film that's thinner than a human hair designed to cut out wind noise - and foam instead of fibreglass sound-proofing in the engine bay, the Vignale is all about the sound of silence within.
"Whether listening to a favourite playlist, tuning into a much-loved station, or simply enjoying a respite from the demands of modern life, the experience of sound - and just as importantly silence - can be a fundamental part of an enjoyable car journey," said Dr Ralf Heinrichs, supervisor for noise, vibration and harshness, Ford of Europe. "Our new Mondeo Vignale with Active Noise Control offers drivers enhanced levels of comfort and fewer distractions."
Anything else?
The Sony sound system on-board the Vignale isn't just set up to keep things quiet; with 12 powerful speakers and a 10-channel, Class D digital signal processing amplifier, it'll play your tunes with the utmost clarity at even the highest volumes. Ian Hubbard, Sony Europe's Global Automotive Entertainment Director, added: "Our engineers have gone to extreme lengths to develop the audio system for the Mondeo Vignale to ensure a world-class luxury audio experience. Delivering this luxury depends on reproducing sound as the artist intended and underpinning the acoustic emotion with the look, touch and feel delivered by our elegantly styled and carefully constructed centre panel design."
Sounds like the Mondeo Vignale has the acoustics sewn up, then, but don't despair if you're not in the market for a really posh Mondy - ANC will be offered on other Fords in the near future, starting with the all-new Edge SUV due out in 2016.