What's the news?
Ford has given the Mondeo range a bit of a mid-life update, so pay attention because the way things are going (i.e: in an SUV-like direction) this could be the last new Mondeo we see for quite some time.
The updates are a bit of a light-touch job. The styling at the front has been changed a little, with slightly slimmer lights, an a reshaped grille (that gets different finishes depending on whether you're buying an ST-Line, Titanium, or Vignale model) and more stylised bumper that gives the Mondeo more of a Focus-like face.
At the back, there are new c-shaped tail-lights and a new 18-inch alloy wheel design is added as standard to Titanium Edition, while the Vignale Hybrid receives a larger, 19-inch dark tarnish alloy. Distinctive new exterior colour options include Vignale-exclusive Blue Panther and Stealth grey, exclusive to ST-Line Edition.
Inside, there's a new eight-inch touchscreen, new seat fabrics and dash trims, a rotary gear-shifter for the automatic versions, and - says Ford - improved quality, fit, and finish.
For those of a conventional bent, engine-wise, there are two new 2.0-litre diesel engines - well, one engine with two power outputs; 150hp and 190hp, badged as 'EcoBlue.' The 150hp should have emissions of 127g/km, and the 190hp of 133g/km (final homologation figures aren't out yet) and both units get an integrated intake system with mirror-image porting for optimised engine breathing; low-inertia turbocharger that enhances low-end torque. Both versions get an AdBlue injection system to meet the latest, ultra-strict diesel emissions regulations.
There's a new eight-speed automatic gearbox too, that comes with a Jaguar-style rotary gear selector in the cabin. It has a computer system that monitors your driving style and adjusts the shift points to keep things as smooth as possible.
All-wheel drive will be an option for both diesel variants too. There's a 165hp 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine too, but that engine is not yet confirmed for the Irish market.
The hybrid model, which uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine with electric assistance, now gets an estate 'Wagon' variant, which joins the existing four-door saloon model. The 187hp engine and the 1.4kWh battery of the saloon hybrid are carried over, and CO2 emissions are expected to be 98g/km for the saloon, and 103g/km for the estate. It's pretty practical, by hybrid standards too - 403 litres with the seats up, and 1,508 litres with the seats folded. Not bad, considering it has to package batteries and a fuel tank under the floor.
Other new additions include a new adaptive cruise control system (which can do the whole traffic stop/start thing if you've gone for the automatic gearbox), and an intelligent speed limiter with traffic sign recognition.
"The Ford Mondeo Hybrid offers a unique driving experience with its refined automatic transmission and ability to pull away silently. Combined with the benefits of a low CO2 petrol engine we expect the Hybrid to account for up to 50 per cent of sales," said Roelant de Waard, Ford European Marketing, Sales and Service vice-president. "At the same time we are introducing an all-new diesel powertrain with SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology to meet and exceed the latest Euro 6d Temp emissions standards, with an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission available."