In ‘near production’ estate form this is the new Ford Mondeo, currently being polished like crazy for its
Paris Show debut in a few days time. Any sales representatives or fleet managers wanting further details will have to wait a while, although expect sales to start in early 2007. That’s that then.
Well not quite, actually, because whilst the Mondeo’s image might’ve suffered a bit from its rep-mobile status, it has always been a rather good car. Yes, it is favoured amongst those on lease schemes, but is just as happy barrelling down a B-road on a Sunday morning as it is edging along the North Circular on a Tuesday evening.
Underneath the concept’s kitsch alloy wheels, chromed window surrounds and ‘Lexus-style’ rear lights there’s actually a pretty handsome machine. From square-on the front-end looks a little American maybe, but that’s no huge surprise. Styling is certainly typically modern Ford, borrowing heavily from the futuristic
iosis concept of last year; "the purest expression of ‘kinetic design’”, according to Martin Smith, Ford Europe’s Design Director.
"The new Mondeo's wagon body style really emphasises the sporty, dynamic and premium appearance of the new range," added Smith. "Above all, we've managed to achieve this ‘kinetic’ look without compromising luggage capacity.”
Ford’s design team seems very keen on this ‘kinetic design’ at the moment and I don’t mind admitting I have no idea what they’re on about! I’m not entirely sure they do, either, but it seems to be working.
If the new Mondeo drives as well as its smaller sibling, the
Focus, it looks certain to steal sales from the more expensive and arguably less interesting to look at
BMW 3 Series. We’ll be in Paris for the unveiling, so check back for the latest news and pictures.
Will Nightingale - 26 Sep 2006