World waits for new Ford Mondeo
After factory disputes, the world has been left waiting for the official release of the all-new Ford Mondeo.
As one of the most popular and stylish family cars available, the introduction of the new model is widely anticipated by many.
However, expectant motorists will have to wait until late 2014 to get their hands on the car, despite early indications pointing to a 2013 European release date.
There are a number of details circulating about the forthcoming release, which is sure to whet the appetite of Mondeo fans.
It has already been revealed that the new models will come with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which is supposed to deliver the same levels of horsepower and torque as the current 1.6-litre version, but with reduced carbon emissions and improved fuel economy.
In Europe, a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine will be available, delivering under 130g/km of CO2 emissions - becoming one of the cleanest cars in its class as a result.
While other engine sizes in the range have not yet been revealed, early suggestions are that the 2.0-litre and 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engines will be delivered, in addition to 1.6 and 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines.
There has also been suggestions that the new Mondeo could see a world-first feature, with talks of a four-wheel drive diesel automatic set to be introduced.
The car was first unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2012, but has left customers waiting ever since.
When it was displayed, the car demonstrated Ford's new grille styling, based on the Evos concept, with a snarling face that shows its teeth.
Otherwise, features are very similar to the previous incarnation, despite having a 40mm lower ride.
Sleek lines and much thinner pillars add elegance, while the stunted front nose almost gives it an air of an American muscle car.
Overall, it looks more substantial, even bulkier, as if it has spent its time in the gym since the last Mondeo release.
For those who are even more conscious about the environment, the car is set to be produced in a hybrid and plug-in hybrid form, with the former to be known as the Mondeo Hybrid, while the other will go by the Mondeo Energi moniker.
While both vehicles will not be able to travel great distances on electrical power alone, they are both expected to achieve much greater fuel economy.
The Mondeo Hybrid could deliver performance of 60mpg, while it's plug-in sibling almost doubles this effort, with up to 100mpg.
On the inside, the Mondeo doesn't skimp on modern technology, including the SYNC infotainment system, which is capable of accessing the internet, while the MyFord Touch system will also be another feature, allowing the driver to use a touch screen and voice recognition to control a number of key functions.
Driver assist technology such as lane keeping, blind spot warnings, parking assist, cruise control and a fatigue detector will all help to keep the driver, passengers, pedestrians and other road users safe, while further support is given with the use of inflatable seatbelts.
When the Mondeo is released, it is likely to follow the trend of its predecessors and be a leader in its class. While it might find competition from the Volkswagen Passat or the Skoda Octavia, Ford are too experienced to fall behind in the family car market.
And if the face of the car is anything to go by, it is likely to send its competitors sprinting away with their exhausts between their legs.
We'll just have to wait and see if it is worth the wait.
Posted by Craig Salter