FORD MONDEO

Fords ultimate saloon has undergone a major transformation in terms of looks but it still has the reliability and fuel economy that made it so popular. 

Ford Mondeo

The designers have given it a continuing shape from the front to the rear of the car hence eliminating the three-box design that saloons have come to be known for. It looks more of a 4-door sport coupe than a normal saloon thanks to the low sweeping roof.

Coupe looking side

The front consists of a huge chrome grill and large intakes that give it distinctively styled headlamps. Flowing lines sweep over the bonnet to further boost the overall front look. At the rear are huge polished twin exhaust pipes that boost its luxury feel. LED taillights give the back an added bonus and look wonderful appeal. 

Classy rear look

Under the bonnet is a 1.6 litre 4 cylinder EcoBoost engine. Although it’s not that powerful it rewards the driver with an impressive fuel economy. Its fuel economy is thanks to a tuned automatic transmission system and start stop system.

Stylish front grill

The start stop system shuts off engine power smoothly when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts the engine as the driver releases the brake pedal. Another version is a 2.0 litre EcoBoost engine that comes with a six speed SelectShift Automatic transmission system. The last in its power plant menu is a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine.

Powerful front headlamps

These together with new lithium-ion batteries that are lighter than in the previous model make it one of the most efficient hybrid saloons in the market. Connected to the hybrid version is a choice of six speed manual or automatic transmission systems.  

Agressive front

The sporty driver oriented interior is designed to give the driver a pleasant driving environment. The higher centre console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a driver wants to keep handy. The multifunctional steering allows the driver to control numerous car functions without the need to removes his hands from the wheel. 

The front instrument cluster has been pushed further front. This has freed more space thus improving the overall interior space of the car. Interior surfaces are softer to the touch and feel. The interior and exterior gaps have been minimized, while extra care has been taken to cover each edge and every surface a customer can touch. When the trunk lid is opened, for example, a spring-loaded cover automatically conceals the trunk handle.

unique wheels

To ensure occupants have an uninterrupted conversation sound absorption material and under body shields both minimize road and powertrain noise while boosting aerodynamic efficiency to help save fuel. It also has a full-perimeter bonnet seal that further ensures a quieter ride. The driver can also operate the stereo, close the windows and even make a phone call by simply using commands. This is thanks to a communications system called the SYNC and the MyFord Touch. They allow the driver to interact with the car’s vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.

Rear lights

The all new Mondeo can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. This is thanks to numerous technologies. There is Lane Keeping System that consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position.

Sold in America as the Fusion

Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rear-view mirror, the system "looks" down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or irregular lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Mondeo drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position.

Cockpit

There is also the Adaptive cruise control system. This uses forward-looking radar.  The system "looks" down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected. Lastly there is Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert. The system uses sensors in the rear quarter-panels.

Enough room in the back

This are able to detect traffic in a driver's blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic, unseen by the driver, is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans.

best looking Mondeo to date

The Ford Mondeo is available in versions there is the S, SE and range-topping Titanium series. Prices in America start at around $22495 (around Kshs. 2 million). For us all, lets wait till next year to enjoy its amazing styling, practicality and looks on African soil