It is common for automakers to use different names to sell a vehicle in different markets. For example, Ford while the Ford Fusion is specifically sold in North America, the mid-size sedan is sold as the Ford Mondeo in Europe. During this year’s Detroit Auto show, Ford released an upgraded Ford Fusion which hints at the upgrades the Mondeo will receive later on.
The Ford Mondeo went on sale in Europe last year meaning the Europeans will have to wait until next year to see an upgraded Ford Mondeo 2017. Read along to find how the future Mondeo will look like on the outside and inside:
New Ford Mondeo 2017 Spy Photo
2017 Ford Mondeo Facelift Exterior
From what we have seen on the Fusion, the Mondeo 2017 will look very sleek and attractive. To start with, the front bumper has been refined. The model will also feature a new grille. On the Fusion, the automaker has opted for a more conventional grille as opposed to the current one which is adopted from Aston Martin. The new headlights look slimmer. The will front also feature new fog lights. The rear will be hooked up with a revised rear bumper and a modified exhaust system. The taillights on the other hand will be hooked up with new graphics just as the Fusion has.
In case the Mondeo ST will be offered to mimic the V6 Sport (highly unlikely), expect the Mondeo ST to offer a very aggressive exterior with a gloss-black mesh grille, deeper air intakes, a rear spoiler as well as twin exhaust tips. It will ride on 19-inch wheels.
Ford has also added a new luxury-oriented Platinum trim on the Fusion which could point to a Vignale Mondeo in Europe. This trim will feature a grille finished in a Magnetic shade and 19-inch polished wheels.
2017 Ford Fusion
2017 Ford Mondeo Facelift Interior
The cabin will also be upgraded for extra comfort, convenience and safety. To start with, Ford will use the SYNC 3 infotainment system which improves connectivity in the cabin. The vehicle will also feature a pedestrian detection system, lane keep assist, cross traffic alert, parking assist and a blind-spot monitoring system.
The top-of-the-range Vignale Mondeo (Platinum trim) is specifically tweaked to offer premium features to compete with other mid-size luxury sedans. Ford has not yet captured the premium mid-size market and the Vignale Mondeo will be a step towards achieving this fete. Going by the Fusion Platinum styling, the Vignale Mondeo will feature premium features.
Leather will be the standard upholstery material on the seats. The door panels and instrument cluster will be wrapped in antiqued Cocoa leather while the steering wheel will be wrapped in Venetian leather. The cabin will be uncluttered and will feature a rotary gear shifter dial as well as few buttons and knobs.
Engine Specs and performance
Ford has added a Sport trim to the Fusion. Possibly, it will be offered as the Mondeo ST as said earlier in Europe. This trim is powered by an EcoBoost engine. The twin-turbocharged mill is good for 325 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
The Mondeo lineup will also feature two hybrid drive-trains in addition to the standard 2.0 L EcoBoost petrol engine just like with the Fusion. These are the standard hybrid and a plug-in hybrid dubbed the Fusion Energi. The Fusion Energi features a 2.0 L, EcoBoost engine which combines with a powerful electric motor.
The plug-in version has been tweaked to offer a 19-mile range on electric power alone and has a combined range of 500 miles with a full tank. Its lithium-ion battery pack takes about 2.5 hours to fully recharge.
Price and release date
According to rumors, the upgraded Mondeo will be showcased at the Paris Auto Show in October before going on sale later as a 2017 model vehicle. As for its price, don’t expect it to vary much from the current prices. Currently, the Mondeo starts at £20,795.
