The new model will go on sale later this year and features a restyled exterior and uprated interior, new high-efficiency Ford EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel powertrains plus a host of new driver comfort and convenience features and safety technologies.

The first official preview images issued today show that, following similar updates to the Ford S-MAX and Galaxy models earlier this year, the new Mondeo is the latest Ford car to benefit from the continuing evolution of Ford kinetic design. While the Ford Mondeo is renowned as being stylish and versatile, offering high levels of driving enjoyment and comfort to its occupants, the new model is set to build on this reputation with its fresh new look for all three body styles - 4-door, 5-door and wagon.

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"The Ford Mondeo is already a very strong package and, with the significant design changes and in particular the comprehensive array of new technologies we are introducing, we have no doubt that the new model will strengthen Mondeo's position as the flagship Ford model in our European line-up," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO. "This is the smartest, safest, most environmentally friendly and best quality Ford Mondeo we have ever launched, and it completes the regeneration of our CD segment range in 2010."

Smart Design, Enhanced Quality

Key changes include distinctive new grilles featuring a bolder lower trapezoid and a slim, stylish opening above, plus an enhanced bonnet profile. New front bumpers include LED daytime running lights, and re-designed rear lights also employ LED technology. Additionally a new rear deck lid treatment matches the revised rear light profile.

The interior is also revised and features a new flow-through centre console design, revised door treatment featuring flush and integrated door release handles, and a new central overhead console featuring ambient lighting. New trim materials across the range have been selected carefully to enhance the premium interior feel of the new Ford Mondeo.

New Mondeo's interior also benefits from a range of new features, including the introduction of LED interior lights and a new Satellite Navigation system, while music lovers will be able to enjoy the new Premium Sound System option which incorporates a 265-watt, eight-channel amplifier unit, all-new speaker system and large, 17-litre subwoofer.

Higher Performance, More Technology

The launch of the new Ford Mondeo will see the first application of a higher performance 240 PS version of the efficient 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine. This will be complemented by the existing 203 PS version of this engine launched in Ford Mondeo, new S-MAX and new Galaxy earlier this year.

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While the new 240 PS engine provides extra performance, average CO2 emissions are targeted to be just 179 g/km, the same as the 203 PS unit, regardless of bodystyle. Ford EcoBoost technology also provides fuel consumption and emissions reductions of up to 20 per cent compared to traditional petrol engines of a similar capacity.

Another first for the new Ford Mondeo is the introduction of the comprehensively revised 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi engine, which boasts a 12 per cent power increase to 200 PS, making it the most powerful Duratorq diesel engine to date. The Ford Mondeo TDCi line-up sees this new engine joined by a significantly improved 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel that has already been introduced to the Ford Mondeo range in 2010. This engine is available with 115, 140 or 163 PS power ratings, with all of them delivering an average CO2 emission of just 139 g/km with a 6-speed manual transmission, regardless of bodystyles.

To make the powertrain offering for the new Ford Mondeo even more efficient, a number of new Ford ECOnetic Technologies are now made available, including Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode and - a Ford first - an Active Grille Shutter system. This electronically controlled device regulates the airflow through the radiator and engine compartment to reduce aerodynamic drag, but also offers benefits to the engine heating characteristics to improve the fuel economy and warm-up performance in cold climates.

Powertrain advances in the new Mondeo also extend to the transmission; the latest six-speed Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission system comes as standard for Ford EcoBoost petrol engines, and will be available as an option for the 140 PS and 163 PS versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi.

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The new Ford Mondeo range will include a comprehensive array of driver assistance features, many of which are appearing for the first time in a Ford model, including Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert and Auto High Beam. New features already introduced in the latest S-MAX and Galaxy models are now extended to the Ford Mondeo range, including the Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limiter, Rear Door Power Child Locks and Rear View Camera. LED lighting technology is also used for the daytime running lights and rear tail and brake lamps.

The new Ford Mondeo range will start to go on sale across Europe from September 2010. Further information and technical details of the new Mondeo range will be released closer to launch and its debut at the 2010 Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) on August 25, 2010.