The next Ford Mondeo is a pretty important one, as it represents a vital model in Ford’s company and fleet arsenal, aimed very much at those who need space as well as grace and pace.

And the big news is that it will be frugal as well as powerful, while at the same time offering European flair and style in a versatile package.

Indeed, the turbo-diesel version is producing economy figures better than comparable hybrid vehicles, while the petrol versions offer six-cylinder performance from economical fours.

The new Mondeo is aiming to land in New Zealand in the first quarter of this year, and already Ford dealerships are gearing up for the launch of the new model.

And the dealers are excited about news that, following ADR tests, the new Mondeo hatch TDCi fuel economy of 5.1 L/100kmis better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid (5.2 L/100km).

Ford’s fuel-efficient EcoBoost technology will be standard across the range, as well as top-of-the-line safety features rivalling other vehicles in the segment.

There will be a choice of three engine technology variants on the Mondeo. The Mondeo Ambiente will be equipped with a 149kW/345 Nm EcoBoost engine or optional 132kW/400Nm TDCi diesel, while the Trend and Titanium models will offer a high output 177 kW version of the EcoBoost engine – or the frugal TDCi diesel.

All variants will be offered standard with Ford’s latest-generation PowerShift dual clutch six-speed automatic transmission that is stronger, more efficient, and quieter in operation.

The Mondeo’s optional features list includes an array of driver assistance features not found on most other mid-sized cars, and include:

• Lane Keeping System can alert a driver who drifts out of the lane by vibrating the steering wheel, and will direct them back into their lane by automatically applying steering torque unless, of course, their indicator is on.
• Adaptive Cruise Control can sense if traffic is slowing and automatically slows to maintain a pre-determined distance from the car in front. When the traffic clears, it goes back to the driver’s pre-set speed.
• Forward Collision Warning sounds an audible alert when it senses a reduction in traffic speed ahead and, if the possibility of a collision is detected; audible and visual warnings are activated to alert the driver.
• Enhanced Active Park Assist takes the stress out of parking by not only finding a spot that’s just the right fit, but also by steering into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces itself.
• Active City Stop can help avoid or mitigate rear end collisions at speeds up to 40 km/h.

All Mondeo models feature a comprehensive list of standard safety, convenience and comfort features which include:

• MyKey to set limits and guidelines for young drivers.
• Emergency Assistance, which activates where an airbag is deployed or the emergency fuel pump shut off is triggered, and will attempt to connect with emergency operators and provide GPS location coordinates when paired with a mobile phone that is in range.
• Sync2, with voice control tuned for the local accent, allows easier access to audio, navigation, climate control and connected devices, including smart phones.
• Eight-inch high-resolution colour touch screen to manage the vehicle’s climate, phone, navigation and infotainment controls.
• Inflatable rear seatbelts – a world first – which in an event of a crash deploy over an occupant’s torso and shoulder in 40 milliseconds.
• Electronic park brake.
• Hill launch assist holds brake pressure for up to three seconds in a hill start, preventing rolling back.
• Paddle shifters for manual control of the Mondeo’s six-speed dual-clutch PowerShift transmission
• Driver impairment monitor, which uses a camera to observe driver behaviour and fatigue, watching the vehicle’s position in the lane, and an audible chime will sound to alert the driver to stop and take a rest if necessary.

In addition on the Ambiente models exterior standard features include 16 inch alloy wheels, projector headlamps, daytime running lights, fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, LED tail lamps, rear privacy glass, active grille shutters (diesel only), power-operated heated mirrors, follow-me-home lighting, and load-levelling suspension (Ambiente and Trend wagon models only).

Interior features include cruise control with speed limiter, dual-zone climate control, leather-rimmed steering wheel and gear shifter, one-touch open/close windows, cloth seats, 60/40 split rear seats, and driver lumbar support.

Other features include Bluetooth with audio streaming, DAB+ and USB, RCA, SD inputs, as well as satellite navigation with “one shot” destination entry via voice control.

Additional safety features include power child locks, seat belt minder with driver display on all seats, seven airbags, plus ABS and electronic stability programme.

Trend features additional to those on Ambiente include 17 inch alloy wheels, dual exhausts, puddle lamps, auto fold exterior mirrors, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, push button start, 10-way power and heated front seats with power lumbar support, driver seat memory, auto headlamps with auto high beam, rain-sensing wipers, and partial leather seats.

Additional safety features include a rear view camera and Active City Stop.

Titanium models get 18 inch alloy wheels, styled front and side skirts, adaptive suspension, adaptive LED headlamps, dynamic headlamp levelling, signature lighting, LED daytime running lights, panoramic roof, and an electro-chromatic exterior driver’s mirror.

Inside are sports seats with leather facings, heated rear seats, multi-colour ambient lighting, scuff plates, power reach/rake steering, and aluminium pedal covers. Additional driver assistance features include blind spot detection, Enhanced Active Park Assist, lane keeping aid plus Assist, lane departure warning, and driver impairment monitor.

The all-new Mondeo goes on sale in New Zealand early next year and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Fuel economy: Ambiente and Trend petrol 8.2L/100km, all models diesel 5.1L/100km,Titanium petrol 8.5L/100km (high output engine).

All figures obtained from controlled tests using ADR 81/02.