Facelifted 2019 Ford Mondeo revealed

A facelifted version of the Ford Mondeo has been revealed at the Brussels motor show, bringing an updated new look, extra driver assist features, a new diesel option and, for the first time, a hybrid version of the wagon.

Externally, the updates of the 2019 Ford Mondeo sedan and wagon are best filed under blink-and-you'll-miss-em category, but the Blue Oval says it's easier to visually differentiate between each trim.

As part of the refresh, every new Mondeo gets an updated grille including the range-topping Titanium model that now sports one with horizontal chrome slats. A black finish is applied to the ST-Line, while the flagship Vignale (that's available in Europe) gets the same 'flying-V' grille as on other top-of-the-range Fords.

As well as the grille, the lower air intake has been redesigned and sits between a pair of new fog lamps.

At the back, the Mondeo gets a new chrome or satin silver strip that now spans the full width of the tailgate.

Finally, there's the option of new colours and alloy wheels to complete the subtle round of updates.

Inside, there's now a Jaguar-style rotary controller for the automatic transmission that's already used in the recently introduced Ford Focus. Freeing up space has allowed designers to add another USB port.

Fit, finish and the quality of some of the materials have also been improved.

Under the bonnet, Ford has fitted an eight-speed automatic transmission that introduces a new semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control with stop and go capability.

The current 132kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is pensioned off for the car-maker's new 2.0-litre 'EcoBlue' turbodiesel in 110kW or 140kW tunes -- we're likely to get the latter.

The new diesel is also offered in some markets with the option of all-wheel drive.

Another change that arrives as part of the facelift, Ford has decided to offer a hybrid wagon for the first time.

Like the sedan, the wagon combines a 137kW 2.0-litre petrol with an electric motor and a small 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery enabling it to average 4.4L/100km, although the boot capacity shrinks from 500 litres to 403 litres seats up.

The updated Mondeo sedan and wagon are both set to go on sale in Europe from March -- it's not yet known when the refreshed Ford will land Down Under.