New Ford Mondeo still a year away

Ford’s all-new Mondeo is still a year away from Australian showrooms.

The local release of Ford’s latest Mondeo sedan, which is already on sale (badged as the Fusion) in North America, had been delayed until early next year following a production shift from the closure of its Belgian plant.

Now Ford has announced it will be available in five-door hatchback and wagon body styles here, sourced from Europe – but later than expected in the second half of 2014.

Ford also confirmed that Australia’s next Mondeo, which will go face to face with Toyota’s top-selling Camry and Holden’s new Malibu, will be available with turbocharged petrol EcoBoost engines including an all-new 133kW/240Nm 1.5-litre version, plus Ford’s 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi turbo-diesel.

The first Ford to be built on the company’s global C/D-segment platform, the redesigned Mondeo will be available here with a full suite of Ford's latest technologies, including SYNC in-car connectivity powered by Microsoft and segment-first rear inflatable seatbelts.

“These are designed to reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear-seat passengers,” said Ford. “In the event of an accident the belt rapidly expands to disperse crash forces across a body area five times greater than that achieved by a conventional seatbelt.”

“This is class-leading technology that will rival many premium competitors,” said Ford Executive Vice-President of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln, Jim Farley.

“The new Mondeo will redefine the medium car and set new standards for others to beat.

“Ford Mondeo has an unbeatable blend of premium design, craftsmanship and smart technology. The hatch and wagon’s exterior and interior DNA work together to enhance the car’s great driving dynamics, very much a core value at Ford.”

The 2014 Mondeo is the first Ford model to feature the Blue Oval’s new integral link rear suspension system, and also comes with electric power steering.

motoring.com.au's coverage of Ford Australia's Go Further announcement

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