Ford introduces a host of new technology on Mondeo

Ford introduces a host of new technology on Mondeo

Ford has opened its order books for the new Mondeo, delivering class-leading driving dynamics, innovative technology and greater refinement. The new model will debut pedestrian detection, adaptive LED headlights and inflatable seat belts.

The new Mondeo introduces Pedestrian Detection that can identify people in the road ahead and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings. The system processes information collected from a windshield-mounted camera, and radar located in the bumper, and checks it against a database of "pedestrian shapes" to distinguish people from typical roadside scenery and objects.

Ford is also introducing adaptive LED headlamp technology to Europe on the Mondeo; combining full-LED headlamps offering daylight-mimicking light clarity with Ford's Adaptive Front Lighting System that adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match driving environment.

The Mondeo will also see Ford's industry-first Inflatable Rear Seatbelt technology. 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.

The Mondeo petrol engine options will include the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost from launch, with Ford's fuel-efficient and surprisingly powerful 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine joining the line-up in early 2015.

ECOnetic Technology models will be available, powered by 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesel engines with anticipated CO2 emissions of 94g/km and 107g/km. All-wheel drive variants will join the line-up early next year.

The four-door Mondeo Hybrid combines a specially developed 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery to provide optimised fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. Mondeo Hybrid is the first hybrid electric vehicle that Ford will manufacture in Europe, delivering anticipated CO2emissions of 99g/km.

Joe Bakaj, vice president of product development Ford of Europe, said: "The all-new Mondeo is a significant new chapter for one of Europe's best-known vehicles with a history dating back more than 20 years. Mondeo will make high specification and premium features accessible to even more drivers  including our industry-first Inflatable Rear Seatbelt and Ford's first LED headlights in Europe."

by: Rebecca Chaplin