Ford aims to have the freshest car range in Europe by later next year, with the company undertaking a major acceleration of new cars and light commercials launches.
These new models include several new models on display at the Paris Motor Show last week, including the all-new Mondeo, updated Fiesta, EcoSport, and Tourneo Connect.
Ford said by 2017 it will have refreshed its European line-up nearly twice over by volume, delivering what it expects will be Europe’s freshest and most up-to-date passenger car line-up. For commercial vehicles in the same period, Ford will offer an all-new or significantly refreshed line-up 1.3 times; that again is significantly greater than any competitor.
“We are in the early stages of what is perhaps the most aggressive product rollout ever for Ford of Europe,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “The new products in our showrooms and on display in Paris really underscore our commitment to invest in product and for the future even during these challenging times.”
All-new Mondeo
The new Mondeo first model built on Ford’s new global CD-segment platform will be the all-new Mondeo. I examined it at the Paris Motor Show and it is a really impressive-looking car.
It promises superior refinement through the European debut of integral link rear suspension. Ford also says that it has raise the quality bar with the introduction of options such as massage function-equipped multi-contour seats and heated steering wheel.
Ford will offer all-new Mondeo in five-door, estate, and four-door versions; equipped with a raft of innovative technologies, including an option such as Advanced Active Park Assist – Ford’s first automated parking system to support parallel and perpendicular reverse parking manoeuvres.
Also making their European debut in the all-new Mondeo are some standard and some optional features including Ford’s rear inflatable seatbelts, while retractable panoramic roof, segment-first adaptive full LED headlamps, power-adjustable steering column, and SYNC with MyFord Touch are also introduced.
Ford will offer all-new Mondeo with 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine - the 2012 International Engine of the Year; a 1.6-litre diesel ECOnetic Technology variant; and also introduce a first-in-class four-door petrol hybrid electric vehicle.
New Fiesta updated for 2013
Stylish new Fiesta will offer seven powertrains delivering sub-100 g/km CO2 emissions, all of which target best-in-class fuel efficiency of 4.3l/100 km or better.
Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine makes its debut in Fiesta with 100 PS and 125 PS power levels, while a non-turbocharged three-cylinder, 1.0 litre petrol engine will be offered for the first time in a Ford vehicle, with 65 PS and 80 PS variants available. A special ECOnetic Technology model features additional fuel-saving technologies to deliver 87 g/km CO2 emissions and 3.3 l/100km.
Ford’s Auto-Start-Stop system, which automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle and restarts the engine when the driver wants to move off, will be an option on some derivatives, enabling sub-100 g/km CO2 emissions for petrol powertrains, and six-speed Powershift transmission is introduced to the range for the first time.
The new Fiesta’s package of leading Ford driver assistance and safety features will include MyKey and in-car connectivity system SYNC with Emergency Assistance.
All-new EcoSport
All-new EcoSport is based on Ford’s global B-segment platform and will go on sale for European customers within 18 months. It will also be equipped with the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and line up alongside all-new Kuga and later Ford Edge, a larger and more premium vehicle already popular in North America.
“Ford EcoSport combines the value, quality, and fuel efficiency of Fiesta, with the exciting look and feel of a modern SUV,” said Nick Collins, Ford’s global B car vehicle line director. “Its stylish design should prove a tempting addition to Ford’s B segment range which already includes the innovative B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle and the new Fiesta.”
All-new EcoSport is the first global Ford to be developed entirely in South America. Introduced in 2003, the ground-breaking first model established a new segment and sold more than 700,000 units in the region.
All-new Tourneo Connect
The new Tourneo Connect offers active families an attractive and affordable new package with dynamic looks, outstanding space, and versatility. It also offers the latest Ford passenger car technologies - including the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, Active City Stop, and Ford SNYC.
The new family vehicle provides the choice of spacious five- and seven-seat models, an all-new interior with flexible seating and stowage, and a range of highly efficient diesel and petrol engines targeting best-in-class fuel economy. Tourneo Connect is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2013.
