Ford unveils all-new Mondeo in Shanghai
The design of the new Ford Mondeo was led by the team in China, and is far more modern than the previous model
Ford has taken the wraps off its all-new Mondeo at its China Design Centre in Shanghai. The company hopes to lean towards a sporty design language to take the model “to the next level”.
“Our goal was to create an aerodynamic, forward-moving form that expresses energy and strength while providing space and comfort,” said Max Wolff, design director of Ford China and International Markets Group. “The strong, width-emphasising form, signature frontal graphics and powerful stance work together to give our vehicles a confident presence. This is the ‘Daqi-ness’ that Chinese customers appreciate.”
No details of the interior have yet been released, but it is clear the exterior design team has focused on creating a more dynamic shape than the previous model. A streamlined silhouette and refined proportions give the Mondeo a fresh feel, while each section of the body work is characterised by sculpted edges and sharp lines.
One of the most dramatic changes is the shape of the front. The previous Mondeo had a curved face, with the hood dropping down beyond the large lamps to meet the grille. In contrast, the hood on the new model stops clean to meet the narrow headlamps and the thin LED strip that connects them. The hexagonal grille with its “parametric cell” design sits directly below the LED bar. The small scale-like shapes provide it with a distinct texture.
The long hood and gently sloping roofline can be seen clearly from a side view, as can the sharp lines that link the front to the rear. Flush door handles and glossy black skirts are the only elements that interrupt the otherwise clean body work.
At the rear, a small ducktail spoiler tops the simple C-shaped light signature, which includes a thin LED bar running below the Ford badge – touch sensitive to open the boot. Lines extend from the spoiler to create the bulging rear wheel arches. A large bumper with a thin chrome strip, again spanning the width of the car, connects the chunky exhaust outlets.
The new Mondeo is 23mm wider and 63mm longer than its predecessor, likely ensuring that there is more room for occupants on the inside. It is set for delivery to Chinese customers in 2022.
Back in 2019, CDN published a report on Ford’s plans for China. It highlighted the company’s ambition to use its design studio in Shanghai to create models specifically for the local market.