Following the positive...
Following the positive feedback received after the MX Sportif concept debuted at 2003"s Geneva Motor Show, the project to inject some performance sparkle into the family hatch has been given the green light. Although this prototype has very few visual modifications, the production version will feature a more striking bodykit, while still offering greater subtlety than some rivals.
Auto Express has the...
Auto Express has the first official shots of the newcomer, and these also reveal how the ST-badged family flagship will look when it debuts at the Geneva Motor Show next March.
Powered by a 3.2-litre straight-six turbocharged engine producing more than 250bhp, this ST is claimed to be the most powerful Ford of its kind to hit the road since the Sierra Cosworth
Powered by a 3.2-litre straight-six turbocharged engine producing more than 250bhp, this ST is claimed to be the most powerful Ford of its kind to hit the road since the Sierra Cosworth. Although it is inspired by the Mondeo concept previewed in Issue 929, there are key differences.
Most obvious are changes made to the show model"s distinctive three-section chrome-trimmed front air intake, which is replaced by a single lower grille and contrasting surround. Small projector-style foglamps also feature, along with smart Focus ST-style alloy wheels and lower side sills, which ensure a low and aggressive stance.
At the rear, the distinctive light clusters are joined by a racy diffuser-type bumper and a pair of chrome-trimmed exhaust pipes. A subtle spoiler is also visible on the tailgate. In addition, the flagship version will benefit from the latest Continuous Controlled Damping (CCD) system used in the S-MAX people carrier. A button on the centre console will let the driver choose from three different settings depending upon the conditions. The clever adaptive set-up will be joined by the latest traction and stability control technology.
The all-new Mondeo will hit showrooms next year priced from ?16,000. Entry-level models will feature 1.6 petrol and 1.8-litre turbodiesel engines. Further up the range, customers will be able to choose 2.0 and 2.5-litre petrol units, as well as a 2.0 oil-burner.
But before it does, the sleek-looking machine has an all-important appointment with super-spy 007! This Tonic Blue five-door was hand-built by Ford of Europe"s design studio in Germany especially for the upcoming Bond film. And while it doesn"t boast any Q-inspired gadgets, it shows how the finished car will look with a bespoke bodykit, previewing the styling of the ST variant. The production model will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March.