Ford has revealed details of its new Mondeo, which will offer a hybrid model for the first time. It will go on sale in 2015.
The hybrid model will be particularly important for fleets as the 2.0-litre petrol / twin electric motor combination emits 99 g/km CO2.
One motor helps to drive the wheels while the other is used to supply regenerative charging. The 1.4 kWh lithium-ion batteries have an anticipated life span of 10 years and 150,000 miles, Ford says.
Topping the engine range is a 2.0-litre diesel model with twin sequential turbos. It produces 210hp and has “significantly reduced CO2 figures” compared to the outgoing model’s 159g/km.
The 2.0-litre oil-burner will also be offered in 150 and 180hp formats, albeit with a single turbocharger.
The American car maker claims that it will be the first car in its segment to offer a 1.0-litre engine. The Ecoboost engine will produce 125hp and emit 119g/km CO2. The company will also offer a 1.6-litre Econetic diesel emitting 94g/km CO2.
Ford has not released any prices for the Mondeo, but expect it to be revealed next month.
The new model will be the first Ford to feature a new pedestrian detection system it claims can identify people and reduce the risk of an incident while at speeds of up to 50mph.
If a pedestrian is spotted in front of the car, it reacts by shortening the gap between brake pads and discs after warning the driver. Should the driver react, the car will automatically slow itself down.
Ford claims it spent months testing the system using rigs filled with life-size dummies on a closed test track.
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