All-new 2015 Ford Mondeo - the full story

This is the new Ford Mondeo, which will go on sale at the end of this year. 

What is it?

The all-new Ford Mondeo's arrival has been delayed several times, but the new large family car will finally go on sale at the end of 2014. It will be offered with a selection of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines, and will usher in a new level of safety and luxury equipment.

It will be offered in the UK as a hatchback, estate or a saloon.

What engines can I choose from?

There will be a choice of three diesel engines at first, with the 1.6-litre Econetic having the lowest CO2 emissions, at around 94g/km. The two 2.0-litre diesel engines will come with a choice of 148bhp and 178bhp power outputs. Both are expected to emit just under 110g/km and 120g/km of CO2 respectively.

A range-topping 207bhp 2.0-litre diesel will join the range in 2015, and replaces the old 197bhp 2.2-litre unit. CO2 emissions have yet to be confirmed, but Ford says it will emit significantly less than the old model.

There will also be a choice of petrol engines, with a 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre Ecoboost offered from launch. The 1.5-litre version is a 158bhp unit and will emit around 134g/km, while the 2.0-litre engine is set to be offered in either 200bhp and 237bhp versions.

A 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine will be added to the range early in 2015, and this 124bhp unit will emit around 119g/km.

Finally, Ford will offer the Mondeo with a hybrid engine. This version will come with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, paired with an electric motor, and will offer CO2 emissions of 99g/km. The hybrid is set to be offered only on the saloon version, however.

How much equipment does it come with?

The new Mondeo has significantly more safety and luxury equipment than the outgoing model. 

It comes with new LED light technology, which adjusts according to weather, speed and light conditions, and if there is another car in front.

It also comes with a pedestrian detection system, which can identify people and reduce the severity of a collision at speeds up to 50mph. It sounds a warning, prepares the brakes and finally applies them on behalf of a driver. A city braking system also mitigates or avoids crashes with other vehicles at speeds of up to 25mph

Optional inflating rear seatbelts act like an airbag in the case of a crash to spread impact forces across the body, rather than concentrating them on one area. There are nine other airbags, including larger ones at the side.

There will be three trims to choose from – Style, Zetec and Titanium. More information on exactly what each version comes with will be revealed closer to the Mondeo's launch.

Equipment includes the latest version of Ford's Sync2 infotainment system, which has drastically reduced number of buttons on the dashboard. It has an 8.0-inch touch-screen as standard, and every version will have DAB digital radio and Bluetooth, while top-level models will also get satellite-navigation.

Ford will also offer a top-of-the-range Vignale model, which will come with more styling upgrades and equipment levels, and an improved dealer experience.

Owners will have a personal contact at their dealer, and will have an increased level of service. This is expected to include things such as collection and delivery come service time, and the ability to pop in to your Vignale dealer for a car wash.

How much will it cost?

The Mondeo starts at much the same level as the outgoing version, with the entry car costing £20,795. This brings the hatchback version of the 1.6-litre diesel complete with six-speed manual gearbox and Style trim.

The Zetec trim starts at £21,045, which brings the 1.5-litre Ecoboost engine, while the Titanium costs from £22,245 with the same engine.

The Estate model adds £1250 across the range.

The hybrid is only available in the one version, and costs £24,995.

Can I get a discount?

Although the current car is available with decent discounts - between £2500 and £1800 depending on the trim - you won't be able to get more than a few hundred pounds off the new one to start with.

However, there tends to be a decent level of savings to be had across Ford's range, so we anticipate Target Price discounts shortly after launch.

How good are its rivals?

The outgoing Ford Mondeo has been a multiple award winner, picking up the What Car? Car of the Year award for its category for several years. However, its rivals have been revised recently, or are due to be soon.

The all-new Volkswagen Passat will also be revealed at the Paris motor show, and is set to go on sale early in 2015. It is expected to be marginally more expensive than the Mondeo, and will only be powered by diesel engines in the UK.

The face-lifted Peugeot 508 goes on sale this autumn with revised looks and suspension and more efficient engines. It is some way behind the standards of the class, though, with rivals offering more practicality and a better driving experience.

Watch our exclusive video preview of the new Mondeo