From Auto Express
Say goodbye to the Mundano - and hello to Ford's new range of cutting-edge family cars. As you read this, Auto Express can reveal that the blue oval's design staff are putting the final touches to an exciting four-model line-up to replace today's three-strong Mondeo family.
We've discovered that the firm will replace the range with a sharply styled saloon and liftback, a Vauxhall Signum-style estate-cum-hatch, an all-road MAV (or multi activity vehicle) and a modern interpretation of the Galaxy people carrier, tipped to be christened the E-MAX.
The move is intended to drive the Mondeo away from its traditional 'repmobile' reputation. Key rivals, according to Ford, will include the Alfa Romeo 156 and Honda's Accord. However, the biggest surprise is that the new family will be based on an updated version of Volvo's S60 platform. This means the range will benefit from top-level safety as well as the option of four-wheel drive.
The saloon, hatchback and MPV will be built at Ford's Cologne plant in Germany. However, current plans would see the MAV made at Jaguar's Halewood factory on Merseyside. Sources have pointed out the new 2005 Land Rover Freelander will also be produced there, using the same Volvo-derived platform.
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This means that the "When is the Mondeo coming?" can be put to bed. The article says the 2006 will be based on the Volvo S60 platform, which is the basis of the 2005 Ford 500. So, if you want a "new Mondeo", go to a Volvo dealer or wait for the 500.
