Jalopnik
If you haven't noticed, it's Kinetic Design Friday. We've got your Ford Fiesta, your Ford Kuga, and now your S-Max and Mondeo. The biggest news is the new 2.2-liter four-cylinder TDCi Duratorq diesel engine for the Mondeo, S-Max and Galaxy. This advanced diesel features the third generation common rail and turbo system, allowing the engine to produce 175 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque while still maintaining low emissions. The Mondeo and S-Max also get a new Titanium S option, which provides additional styling queues such as side skirts, modified grille frames, new fog lamp kits and other touches on the outside. On the inside, the Titanium S models get specially stitched leather, brushed aluminum finishes and piano black surfaces. Full press release and pics below.
FORD EXTENDS LARGE CAR RANGE WITH NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE DIESEL ENGINE AND ADDED SERIESFord Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy customers now have even greater powertrain and series choices with the launch of a new high performance 2.2-litre diesel engine and sporty new versions of the popular 'Titanium' series.
Developed for performance, the new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi is the largest displacement and most powerful diesel engine available in Ford of Europe's passenger cars. It gives a sustained 400 Nm of torque at 1,750rpm and 420 Nm of transient overboost provides the necessary power for brisk and confident overtaking manoeuvres. Maximum power of 175 PS is delivered at just 3,500rpm.
The engine has been developed and engineered by Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroën as part of the longstanding co-operation on diesel engines between the two companies. In its first applications with Ford, the engine has been specifically calibrated to provide performance, quietness and smoothness of operation in the company's large and luxury models - new Mondeo, Galaxy, and S-MAX.
"Exceptional quality and reliability are an accepted fact when it comes to our powertrains and this new engine is no exception," explained Nick FitzGerald, Chief Programme Engineer, Large and Luxury Products, Ford of Europe. "The power and torque available is equivalent to a much larger gasoline engine, but in diesel form gives improved like-for-like fuel economy."
New Unique Features
Delivering 400 Nm of peak torque - with a transient overboost of 420 Nm - the engine boasts two new features that are unique to this engine in the Ford line-up: A third-generation common rail and the turbo system with specifically-calibrated pedal mapping.
Third-generation common rail
This high-tech engine features Bosch piezoelectric injectors with seven-hole nozzles which use multiple injection capability and up to 1,800 bar of injection pressure.
Like other diesel engines in the Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy ranges, the diesel injection combustion process of the 2.2-litre provides five injections per combustion stroke. The time lapses between each injection are controlled electronically depending on the rpm and engine load, engine temperature and air intake temperature.
This combustion process enhances the premium feel of the vehicle, as it makes the engine very refined by reducing noise and vibration.
Turbo system and pedal mapping
A variable-geometry turbo ensures good efficiency and throttle response. Pedal map sensors that are specifically calibrated give the driver a sensitive and responsive throttle pedal feel, which contributes to an easy and convenient driving experience. The turbocharger is calibrated to offer superb responsiveness at low revs and seamless acceleration under part load conditions.
Good responsiveness at low revs contributes to good control in parking and manoeuvring situations. As the engine is switched off a throttle shut-down system lessens any vibration.
Performance and Emissions
The performance of this engine is demonstrated by its target acceleration figures; all Ford models using this engine can reach 100 km/h from a standing start in less than ten seconds.
A fully optimised combustion system also contributes to reduced emissions. The Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models using this engine respectively emit 165, 176 and 179 g/km of CO2. "Given the power and torque, and therefore the acceleration of this engine, these figures are very reasonable indeed," said FitzGerald
The 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine is a Euro IV compliant engine equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) which is designed and manufactured for zero-maintenance.
Uniquely, in Ford Motor Company products, the engine is equipped with an 'intelligent oil condition monitoring algorithm'. The system was developed by Ford engineers and is designed to ensure that the engine oil is maintained at optimal performance levels. An information lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates when the system recommends that the oil should be removed and replaced. This useful driver feedback is designed to give superior engine reliability and durability by tailoring the maintenance of the engine oil to the car's use. This is coupled to a 'variable' service interval of up to one year or 20,000km. Full technical specifications can be seen in the Technical Data section.
Sound Quality and Vibration
The best possible Sound Quality and Vibration (SQ&V) is an important aspect of all Ford powertrains and the new 2.2-litre diesel engine is no exception. The engine is fitted with balancing shafts to further diminish vibration.
Paired with Ford's acclaimed 6-speed Durashift manual transmission, this combination offers a powertrain with lots of torque - maximum 400 Nm at 1,750rpm - something that contributes to relatively few gear shifts and reduced driver fatigue. Twin pilot injections for the combustion process simultaneously optimise emissions, fuel economy and play a significant role in reducing the conventional noise of a diesel engine to contribute to the most pleasant acoustic behaviour.
"Conventional diesel technology is by no means dated thanks to the actions we take in developing the engines and calibrating them specifically to our range. Many drivers like the familiarity that a diesel engine gives them with the combined fuel economy, long service life and reliability and modern refinements in our portfolio where this engine will be available," explained Phil Lake, Chief Engineer, Powertrains, Ford of Europe.
Joint Ford and PSA Peugeot CitroënDevelopment
"The development of this engine has joined the skills, experience and techniques of engineers from Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citroën to achieve high goals and objectives for this engine," said Steve Adams, Ford of Europe's Vehicle Line Director for Large and Luxury cars. "Thanks to the utilisation of system engineering, and modern digital simulation, a team comprising 200 people from both companies have developed the engine in just three years. A further 300 people are now assigned to the production of this engine."
New Sporty Titanium S series for Mondeo and S-MAX
The Mondeo and S-MAX ranges have been expanded by the introduction of a new sporty Titanium S model. Based on the highly specified Titanium models, new features and elements have been added to give both cars even greater styling presence and a highly sporty character.
"The 'Titanium' series features and styling details complement perfectly the 'kinetic design' elements of both vehicles, and with over 50 per cent of customers ordering this series, we know it is a success," said Adams. "Now, with the sporty Titanium S we have added more overt styling elements and features to create a new and individual series derivative."
Exterior Styling
The Titanium S series is available on new Mondeo five-door and wagon bodystyles plus the S-MAX.
A standard, full body styling kit gives the vehicles a unique and sporty look. Side skirts and a rear spoiler are a standard feature on the S-MAX and are now offered as an option on Mondeo, and are finished in body colour.
The lower trapezoidal front grille situated in the body-coloured front bumper skirt has a lower grille frame in a contrast colour of silver or anthracite, depending on the body colour. The upper and lower grilles of the Mondeo Titanium S have a unique honeycomb design for series differentiation. A new front fog lamp kit also features bezels - on the Mondeo Titanium S models - in the contrasting shades. The body-coloured rear bumper skirt incorporates an integrated diffuser in a contrasting shade that surrounds the tailpipe finishers on the exhaust.
Tailored Technology
Standard sports suspension gives a 10 - 15mm lower ride height than the regular suspension, and the set-up is unique, offering more stability over uneven surfaces, less body roll and more direct steering thanks to the use of harder damper settings, stiffer springs and suspension bushes. The Sports suspension complements the sporty nature and agility of the Titanium S, as do the 18-inch alloy wheels.
For Mondeo Titanium S customers choosing the option of Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD), the sports suspension is not required and subsequently not fitted.
Ford's enhanced Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) is also fitted as standard to Mondeo and S-MAX Titanium S models, and gives the driver the swivelling and cornering headlight functions. Additional Titanium S features have been tailored to each car line; the S-MAX, for example, gains privacy glass while the Mondeo acquires a standard Ford Power start button.
Interior Styling
Soft-touch surfaces to key contact areas and the use of piano black and brushed aluminium surfaces have already become a signature of the high quality materials and craftsmanship of the established Titanium series. With the new Titanium S, further detailed changes to interior components, materials and finishes give the passenger compartments a sporty feel that is characteristic of the new series.
A new 'Carbotex Sport' appliqué is used on the door spears and areas of the instrument panel. Piano black surface areas have been extended forward to surround the multimedia unit and in-car entertainment controls. The Sports seats are partially trimmed in leather and red thread used in a running stitch frames and divides into sections the seat squab and cushion.
The same red stitching is also applied to the gear shift gaiter, the armrest of the centre console and - for the Mondeo Titanium S - the interior door panels. The leather steering wheel trim has been divided into four areas and the positions where the driver's hands would most naturally fall are finished in a special perforated leather trim which extends around the toggle switches and thumb rests. Red stitching has been applied to the inner radius of the steering wheel in a substantial diamond design. The interior look is completed by black velour carpet mats that are edged by a red surround.
Further Personalisation
The Titanium S models still leave scope for customers to further personalise their cars through the creation of an 'S Upgrade Pack'. Applicable to both Mondeo and
S-MAX Titanium S, customers can select aluminium pedal covers, HID
Bi-Xenon units in place of the AFS headlights and Alcantara seat trim in place of the partial leather.
New Galaxy Titanium
Until now, the most luxurious Galaxy series available is the Ghia. The Galaxy Ghia model features additional chrome exterior styling, a full length overhead centre console and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.
"Galaxy customers like the layout and technology that the car gives them but they have also been telling us that they like the modern 'techno' and contemporary elements of the successful Titanium series used in the Mondeo and S-MAX," said Adams. "What appeals is the high level of equipment, the unique styling features such as the brushed aluminium finishes, and the driver assistance features like the Ford Convers+ full colour instrument display."
Responding to this customer feedback, a new Galaxy Titanium series is placed at the same high level as the existing Ghia model in the range, and includes the same high levels of standard equipment:
• Automatic headlights
• Automatic wipers with rain sensor
• 'Quickclear' heated front windscreen for most European markets
• Cruise Control
• Power operated and heated door mirrors with puddle lamps
• Rear air conditioning
In addition, the technology and driver assistance features are further enhanced by new styling features; many of which will be familiar from existing 'Titanium' Mondeo and S-MAX models.
The use of brushed aluminium in areas where chrome is used on the Ghia model and machined 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels are the key exterior alterations.
Inside the Galaxy Titanium, sports seats finished in Alcantara trim and the integration of privacy glass enhance the interior ambience while the standard fitment of the Ford Convers+ display in the instrument cluster enhances interaction between car and driver.
Ford's Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) headlights are fitted, equipped with lights that swivel plus additional halogen cornering bulbs. Sports suspension has been added to reinforce the sportier appearance of the exterior styling.
"We believe our customers will appreciate the detail touches made to the interior and exterior of the Titanium S series in our large car range, the availability of the new Galaxy Titanium as well as the performance of the new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi 175 PS engine." Said Adams.
Comments
Drool. 175 / 295 is pretty beastly.
More proof Ford thinks American consumers are stupid!
WTF Ford. Just go ahead and fire EVERY ONE of your designers for North America, clone your Euro teams, and have the clones work here. Well, you can keep the team that designed the GT and MAYBE the new Mustang if you beg hard enough. Oh wait, nevermind....the latter has a live axle, so scratch that part. Thanks.
Sincerely,
The United States of America
@estern: Consumers are stupid.
Ford must really hate Americans.
The Mondeo is a damn fine car alright, but the midsize sector is one area where Ford North America is already doing pretty well. The Fusion might not be as stylish or sophisticated as the Mondeo, but its good enough that there's just no compelling reason to bring the Euro car here (unless maybe as a Mercury, for better brand differentiation).
The Kuga, on the other hand, looks like exactly the sort of sleek, modern crossover Ford ought to be replacing the truckish Escape with.
@sos10: Agreed. If they weren't, there would be no Hummers and plenty of Mondeos on the American streets.
God DAMMIT Ford, this thing is gorgeous. Why not pull a Honda/Ford and have the Euro Fusion(Accord) be the USDM Cougar(TSX).
@ranwhenparked: Mercury for Euro Fords might be just what's needed to save that brand, and it'd help Ford compete with Opelized Saturns.
Apparently North America craves ugly.
Thats it. Anyone who still likes ford should just move to europe.
Duratorq. That's pretty funny. At least Ford hasn't lost their sense of humor.
We do crave ugly and cheap.
Despite what everyone wishes if these Fords were sold here all we would do is nitpick them. We'd whine about the price, we'd whine about the power, we'd whine about the interior size, and we'd whine about the cupholders.
GM brought the Saturn Astra over from Opel unchanged and nobody seems to be buying them. Now that it's here people find every excuse in the world not to buy it. Why would it be any different with any foreign Ford?
Everyone foreign product GM and Ford have tried in the US have been money-losing duds.
WTF...
Eh, about the S-Max. If Americans really want it then Mercury should get it. I can seriously see this fitting right into Mercury's line...especially since Mercury doesn't even have a wagon in it's current lineup.
Here's the catch: countries which tax vehicles based on engine displacement have different tax segments, with 2.0-2.2-2.5 being separate segments in western Europe, and 2.0-2.5-3.0 different segments in central and eastern. So anything 2.0 and above pays the same tax as a 2.5 practically. I pay 1200 dollars a year for my aging Peugeot 406 2.0 SV in Turkey, and it' pretty much the same for the Swiss, Portugese, Swedes (well most Nordic countries), all of eastern Europe and a bunch of other central countries.
Ford and a couple other manufacturers play the displacement game, but 2.2 usually pushes buyers over the edge. The previous gen 2.0 TDCi was fine, as was the 2.0 HDI in the 406. Peugeot got smart and put a 1.6 HDi in the 407, which is why many people buy them over a 2.0 Mondeo.
@TriShield: Agreed. If this came over it wouldn't come with a diesel, guaranteed. Enthusiasts who don't know what they want would say they'd only get it if it had a diesel. Then if it had a diesel we'd hear how no one has diesel gas stations by them or how diesel costs more $$$ than regular gas now-a-days so it's not worth the extra $$$ for the car when they can buy a regular burning gasoline car for less or spend the same money for the car and get a hybrid.
I'm curious how many people drive diesel powered cars on this board?
FOJD- Found on Jalopnik daily!
I'm not complaining, i for one am really enjoying looking at all these right-sized Ford products. And instead of looking at it as offshore envy, i like to think that's it's proof FoMoCo is in top form at least somewhere.
@TriShield:
The grass is always greener.
Ford may never satisfy you guys at all, but you have to take a look at the sales numbers to see why these cars will never be brought into the US. First, Automatic to Manual sales are currently running 97% Auto to 3% Manual. Second, Americans also have a price point in mind when they think of Ford, and the Mondeo will be several thousand dollars above what they want to pay. Third, Ford is making quite a bit of money on the Fusion (and clones) because of where they are built (Mexico). The tooling for the Escape has been amortized, and now each Escape (and clones) are now profitable.
So, to satisfy the so called industry experts (Like this audience) Ford would have to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to bring over their Australian and European models, to produce them here, federalize them through the EPA, DOT, and the NHTSA, so that they can increase their sales by what, 1/2%? Ford has enough problems now without throwing good money after bad.
According to Ford's Annual Report, Ford of Europe Lost money in 2005, but made most of it back in 2006. Ford Asia (which includes Australia and New Zealand) has Lost Money in 2006, while Mazda made money. The PAG Group (Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin) Lost Big Money. They are getting rid of most of the PAG Group, and have to get other markets right, along with NA. Simply bringing product from their other markets won't help. New product has to be developed with all markets defined.
Good point on the Astra...but I haven't seen a single promotion for it, of any kind, anywhere. I don't see many Auras, either, which is weird given its awards and good reviews.
But I never saw people on message boards screaming for them en masse. But the Euro-Ford and diesel issues are the two most universal commentaries on every auto forum I've ever visited.
So while there's definitely "grass is greener" syndrome with both issues, I think they have plenty of merit an support.
I never saw anyone screaming at GM to bring the Aura or Astra over here.
My point is these vehicles are exceptional products but for whatever reason that seems to become lost on us when they are actually sold here.
The Astra is just the latest example. Don't forget Ford already sold the Mondeo here as the Contour and the original Focus here, both of which lost Ford a large amount of money. GM has tried Opels here before, the Monaro and currently has two Opels here again in the Vue and Astra and another Holden on the way. All of which besides the Vue probably won't sell well and the others have almost zero profit margin.
Like I said, this country only seems to buy cheap and ugly which is why we get cheap and ugly. Even Asian companies go through the trouble to engineer cheap and ugly cars specifically for us while selling better ones to the rest of the world.
The goodness is lost on us.
I would totally buy that but instead we are stuck with a POS known as the taurus. it's not fair europe gets the cool cars!
@TriShield: Sadly, I pretty much agree with that.
Consumer products in general, in the US, have gone to crap over time. Our whole mentality is "disposable everything." Just look at how long most people keep their cars. Compare it to 20 years ago. Or compare it to Europe.
I always love seeing places where 10-15 year old cars still look brand new. And not just dry, wealthy California. I'm talking about England and Netherlands and Germany and...
@UDMAN:
You summarized that quite well.
Where do you get off making a comment with sound business principles when it's easier to be an "expert" and criticize everything without understanding it? It's just not expected for the internet.
Are style and value mutually exclusive?
I am ashamed of what I am reading on this board. I had a 1991 and a 1992 Jeep Cherokee with over 100K each and they were great vehicles. The reason I got rid of the 1991 Cherokee was I had the opportunity to capitalize on a very sweet deal for the 1992 with less 20K on the clock. I drove that Jeep for over 130K miles and on October 7, 2005 we parted ways after I was broadsided by an Escalade and the the repair costs were greater than the residual value. Amazing part is that it still was driven away from the scene of the accident.
Now, by the time those Cherokees had 80K on the odometer, they had loose steering, sagging springs, burned oil and the brake systems were shot and beyond repair. At 95K on the 1992 Jeep I did a complete rebuild of everthing from the back of the transfercase to the tires which included new drive shafts, springs, brakes, rebuilt axles, and rebuilt steering. The new parts gave the old Jeep a new feel again and I was ready to roll. So the Jeep was not all original by the time it was retired, but it was still one hell of a vehicle.
OTOH, much has changed in the 11 years that passed between the building of my Jeep and my Grand Marquis. The car has 97,500 miles on it and it does not need a new brake system, new springs, or any other significant rebuild. The axle had an issue at 67K miles but that was a manufacturing flaw by the foundry that made the axle for Ford. This car does not burn oil and all systems work like a charm. Anyone who says that they do not build cars like they used to is very, very correct. And I am glad they do not build cars like they did 10 or 20 years ago then I would be looking to trade my GranMa instead of planning on driving it for at least another 50K miles. Maybe even I will go for 200K, but I am afraid time will cause more problems than mileage the way my car is built.
I am ashamed of my cohorts of the Jalopnos Community for suggesting that cars are not as well made today than they were 25-50 years ago. Perhaps the materials are not as heavy and perceivably durable as we would like to see, but these are the safest, best built autos to have ever been built coming off our assembly lines now. It is just ashame that the styling does not necessarily fit my taste for what a car should be.
Part of the problem with the Astra is that its a Saturn. A perennially money-losing division with GM's smallest dealer network and the least name recognition. Add that the fact that GM has spend about $3.50 on advertising and its pretty easy to see why its been a flop.
If it was, say, the Chevrolet Astra AND supported with a decent ad campaign, it would probably be rivaling the Civic in sales right now.
@ranwhenparked: The Astra is also a Vauxhall *shudders*
Dear Ford,
You started in the US. You only make one decent car. Why not sell said car in the US?
These cars are several orders of magnitude nicer than a Contour. Show anyone a Mondeo or S-MAX and they will find them appealing, where the Contour was mouse-fur garbage.
It may make no financial sense for Ford to ship cars made in Germany here, but at some point they have to improve their product line. Good designs aren't coming out of Detroit. Start building the European cars here as they phase out older models.
I'd buy an S-MAX in a heartbeat. What does Ford give me instead? The $30k-$35k, 16mpg Flex. Jesus.
@amblito: Could be worse. We could have the Saturn Corsa instead. *spasms*
@ranwhenparked: I was doing some traveling this week, and decided to turn on the tube at one point, and tuned into a station that I never get at home, Bravo. There was a series that I caught only the 1st 5 minutes of (and then turned it off, because it was drivel) call Project Runway. One of the sponsors is Saturn, and they are giving away an Astra to the winner of the competition (hey, at first I thought it was something about Airport Runways.... was I ever surprised). Anyway, if this is how GM advertises the Saturn Brand, no wonder they don't sell anymore.
Are Saturn drivers as bad as Vauxhall drivers?
@UDMAN: BRAVO is pretty well regarded as the "mainstream gay" channel. I don't have it anymore, but I remember it from when I had full cable. I don't mean teh ghey. I mean BRAVO.
Sounds like they're doing a little niche marketing. But at the expense of everyone else, might end up as a pigeonholing.
@LoveThatWeasel:
The Fusion is also several times better than the Contour. Ford's designs are generally as good or better than domestic competition. The number one reason for not buying a Ford is quality concerns, which are purely a perception issue.
The Fusion, Edge, and Flex are much more what Americans (most, just not internet car enthusiasts who whine about everything they can't get) want. The Euro Fords are much smaller than people here want still. It is not just Ford who is doing this, as most makers sell larger cars here than worldwide.
Oh, and that S-Max would not be cheap here at all.
I walked into a local Saturn dealer this past weekend and sat in the Astra. Nice seats, right-sized body. Uh oh - no iPod input (in 2008?!?). Uh-oh 2 - 138hp with sub 30 MPG highway? How's that? Then I walked around to the Monroney and holy hell, there is a $550 charge for "paint and seat fabric protection", this displayed proudly next to their "no-dicker" sticker. This car, with a ye-olde four speed auto (I'd get the ye-olde five speed stick) and without the paint and seat fabric protection was almost $20k. Mispriced in it's segment? Yeah.
I wanted to like it, and I did, but honestly, screw you Saturn and screw you local Saturn dealer.
How is it that the same blue label even appears on the new focus and the new mondeo? Don't these guys talk? Christ, a transatlantic telegram could have helped a little. Or is it every continent for themselves?
Oh and if I see one more goddamn Bangle-crease running at a drunken angle down the side of another detroit shitbox I'm gonna loose it. Ford Focus, Chrysler Seabring designers please start showing up to work. With ideas. New ones.
That goes for plasticky Aston vents behind the front wheels too. F150, Taurus...you gotta be kidding me...