Geneva '08 Preview: 2009 Ford Fiesta, Ford Kuga, Mondeo, and S-Max

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With two and a half weeks to go before the Geneva Motor Show, Ford has finally released details on the production version of its new global small car. After the Verve concept debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, the speculation began about what it'd be called when it arrived in showrooms. Ford's marketing team decided that more than three decades of brand equity was too much to throw away, so this car will be called the Fiesta everywhere in the world that it's sold, including the United States. US fans probably shouldn't get too attached to the 3-door hatchback shown above, though, as it's all but certain that we'll be getting a four-door sedan instead.

As spy photos in recent months have indicated, the production Fiesta stays remarkably true to the Verve concept. Aside from some detailing of the light clusters and framed side glass replacing the concept's flush glazing, the production car is virtually identical to the concept on the outside. This good news continues when you open the door, as the basic interior design is the same as the concept's, but with slightly less flashy-looking switchgear. Underhood, the Fiesta gets a range of five gasoline and diesel-fueled four-cylinder engines. Like the new Mazda2 with which it shares its architecture, the Fiesta is the same size as the car it's replacing, but high-strength steels allow it to be lighter. Production kicks off this fall in Cologne, Germany, to be followed by a second assembly plant in Spain. An Asian facility will be announced at the Beijing show in April, while a site for North American models will be announced later. We have bemoaned the dearth of small car choices here in the US and well as vilified Ford for keeping its Euro offerings away from us for a long time here at Autoblog. While we still have a bit longer to wait, the emergence of the new production Fiesta is reason to be very enthused. Put simply, it's exactly what we've been asking for. And it's coming.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/14/geneva-2008-it-may-have-verve-but-you/

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When Ford introduced the Iosis X Concept back in 2006, it proved that the Blue Oval's European Kinetic design language could transfer over to a CUV remarkably well. And when the Kuga Concept made its debut in Frankfurt, it was obvious that much of what made the Iosis X such an eye-catcher would come to the production model. It's done just that and Ford will be pulling the wraps off its first CUV in Europe next month in Geneva.

The Kuga CUV is based off the C-car platform that underpins the C-Max and Euro-Focus (also our Mazda3 and Volvo S40/C30), and is motivated by Ford's 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi common rail diesel. 136 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque can be sent to either the front wheels or all four depending on the model (Trend or Titanium, respectively) and the Kuga comes standard with ESP, Anti Rollover Mitigation, ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

Inside, Ford boasts a handsomely outfitted cabin, with seating for five and a 60/40 split rear seat that offers a bit of practicality alongside the Kuga's style.

As much as we'd like to bemoan the fact that Ford is still offering products abroad that we think would do wonders for the marque here at home, we can only hope that Mr. Mulally's plan to globalize Ford's lineup happens soon and sends over some of the Kuga's mojo.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/14/geneva-2008-ford-kuga-set-to-attack-europe/

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Along with the production Fiesta and Kuga, Ford will be debuting a new diesel at next month's Geneva Motor Show. The 2.2-liter four-cylinder produces 175 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at an ultra-low 1,750 rpm. The new oilburner is a third generation common rail setup that uses Bosch's piezoelectric injectors and will find its way into the 2009 Ford Mondeo, S-Max and Galaxy van. The new engine also boasts an intelligent oil monitoring system that keeps tabs on atmospheric conditions and driver behavior, and then recommends when an oil change should be made ? up to 12,000 miles.

Ford will also be introducing the new Galaxy Titanium package for both the Mondeo and S-Max, which includes a few new features inside and out. The optional pack comes with five-spoke, 17-inch alloys held on by a sports-tuned suspension, automatic wipers, power operated and heated wing mirrors, "Quickclear" heated windshield and Alcantara sport seats.

PRESS RELEASE

FORD EXTENDS LARGE CAR RANGE WITH NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE DIESEL ENGINE AND ADDED SERIES

* Powerful new 175 PS 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi performance diesel engine for Ford Mondeo, Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy
* Expressive new Titanium S series extends Mondeo and S-MAX customer choice
* New 'techno' style Galaxy Titanium model complements the classic Ghia series at the top of the range

Ford 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 Citro?n 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 Citro?nDevelopment

"The development of this engine has joined the skills, experience and techniques of engineers from Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citro?n 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' appliqu? 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.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/14/geneva-2008-ford-gives-mondeo-s-max-new-diesel-more-options/
 
Mmmm Those Fords look very tasty indeed. Shame North America isn't getting any one of them..... You definitely can't say the same about most of the Fords sold here.
 
Mmmm Those Fords look very tasty indeed. Shame North America isn't getting any one of them..... You definitely can't say the same about most of the Fords sold here.

Well, we are getting the Fiesta and the Kuga is still a possibility.
 
Holy shit...those look GOOD!! I am quite impressed that the Fiesta looks so close to the Verve concept...kudos Ford of Europe.

:idiot: to Ford USA...why can't you be like your cousin?
 
I really like the Fiesta. Why can't Ford US produce cars that are on par with their European counterparts? I certainly look forward to them importing their European models, but I'd still like to see the American design teams rival them.

If the Fiesta, which shares a Mazda platform, drives like a Mazda, I may seriously consider one of them in Blue :D
 
Kuga?!? What the hell kind of name is that?? Name aside - it's not bad looking, I'm not entirely sure about the front end, particularly the section immediately below the headlights. Fiesta's looking good though - it's great to see cheap, small cars being styled with some flair.
 
Ford is really coming good lately with all the kinetic cars. I'm sure the Kuga and Fiesta will be just as good to drive as the New Mondeo is too. I'm just hoping like hell that the Americans don't neuter Ford Europe's golden patch when Alan Mulally streamlines everything and brings Ford together globally.
 
Kuga?!? What the hell kind of name is that?? Name aside - it's not bad looking, I'm not entirely sure about the front end, particularly the section immediately below the headlights. Fiesta's looking good though - it's great to see cheap, small cars being styled with some flair.
It means plague in slavic languages. Yeah, i can see it being REALLY popular here...
 
A Big Applause to Ford Europe! :clap:

God that Fiesta looks goregeous!!!

The Kuga doesn't look bad at all, but it's a SUV/CUV (whatever they want to call it) so it plainly spoils it all.

And the mondeo... shame that the engine announced was a diesel. I want to see the ST! :drool:
 
I don't understand why they don't bring those models over to North America, because NA has a much larger Ford loyalty than anywhere else. Ford would make a killing with those over here!
 
I don't understand why they don't bring those models over to North America, because NA has a much larger Ford loyalty than anywhere else. Ford would make a killing with those over here!

The Mondeo and Focus sell very well in the UK. As far as I can tell, that's because they make legitimately good cars as opposed to relying on brand loyalty.
 
Probably because the hottest Mondeo comes with a measly 220 horsepower. :p
 
I like what I see. I might get a Ford next time. Hello employee rebate.

I don't understand why they don't bring those models over to North America
Too expensive.
 
Damn, the Fiesta looks terrific. I wish I could have waited for one year. A body lighter than mine's coupled with the 115HP VVT engine has to make for some awesome fun :(

On the other hand, I'm glad you Americans are finally getting some Euro Fords, even if in this case it's not going to be the hatchback, but a 4-door sedan.
 
I want that Fiesta badly. But of course it won't get an automatic 'box (which about 90% of the cars here have) and anyway the Mazda2 is already filling the needs of the importer which is importing both Fords and Mazdas. So probably my only chance of it being my first car (which will be possible in a year or so) is personal import :(
 
Bring the Mondeo over and that will be my Daily one day or even the Focus...Seriously Ford you'd be saving money by producing the same cars all over the world less work...
 
The Mondeo is a surprisingly big car - I think it would do well in NA. The others look really good and that Diesel (for a daily drive) would be on my list at the next change of motor. bartboy9891 nailed it when he said that they make genuinely good cars and do not just rely on national or brand loyalty. Two of those new cars remind me of Hondas actually - Fiesta has a bit of the Civic hatch about it and the Kuga looks a bit like the new CRV.
 
I'm not so sure about the looks of the Fiesta. I personally don't mind that the window line goes up nearly to the roof of the C-pillar, but knowing that the Fiesta's a beginners car I bet you'll see a lot of them driving around with scratches from parking efforts. Also I probably wouldn't feel very comfortable sitting in the back and being surrounded not by the scenery outside but by the plastic interior mostly. But who cares, some marketing department must've decided to position it as a sporty 2+2 seater which it probably is.
 
Kuga-nice

Bond-esque Mondeo-very nice

Fiesta-Holy crap! A Fiesta even I may want!
 
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