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FORD HAS REVEALED the new Ford Mondeo at the Detroit motor show.

 

Strictly speaking the car Ford has unveiled is the US-market Fusion saloon, but the car will be badged as a Mondeo when it arrives in the UK in 2013.

 

Although the design is new, there’s a clear family resemblance to today’s car, especially from the side. The grille is more prominent, though, and the slim headlights give next year’s Mondeo a more aggressive look. The car is longer than today’s model, but lower and narrower. To my eyes it’s a handsome car, although very much an evolution rather than a revolution.

 

Expect the engine range to feature updated versions of today’s petrol and diesel line-up, including the high-tech turbocharged Ecoboost petrols. Hybrid and plug-in electric versions are also on the way.

 

Ford promises the new car will be even better to drive than the old one. Well, they would say that, wouldn’t they, but then the current car is already more fun than any other family car.

 

Ford also says the new Mondeo will be safer, thanks to a stiffer body shell and knee airbags for the driver and front seat passenger.

 

There’s no firm word on UK pricing and specifications and nor will there be for some time yet. However, starting prices for petrol models of around £18,000 and £20,000 for the diesels seem like reasonable guestimates.