Bitche Original In January this year, Changan Ford's new generation Mondeo was officially unveiled, continuing the chapter of this Ford classic model in China. Including the latest model, Mondeo has a history of nearly 18 years and 4 models in China. During this period, it has had relatively brilliant sales performance, but at the same time it has fallen to the bottom due to various reasons. Similarly, for many people, Mondeo has entered their families and become a member of their lives. On the eve of the launch of the new Mondeo, let us review the history of this car and its performance in China.
The first generation Mondeo, 1993-1996
The Mondeo is a "global model" launched by Ford in major automobile markets outside North America in the early 1990s. The name Mondeo comes from the Latin "Mundus", which translates as universe, world. This also shows Ford's firm belief when launching this model. In North America, the first-generation Mondeo was named "Contour".
The first-generation Mondeo was officially launched on January 8, 1993, and went on sale on March 22 of the same year. In addition to the traditional four-door sedan version, the first-generation Mondeo also has hatchback and station wagon versions. At that time, all vehicles were produced at Ford's factory in Belgium, and the research and development costs of up to 6 billion US dollars made Mondeo one of the most expensive new cars in history.
The vehicle adopts a new development The platform and brand-new shape adopt the round design style that was popular at that time. At the same time, the vehicle is also relatively modern in configuration, with electric windows, electric rearview mirrors, leather seats, electric sunroof, front windshield heating and other configurations. On higher-configuration models, you can also have adaptive suspension, TCS (traction control) and other configurations.
In Europe, the first-generation Mondeo has a lot of power configuration options. It uses Ford’s new ZETEC 1.6L, 1.8L and 2.0L gasoline engines. In addition, There are 2.5L V6 gasoline engine and 1.8T diesel engine to choose from. In addition to manual transmission, the first-generation Mondeo also offers automatic transmission configuration.
Second generation Mondeo, 1996-2000
The first generation Mondeo underwent a mid-cycle facelift in 1996, although In this way, everyone still likes to call this model after the mid-term facelift the second generation Mondeo. This oneMondeo mainly improves the first-generation Mondeo's bland styling, unsatisfactory lighting performance and narrow rear legroom. Therefore, the new car can be said to have undergone a big change in its styling. For the time, it did have an approximate replacement effect.
The new car adopts a new front face Design, the air intake also adopts an oval shape, the headlight area is much larger than the old model, and forms an integral part with the front grille, and the rear of the car also adopts a design similar to through-type taillights. In the interior, the second-generation Mondeo has not changed much compared to the old model. The vehicle has a new navigation system, but this system can only be displayed as simple directional arrows on the screen. At the same time, the safety of this model has also been improved. The driver's position is equipped with a normal-sized airbag, replacing the previous small airbag.
In 1998, Ford improved the ZETEC engine to make It operates more smoothly. In Europe, Mondeo has become the benchmark model among local cars of its class. However, in markets such as the United States and Australia, its body size has been criticized, and local consumers are more willing to choose models with larger sizes and similar prices. Unfortunately, neither the first-generation nor the second-generation Mondeo has entered China.
Third generation Mondeo, 2000-2007
Discontinued after the second generation Mondeo Later, the third generation Mondeo was launched in 2000. It is larger, safer and more stylish than its predecessor. At the same time, it is also the first model in Mondeo history to be launched in China.
However, Chinese consumers are not as lucky as overseas consumers to experience the third-generation Mondeo for the first time. In 2004, Changan Ford officially introduced this model to China. At this point, Mondeo began its journey in the country.
The domestic version of Mondeo basically followed the styling of its overseas version, and this styling was also in line with Chinese aesthetics at the time. At the same time, the interior of the vehicle almost copied the design of the overseas version. The wood grain veneer and soft covering gave the car a good interior texture at the time. Taking the top model as an example, the vehicle has leather seats, electric seats, seat memory, rear LCD screen, multi-function steering wheel, steering wheel gear shift, and rear sunshades.Curtains, automatic air conditioning, central control quartz watch, cruise control and other functions can be regarded as relatively luxurious configurations from the perspective of those days.
The third-generation Mondeo entering China has 2 power configurations, among which the top model is equipped with a Duratec 2.5L V6 engine, matched with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The other models are equipped with a 2.0L engine, matched with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear composite link.
Because at that time many domestic consumers were dissatisfied with Changan Ford still takes a wait-and-see attitude, so the sales performance of the third-generation Mondeo is not satisfactory. However, the price of its top model is less than 300,000 yuan, which has really allowed many domestic consumers to appreciate the charm of the V6 engine.
The fourth generation Mondeo, 2007-2013
The fourth generation Mondeo was launched in 2007. The design style has undergone very obvious changes compared with the previous generation, making it appear younger and more sporty. Therefore, in some overseas markets, it has even become a competitor of luxury sedans such as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and it has also entered the country for the first time.
The fourth-generation Mondeo that entered the country adopted a more down-to-earth name - Mondeo-Winning, so much so that many people at the time directly called it " Winning", this also shows Changan Ford's hope for this model. The vehicle has a relatively obvious improvement in body size. The length, width and height are 4854x1886x1495mm, and the wheelbase has reached 2850mm, which is a good size even now.
The interior of the vehicle appears relatively full, and both high-end models have a relatively large central control LCD screen. The top-of-the-line model also has keyless entry, keyless start, multi-function steering wheel, leather seats, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, automatic zoned air conditioning and other configurations. In terms of functions, it has a comparison with the previous generation model. Big improvement.
Mondeo-Zhisheng initially launched a total of 2 power configurations, among which the low-end models are equipped with A 2.0L engine and equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the other models are equipped with 2.3L engine, matched with 6-speed automatic transmission. It adopts the chassis structure of MacPherson independent front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension.
In 2011, Changan Ford installed a 2.0T engine on the Mondeo-Zhisheng. This engine It has also become the power configuration of its top model. The engine has a maximum power of 176.5kW and a maximum torque of 340N·m, which is obviously much more powerful than the 2.3L naturally aspirated engine. This engine is matched with a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
With its youthful appearance, Mondeo-Zhisheng achieved good sales results in the early days of its launch, and then continued to stabilize at an average of around 5,000 units per month, while the 2.0 The addition of the T engine has revived the sales of this model. It can be said that Ford still has a certain ability to control market trends.
Fifth-generation Mondeo, 2013-2022
The fifth-generation Mondeo was officially released in 2013 and launched in the same year China. This generation of Mondeo has attracted huge controversy in terms of appearance, and such topics have created a long-lasting popularity for it. I don’t know if this is the result of Ford’s intention.
As the Chinese market continues to grow, Ford has become more and more important to this piece of cake. After the release of overseas models, the fifth-generation Mondeo It soon began to be sold in China, and its sales volume can be said to be very good. More and more "Aston Mondeo" appeared in the streets of China.
The Martin face has become the most outstanding design element of this generation of Mondeo. To this day, this design is still timeless. . Its body length has increased compared with the Mondeo-Zhixing, reaching 4860mm, and the wheelbase is the same as the Mondeo-Zhixing, which is 2850mm. This kind of body size makes it not at any disadvantage when competing with other competing products.
The vehicle interior still retains the Mondeo The traditional design style and the combination of wood grain trim make the entire interior look more upscale. At the same time, high-end vehicles also adopt a knob-type electronic shifting design, which has greatly improved both in terms of technology and space utilization. Taking the top model as an example, the vehicle has a reversing camera, adaptive cruise, automatic parking, keyless entry, keyless start, front seat heating/ventilation/massage, rear seat heating, 12-speaker audio, LED Headlights, interior ambient lighting, rear windshield sunshade, automaticDual-zone air conditioning and other configurations, it can be said that these configurations are very mainstream even now.
Since its introduction in 2013, Mondeo has been equipped with 1.5T and 2.0T models. Engine, among which, the 1.5T engine has a maximum power of 133kW and a maximum torque of 240N·m; the 2.0T engine has a maximum power of 178kW and a maximum torque of 350N·m. Both are matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This generation of Mondeo is equipped with a conventional front McV Xenon and rear multi-link independent suspension, and starting from this generation of models, driving assistance systems have begun to appear on Mondeo. The top model of that year had functions such as merging assist, lane departure warning, and active braking.
The fifth-generation Mondeo in China underwent a mid-term facelift in 2016 and introduced hybrid models. This model is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine with a maximum power of 105kW and a maximum torque of 175N·m, matched with an E-CVT gearbox, and the vehicle's NEDC comprehensive fuel consumption is 4.2L/100km.
This generation of Mondeo has achieved very good sales in China. After being launched in 2013, it has been able to maintain an average monthly sales volume of nearly 10,000 units. It can be said that its excellent appearance and relatively good overall strength are the keys to its achievement. It is also the best Mondeo in China's history.
New Mondeo, 2022-present
On January 17, 2022, the Ford China Design Center officially opened, and at the same time, a new Mondeo model was unveiled. This is also the fourth Mondeo launched by Changan Ford in China. What is different from the past is that the Mondeo released this time is not an overseas version, but a local model completely designed by the Ford China Design Center. This is essentially the same as the previously released Changan Ford EVOS.
The vehicle adopts Changan Ford's new family language. The appearance of the vehicle has many similarities with EVOS, both of which are based on the new "potential energy aesthetics" "The idea comes from. Split headlights, through-type front LED light strips, and 3D parametric scale front grilles can be said toThey are all products of this concept.
The side of the body is very slender and uses a hidden door handle design. The length, width and height of the vehicle are 4935x1875x1500mm, and the wheelbase is 2945mm, which is close to the size of the Ford Taurus, and can be said to be larger than the fifth-generation Mondeo. The rear of the vehicle adopts a through-type taillight design. When the taillights on both sides are lit, the effect is similar to that of the Mustang. There are two large exhaust outlets designed under the rear bumper, but the vehicle's real exhaust outlets are hidden on the inside of the bumper.
The new Mondeo interior uses a very large central control LCD screen, which is completely consistent with the design of EVOS same. The width of the LCD screen reaches 1.1m, including a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument and a 27-inch large horizontal screen for the central control, which also gives this Mondeo a very good technological atmosphere.
The vehicle has keyless entry, keyless start, tire pressure display, and segmented sunroof , automatic dual-zone air conditioning, B&O audio, front-row mobile phone wireless charging, automatic parking, lane keeping, active braking and other functions. The front seats of the vehicle all have electric adjustment functions, and the front seats of high-end models can also be heated and ventilated.
The new Mondeo is equipped with a 2.0T engine, referring to the power of the current EVOS Configuration, this engine is expected to be installed on the Mondeo with a maximum power of 175kW and a maximum torque of 376N·m. It is matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the design of the electronic knob will continue to be used. The vehicle chassis uses front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension.
This time Ford China Design Center took the lead in launching the new Mondeo, which on the one hand proves This reflects the current enhancement of domestic automobile research and development capabilities. On the one hand, it also shows that the Chinese team has a greater say in Ford. However, as far as the new Mondeo launched this time is concerned, we see many elements that are homogeneous with EVOS, which also makes this new Mondeo the "most familiar stranger" around us.
Editor's comment : Although Mondeo does not have those legends The model has such a splendid history, but it has also been in China for 18 years. It can be said that it has a close relationship with Chinese consumers, and we can often see it on the streets.The presence of this model also illustrates to a certain extent the recognition of Mondeo by Chinese consumers. Under the wave of new energy sources for automobiles, the new Mondeo has also taken advantage of the trend and set an example, becoming a model that is more youthful and fashionable. In fact, no matter how the times change, a car that resonates will be remembered by people, and such resonance is obviously contrary to the current familial and homogeneous design. So next, it depends on how the manufacturer makes a choice.