Ford’s next-generation Mondeo will allegedly arrive later next year, judging by a parts catalogue posted on the motoring giant’s European tooling website. The entry refers to a suspension part for the 2022 model year Mondeo, pointing to a public debut during the second half of 2021.
The component is specifically a removal tool for a leaf spring suspension setup. That’s unusual, given that no Ford passenger cars sold in Europe are fitted with the seemingly-antiquated system. A screen shot of the listing was shared in an Autocarreport, though the part no longer appears on Ford’s tooling website.
Leaf springs have all but been phased out in passenger vehicles in Europe, but the Volvo XC90 is among one of the few exceptions. It uses a single transverse composite leaf spring, which helps save weight and improve packaging. Volvo’s leaf spring is also said to deliver better NVH (that’s noise, vibration, and harshness) levels and a more supple ride.
Other details about the new Mondeo are scarce, though a series of spy shots, showing a development mule testing in the wild, that emerged six months ago suggest the new model will mix a crossover-like design with an estate silhouette. That seems to fit in with Ford’s current product strategy, which has seen the Kuga go from a sports coupe to an SUV.
The new Mondeo is also rumoured to get some form of electrification. The most likely option is the 2.5-litre petrol engine that’s available on the new Kuga. The mill is mated to a 10.3kWh battery, delivering 222bhp and up to 34 miles of electric-only range.
Keyword: Ford Mondeo 2021: release date leaks in official documents