FORD has announced that prices for the new Ford Mondeo will start at £20,795, an increase of just £300 compared with the ageing out-going model, and a handy £1,400 cheaper than an important direct rival, the new Volkswagen Passat – although as always with Fords, a lot will depend on deals.

The company has already trailed many of the technical innovations embodied in the new Ford Mondeo, which include Pedestrian Detection, adaptive LED headlights, enhanced Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, Active City Stop, a power tailgate, the updated SYNC 2 multimedia system, and innovative Inflatable Rear Seatbelts.

The new Ford Mondeo will be built at Ford’s plant in Valencia in Spain, and it will be be available in the UK in five-door, four-door saloon (hybrid only) and estate versions.

The new Ford Mondeo has already been available for some time in the US badged as the Ford Fusion.