At the Paris Motor Show, the firm said the Mondeo will be available as a five-door and wagon – uniquely developed for Europe – as well as a four-door that will be offered as a segment-first petrol hybrid electric vehicle, combining a specially-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 35kW lithium-ion battery.

It will be the first car in its segment in Europe to be equipped with a 1.0-litre petrol engine, the 2012 “International Engine of the Year” 1.0-litre EcoBoost. An ECOnetic Technology model will also be available, powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine. The firm claimed both are expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy.

In addition, customers will have the choice of turbocharged 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines, and a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel. For the first time on Mondeo, a diesel all-wheel drive variant will be offered.

The all-new Mondeo chassis will feature a fully advanced suspension arrangement. The chassis incorporates a new integral link suspension configuration that it said would improve ride comfort and noise reduction, in particular for rear-seat passengers.