Mid-size models like the Ford Mondeo may be getting bigger in size with each new generation (the Mk3 was 4,731mm long while the upcoming Mk5 measures 4,869mm in length) but their engines are actually getting smaller. How small?

Well, would you ever imagine a vehicle with the footprint of the new 2013 Mondeo, which is sold as the 2013 Fusion in North America, being offered with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine?

Get ready for it as the Blue Oval confirmed the news today ahead of its Go Further brand event in Holland on September 6.

The new, European market Mondeo will be the largest-ever Ford vehicle to be fitted with such a small displacement engine.

What it lacks in displacement, the 1.0-liter unit makes up with advanced technologies such as twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), a compact, low-inertia turbocharger that spins at 248,000rpm, direct fuel injection, an aluminium cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold and a cambelt-in-oil design.

In the 2013 Mondeo, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine will produce 123HP (125PS) and 170Nm (125 lb-ft) of torque or up to 200Nm (147 lb-ft) in “overboost” mode from just 1,450rpm, and deliver CO2 emissions of less than 130g/km.

This unit will replace the outgoing Mondeo’s naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline-four that generates 118hp (120PS) and CO2 emissions of 156g/km.

“Today’s smartest technology offers customers more from less,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Product Development of Ford of Europe. “This is as true of engines as it is of computers and smartphones, and by equipping the all-new Mondeo in Europe with our acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine we are delivering cutting-edge technology that delivers a very real and tangible customer benefit.”

Ford said that it will reveal further details on the all new Mondeo at the Go Further event.

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