New Ford Mondeo Aka What Could Have Been America’s Fusion Is Cheaper Than Its Predecessor In China

Ford has started accepting orders for the new generation Mondeo in China, with prices starting from ¥159,800 (equal to $25,069 at current exchange rates). Surprisingly, despite introducing significant upgrades on design, powertrain, and technology, the new Ford Mondeo is cheaper than its predecessor in the Chinese market.

More specifically, the entry-level 2022 Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 245 Fashion at ¥159,800 ($25,069), is a full ¥33,000 ($5,178) cheaper than the equivalent but less powerful 2020 Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 180 Fashion which was offered for ¥192,800 ($30,251).

Even at the top of the range, the flagship 2022 Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 245 ST-Line is listed for ¥219,800 ($34,487), which is ¥7,000 (1,098) less than the 2020 Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 200 Luxury that sold for ¥226,800 ($35,584).

The Mondeo incorporates Ford’s latest design language with an aerodynamic body measuring 4,935 mm (194.2 inches) in length. All trims come standard with LED lights, with three out of the four getting a duo-tone treatment with a black roof. The base Fashion is fitted with 17-inch wheels, against the 18-inch of the Deluxe and the 19-inch of the Extreme and ST-Line. The latter is further distinguished by the sporty bodykit which looks nice although it doesn’t translate to more performance.

Inside, the massive 27-inch 4K touchscreen, and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard equipment in the Deluxe, Extreme, and ST-Line as a prominent feature of the new generation. The entry-level Fashion gets a more modest 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while it comes with manual seats with simple fabric upholstery, and single-zone climate control (dual-zone in the other trims).

In terms of ADAS, the ST-Line gets the full Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite bringing Level 2+ autonomous capability, the Extreme and Deluxe come short of certain features while the Fashion loses everything for a more basic approach.

All Mondeo variants are fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 235 hp (175 kW / 238 PS) and 376 Nm (277 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, allowing a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph). The same powertrain is also used in the Ford Evos and Lincoln Zephyr which are also based on the same C2 architecture. Like the aforementioned models, the Mondeo comes standard with McPherson struts at the front and multi-link rear suspension.

The Ford Mondeo is a China-only affair since the automaker decided to retire the nameplate in Europe, and discontinue the Fusion in North America. Production is already well underway from Changan Ford in China, with the first examples having reached the Chinese dealerships as suggested by local media. Below, you can see the prices for the entire Mondeo range:

Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 245 Fashion – ¥159,800 ($25,069)

Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 245 Deluxe – ¥179,800 ($28,211)

Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 245 Extreme – ¥199,800 ($31,349)

Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 245 ST-Line – ¥219,800 ($34,487)