With the Goodwood Festival of Speed now in full force, Ford has revealed the new Mondeo ST-Line alongside models like the Ford Fiesta ST-Line and the Focus ST-Line. According to Ford, the new Mondeo ST-Line offers “bold styling that's inspired by Ford Performance models” to go with a sport suspension system, unique alloy wheels, sport seats, and other minor enhancements inside and out.

Roelant de Waard, the Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Service for Ford of Europe, said, “The new Mondeo ST-Line is our sportiest Mondeo since we introduced the Mondeo ST220 model in 2002. Mondeo ST-Line adds another dimension to the broad Mondeo line-up that offers options from the fuel-efficient Mondeo ECOnetic and Mondeo Hybrid models, to the exclusive and upscale Mondeo Vignale.” He continued, “With our new ST-Line range even more customers can experience the sporty style and driving dynamics inspired by our most exciting Ford Performance line-up ever."

So, with the Fiesta ST-Line and Focus ST-Line already on sale, it looks like Ford is expecting the Mondeo ST-Line to pull anchor duty and help push the brand’s sale of performance models to the next level. Does the Mondeo ST-Line have what it takes to bolster performance model sales, or will it be just another turd in the punch bowl? Keep reading to find out what I think.

Continue reading to learn more about the Ford Mondeo ST-Line.

2016 Ford Mondeo ST-Line

Specifications
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  • Model: 2016 Ford Mondeo ST-Line
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What makes the Ford Mondeo ST-Line special

If you’re hoping to see anything excessively dramatic on the Mondeo ST-Line, don’t hold your breath. Modifications to the outside are somewhat mild, and include a new honeycomb mesh for the radiator grille and the lower air damn. To the sides of the air dam, you’ll find a new set of rectangular fog lamps to go with the light-tube-styled daytime running lamps. The front lip and side skirts are now offered in the same color as the body, while the rear fascia has been replaced with a sports bumper and a high-gloss black diffuser-style insert. The Mondeo ST-Line is offered with either a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, or a set of 19-inch alloy wheels in a Rock Metallic Grey finish. The black beltline under the windows, ST-Line badges on the front fenders, and silver tailpipe surrounds round out the exterior package. The Mondeo ST-Line Estate gets a rear roof spoiler as standard equipment, while the spoiler is just an option on the five-door hatchback model.

Inside, the biggest news is the addition of sport seats that feature a unique red stitching. The ST-style steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather, and the door panels get new black inserts. Models equipped with a manual transmission get a sports gear knob, while those equipped with an automatic get paddle shifters attached to the steering wheel. Rounding off the interior is a set of ST-Line scuff plates.

According to Ford, the Mondeo ST-Line is only available with “high-power engine derivatives that complement the enhanced driving dynamics delivered by sport suspension.” By sport suspension, Ford means it shaved 10 mm (0.39 inches) off the car’s stock ride height. Furthermore, the only engines Ford has identified as being on offer are a 2.0-liter TDCi four-cylinder that delivers 148 horsepower and 65.7 mpg, or a 2.0-liter TDCi that delivers 177 horsepower. Both engines suck up diesel as their go-juice of choice, and Ford has yet to mention anything about gasoline-powered engines.

Ford has said that both diesel engines will mate to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed Powershift automatic, and can be equipped with Ford Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. It seems odd that Ford would neglect to add at least one gasoline engine to the mix, but the thing I find most interesting is that the automaker considers the aforementioned diesel engines as “high-power engine derivatives.” I mean come on, we’re not even talking 200 horses here. Furthermore, I think Ford is tooting its own horn a bit when it calls the Mondeo ST-Line sporty. There is very little done to it to differentiate it from the standard Mondeo, and in my opinion, Ford really needs to up its game if it plans to continue increasing sales of its “performance” models.

Ford Mondeo

While you might not know the Mondeo name if you’re from the U.S., you probably recognize the car itself. The Mondeo has been around since 1991, when Ford launched the first-gen MK 1, following it up with four new generations, the most recent of which debuted in 2012. If it looks familiar to you, it’s because it was sold here in the U.S. as the Ford Fusion since the 2006 model year. For the fourth generation, the Mondeo is available as a four-door saloon, five-door hatchback, or five-door estate. There are four gasoline engine options available that range between 123 horsepower and 237 horsepower. On the diesel front, there's a total of five engines, which range between 113 ponies and 207 ponies. There's also a 2.0-liter hybrid that offers a total output of 184 horsepower.

Read our full review on the Ford Mondeo here.