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These are the first pictures and details of the all-new Ford Mondeo, unveiled today at the Detroit Motor Show.

Called the Ford Fusion in North America, it has been designed to accommodate a plug-in hybrid powertrain, although it has not yet been confirmed if the Mondeo will be sold in hybrid form in the UK.

The emphasis is firmly on technology, with features including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Information System, active park and a touch-screen multimedia system with in-car internet all in the pipeline.

It will benefit from Ford's latest 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol and TDCi engines, while a 2-litre EcoBoost engine will provide the power for a performance version.

Other surprises include a four-wheel drive option, as offered by its main rival the Vauxhall Insignia.

Its exterior design is familiar, but features a heavily revised nose with Ford's latest family face. It has a large trapezoidal upper and lower grille and aggressive headlights as well as a heavily sculpted bonnet.

Inside, thinner and lighter seat frames are upholstered with sustainable fabric and the instrument panel has been moved towards the windscreen to open up the cabin space.

Attention has been paid to interior and exterior quality, with soft touch materials covering every visible surface and minimal gaps between exterior panels.

The all-new Ford Mondeo is due on sale in Europe at the start of 2013 and is being billed as a global product which will be sold in all the world's major markets.

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