"Ford Australia is offering motor show patrons a preview of the next generation Mondeo at this year's Melbourne International Motor Show, ahead of its official global reveal at the Geneva Motor Show early next week," Ford Australia President Tom Gorman said.

"While the complete Mondeo range will make its public debut in Geneva, we're pleased to provide a first glimpse of the dramatic all-new model in hatchback form and confirm that it will join the Ford vehicle range here towards the end of this year.

"When the Mondeo arrives in Australia it will be offered in two body-styles, with three trim levels, three engines and two transmissions, to deliver a comprehensive mid-size line-up that is sure to welcome a whole new group of customers to the Ford family."

Designed and engineered in Germany, the new Mondeo marks a step change for Ford in terms of design and technology, with its distinctive and dynamic appearance epitomising Ford's 'kinetic design' styling language.

"Paving the way for the Mondeo's arrival in Australia is a host of new and improved models also sporting a strong European pedigree, including the Fiesta XR4, Fiesta Zetec five-door, Focus Coupe-Cabriolet, a new Focus turbo-diesel and a freshening of the wider Focus range," Mr Gorman said.

"Fiesta XR4 will lead the European charge, with the performance variant of the popular Fiesta range due to go on sale before the end of the second quarter."

With its specially modified 2.0-litre Duratec engine delivering 110 kW of power and 190 Nm of torque, the Fiesta XR4 is set to spice up the Light car segment when it arrives, as one of the most powerful naturally-aspirated models in its class.

Complementing its enhanced performance ability, the Fiesta XR4 will be available with the option of unique overhead stripes, which make a bold statement and are guaranteed to turn heads.

On sale now to start the expansion of the Fiesta line-up is the Fiesta Zetec five-door, which was previously available only as a three-door model.

"The addition of a second Zetec model has bolstered the ranks of Ford's feature-laden Fiesta range to number five different models, while offering the added practicality of direct rear seat access to buyers who are attracted to the Zetec's inherent sporty nature," said Mr Gorman.

Coinciding with the release of the Zetec five-door is the introduction of a new exterior paint colour called Viola, which is a vibrant deep violet that complements Fiesta's fun-to-drive personality.

The German designed and engineered Focus range will also be expanded during 2007, with the eagerly anticipated Focus Coupe-Cabriolet joining the line-up, along with the new Focus TDCi and a revised mainstream model range.

"When the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet arrives in the second half of 2007 it will join the outstanding Focus XR5 Turbo as a natural and exciting extension of the Focus brand, creating a second halo model for our small car range," Mr Gorman said.

"But before the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet arrives we will also introduce a styling update to the wider Focus range, along with the launch of a new Focus model featuring a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powerplant and six-speed manual transmission."

The Focus TDCi will be the first diesel powered passenger car in the Ford Australia line-up, offering customers an alternative fuel source and drivetrain combination, while still delivering on the Focus hallmarks of driving dynamics, comfort, quality and refinement.

In addition to the new Focus TDCi, Focus Zetec and Ghia models will both be available in two bodystyles by mid-year, with a Zetec sedan joining the range along with a Ghia hatchback.

New front styling and fresh alloy wheel designs will give the revised Focus range a new look, while additional interior and safety features, including the availability of curtain airbags and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) across the range, will boost the already high levels of equipment.

"On the home-front, a number of special edition models will arrive early in the second quarter, offering unprecedented levels of extra equipment and features on unique Falcon, Falcon Ute and Territory models," said Mr Gorman.

The limited edition Falcon ES builds on the optional 'Euro Sports Package' released late last year – with its ZF six-speed automatic transmission, DSC, sports suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels – by adding a select combination of premium exterior and interior features to create an exceptional value for money package.

With the combined retail value of extra features and equipment registering at $8,000, the exclusive Falcon ES will be available in limited numbers for just $1,250 over the recommended retail price of the standard Falcon XT five-speed manual.

For customers already considering the purchase of a Falcon XT with the optional four-speed automatic transmission, the additional cost of the ES package equates to just $250.

A Falcon ES fitted with the optional E-Gas^ dedicated LPG engine will also be offered.

Two special Falcon Ute models will also go on sale in April, the limited edition Rip Curl Falcon XR Ute and the Falcon Tradesman Ute.

Both models offer in excess of $3,000 worth of additional equipment for just $500 more than the respective model on which they are based.

The Rip Curl package is available on XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8 Styleside Box models, while the Tradesman pack adds a number of key options to the workhorse Falcon XL Ute.

"The limited edition Rip Curl Falcon XR Ute is a great way for us to celebrate our sponsorship of the 2007 Rip Curl Pro surfing event, as well as an opportunity to bring together two iconic Australian brands – the Ford Falcon Ute and the Rip Curl surf brand," Mr Gorman said.

A new Territory SR will also be available from April, offering exterior sports features such as Ford-designed running boards and shadow chrome 17-inch alloy wheels, along with an exclusive dark interior environment developed from the performance enhanced Territory Turbo.

Ford Performance Vehicles has also revealed an upcoming limited edition model that recalls the long history of the GT nameplate in Australia, which stretches back to 1967 and the original XR series Ford Falcon GT.

The FPV GT 40th Anniversary celebrates 40 years of the Falcon GT legend, with only 200 of this anniversary edition to be built.

All vehicles will be finished in Silhouette black with a striking gold over-body stripe kit, reminiscent of the classic GT stripe kit last seen on a locally produced Ford model with the XC Falcon Cobra Hardtop in 1978.

Special GT-P 19-inch alloy wheels with gloss black accents complete the exterior look, along with '40th Anniversary' decals, while inside there is leather seat trim with the GT logo, 40th Anniversary floor mats and an iPod®/MP3 audio player connection.

In addition to the unique 40th Anniversary features that transform the GT visually, FPV has also designed a new suspension package to take the handling prowess of its latest model to new heights.

The 'R-Spec' handling package incorporates an advanced level of suspension tune, allowing customers to fully exploit the potential of the GT 40th Anniversary in track days and club sprint events.

It will also feature a higher capacity oil cooler on automatic transmission models, which increases the efficiency of the transmission cooling system under the extreme conditions and temperatures often experienced on race tracks.

"All told there are six yet-to-be-released new models showcased on the Ford stand at this year's Melbourne International Motor Show," added Mr Gorman.

"In conjunction with the new Ford Ranger light truck that's just hit the market, as well as the BF Falcon MkII range and our performance heroes the Focus XR5 Turbo and Territory Ghia Turbo, there are certainly plenty of new and exciting Ford vehicles on display for visitors to the show."