New Mondeo Styling vs. Safety

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Fri 2 Mar 2007 00:52
New Mondeo Styling vs. Safety - rtj70
I was just looking and hence thinking about the new Mondeo and it's styling and safety.

When the Pug 407 came out with it's long bonnet and long front over-hangs which all compromised passenger space, the new pedestrian safety requirements were blamed. Looking at the new Mondeo none of those compromises seem to have happened with better interior space, longer wheelbase, wheels closer to corners, etc.

So did PSA mess up on styling and blame safety? Or am I missing something?
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Fri 2 Mar 2007 10:03
New Mondeo Styling vs. Safety - colinh
Sorry to disagree - looks like a like another "straight-to-rental" anonymous Ford. Obviously only seen the photographs, but seems to be the normal industry practice of the company losing nerve and toning down interesting concept. The pricing - lower than the outgoing model - seems to confirm Ford's lack of confidence.
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Fri 2 Mar 2007 10:21
New Mondeo Styling vs. Safety - rtj70
I'm not defending the Ford styling just commenting on the odd front proportions of the 407 which Peugout blamed on pedestrian safety legislation. But the Ford has not compromised the front-end like they did on the 407. Which asks the questions why the large overhang on the 407?
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Fri 2 Mar 2007 11:08
New Mondeo Styling vs. Safety - boxsterboy
I think Peugeot wanted the large (gallic) nose as a styling theme, not just for pedestrian safety regs. Look at how the 207 and 307 also have big noses whereas their Citroen brothers do not.

I happen to think the new Mondeo saloon is a dead-ringer for the 607 from the rear.
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Fri 2 Mar 2007 11:11
New Mondeo Styling vs. Safety - cheddar
>>So did PSA mess up on styling and blame safety?>>

Yup!

I happen to think the new Mondeo saloon is a dead-ringer
for the 607 from the rear.

>>

www.specsavers.co.uk
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Fri 2 Mar 2007 11:26
New Mondeo Styling vs. Safety - Nickdm
I vaguely recall reading somewhere that Peugeot were trying to emulate some of the design themes from Ferrari? Don't some Ferrari's have a long-ish nose with a small, vertical under-bumper grill?

I don't remember pedestrian safety getting a look-in! I think pedestrian safety requires a "tall" bonnet, so if someone lands on it there'll be a bit of space between the flimsy bonnet panel and the harder, hotter, less-yielding engine underneath...
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