The Ford Mondeo brings back some old memories for me. I still remember when it was launched in Singapore some 2 years ago, I was so eager to see it that I brought my former girlfriend to Regent Motors when we were on a date. Fast forward to present, spy shots of the facelifted 2011 Mondeo have surfaced six weeks before its introduction in Geneva. These photos were captured during the cold weather testing along European route E45, a road that runs from the northern Sweden/Finland border down to the southern tip of Sicily, Italy.

The above image shows the model powered by the TDCi engine. This may be of little relevance to Singapore, but don't despair. Look for the 2011 model year Mondeo to get the Galaxy facelift's 200-horsepower 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Now, this sounds like an interesting combination that will pack the new Mondeo with enough arsenal against other European mid-sized sedans such as the Opel Insignia and VW Passat. Eventually, a four-cylinder 1.6-liter Ecoboost unit producing up to 180 hp may also be offered.

Under the Kinetic Design scheme, Ford engineers included a new front bumper with other changes such revised LED rear clusters and a new grill. Changes to the rear bumper are also possible, and interior upgrades are anticipated.

The Mondeo is a rare sight in Singapore. I am not sure why this is so but during my short visit to the showroom, the car feels very well put together with top notch soft touch plastics. Let's hope that the new drivetrain will help to drive up the sales of the Mondeo in Singapore. Good luck Regent Motors!