Immediately obvious when seen from the front is the new Ford Mondeo's distinctive 'face', which is characterised by its trapezoid-shaped lower grille, a 'kinetic design' element that is increasingly recognised as part of the new Ford identity and which is already evident on several recent Ford models, including the S-MAX and the recently redesigned Ford C-MAX.

The large upper grille is flanked by prominent, swept back headlamps. Series differentiation is evident in the detail of the grilles with the Ghia and Ghia X models recognisable by the use of three horizontal bars featuring chrome accents in the upper grille, and the Titanium and Titanium X models featuring a silver-painted 'rectangular grid' design in the upper and lower grilles. Both high series have chrome surrounds on the upper and lower grilles. Ambiente and Trend models feature a 'rectangular grid' design in black for both grilles, with the upper grille surrounded by a bright chrome finisher.

Due to the location of the sensor, vehicles fitted with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) exhibit the grille combinations as used on the Titanium model.

The headlamps comprise the largest surface area ever used on a Ford passenger car and feature distinctive styling cues of their own; special blue filters on the optional Halogen and Bi-Xenon Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) headlamps give gem-like qualities even when the headlamps are on the lowest sidelight illumination.

The bonnet includes two shaped grooves in the surface which, in effect, create a 'power bulge', hinting at the dynamic qualities of the car. The additional bonnet height was viewed by the design team as a positive addition to the exterior design and adds to the car's muscular proportions in all three bodystyles.

Viewed from above, the Mondeo's front three-plane-plan view is immediately evident, providing a clear link between the production vehicle and the definitive expression of 'kinetic design' - the Ford iosis concept car - first revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005.

The smooth swept-back 'chamfered' lines of the front bumper give the car a sense of presence, reduce the visual impact of the front overhang and serve to assist the driver when parking.

The front fog lamps are situated low down in the front bumper from Trend series upwards and mirror the line of the headlamps, which adds to the emotional experience of the new Ford Mondeo adding a touch of jewellery to the dramatic front end appearance.