Ford Mondeo for China becomes Ford Taurus for Middle East

Ford has unveiled a new Taurus sedan for Middle East markets, which is actually just a rebadged China-spec Mondeo.

According to Ford Authority, the Taurus has been the company’s best-selling sedan in the region over the past five years, so a replacement model had to inherit its name. Before the sales launch, Ford had conducted rigorous tests to see how well the car withstood the local climate. Fine sand and temperatures rising to +50 ºC (+122 ºF) were established as the main challenges to overcome. Following the test results, Ford was able to reinforce the drivetrain, the suspension and the climate control system to last longer in Middle East weather conditions.

The new Taurus will be imported from the same factories in China that are currently producing the Mondeo.

Like its oriental twin, the Taurus comes powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive system for 246 PS (243 hp / 181 kW). Its interior offers an eight-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display and a panoramic sunroof.

The car will not be exported to the markets of Europe and the USA, where sedans have lost the war to SUVs and crossovers.