The replacement for the top-selling Ford Mondeo has spread its wings, and Auto Express has the first official pictures. Flying in the face of the current global trend towards SUVs and MPVs, the blue oval has laid its cards on the table and unveiled a sensational new take on the once conservative family car market.

But not only are we revealing exclusive images of the firm's new model for the first time. We are also giving the world its first taste of the engineering project currently underway to ensure the model is capable of rejuvenating the flagging family sector.

The evolution from the current Mondeo to its successor looks set to be far more dramatic than ever imagined. As well as sporting gullwing-style doors, the concept draws inspiration from both Jaguar and Lexus.

Ford of Europe's executive design director Martin Smith told us: "The whole of the blue oval's future styling DNA is encapsulated into this vehicle. While the current line-up looks competent and contemporary, we've now been asked for drop-dead gorgeous cars."

The new model, christened Iosis by Ford, gives a clear indication of what we can expect from the next-generation Mondeo. In fact, design sketches of the show car revealed to journalists were headed "CD 345". This code refers to Ford's C/D segment platform that will underpin the next Mondeo, and is a number which is used internally to refer to the all-new machines. While bosses are keen to stress that the concept is more than simply a Mondeo preview, Smith added: "Every element of the design you see in the Iosis will be obvious on the next-generation car."

And the biggest surprise comes at the front. Showcasing an all-new shape for Ford, the raised bonnet is the firm's answer to the latest pedestrian safety legislation. As a result, the Iosis is 60mm higher than the current Mondeo. Ford considered a bonnet that shoots up like a cushion in an accident, but the technology is too expensive.

Inside, the blue oval's new family car is expected to offer much more interesting styling, with eye-catching colours and greater attention to detail. Bosses have brought in interior experts from VW to boost quality.

Described as "kinetic design", the show car's cabin is just as dramatic as the exterior. With room for four, there's bright orange trim, wafer-thin seats and beautifully designed butterfly doors.

However, it's the dash that gives the best indication of what the new Mondeo has in store. With its central control system - likely to work in a similar way to Audi's MMI and BMW's iDrive - it's clear that technology is at the heart of the firm's future plans.

The Iosis will be unveiled at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, alongside the Galaxy with which the new Mondeo shares a platform. The people carrier then goes on sale next to the smaller SAV MPV early next year, while the Mondeo arrives in dealers in 2007.