These are the first...

These are the first official pictures of the firm"s new Avenger, which will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.

Based on the same underpinnings as the Chrysler Sebring, the fresh four-door is claimed to "do away with the idea that a functional mid-size car is automatically boring".

Set to go on sale in the UK next summer, the newcomer is still badged a concept, but the production version will be virtually identical. It will aim to take sales from Ford"s next-generation Mondeo with its blend of unique styling and anticipated competitive prices.