Stumble It!
Mondeo man would hardly recognise it
I was loading bags of peat into the
boot at the garden centre when I heard a voice behind enquiring
“how is it then?”. I turned round and the questioner indicated his
own Ford Mondeo across the car park and started asking all sorts of
questions about this, the brand new model.
At that time I had driven the Mondeo Ghia 2.0 TDCi for only a few miles. But, even in that short acquaintance I was impressed enough to be concerned that I was sounding a bit like a salesman!
We looked at the boot and remarked how you have to bend down to see the back of it. My test car was the saloon version, so we noted that Ford have made hatchback-style folding seats standard.
We looked inside and I highlighted the generous space in the back seat. Even with the drivers seat set well back, there is still plenty of knee room for rear seat passengers.
So how has this increased space been made available? The new Mondeo is a little bit longer, taller and wider than its predecessor. The most notable increase is five inches added to its width.
“So,” I warned my new friend, “if your Mondeo is a tight fit in your garage, you will need to get the tape measure out before you buy this new one!”
I like the looks of the new car. I know they are not to everyone’s taste, but the appearance is fresh and distinctive. There is also a new air of quality about the interior too. Sadly, this was let down on the Ghia model I tested, by some rather nasty looking fake wood. The aluminium style finish on other models is much more effective.
In making the new Mondeo more appealing, Ford have also recognised that company and private buyers these days like their “toys”. European buyers want a high specification as standard and they also like to ‘build their own car’ from an options list strong on goodies.
The new Mondeo obliges. Erstwhile luxuries like cruise control and air conditioning are fitted as standard on all models. On the safety front all come with ESP electronic stability programme, electronic brake assist and a total of seven airbags – including one to protect the driver’s knees.
It may be a bit bigger, but driving the new Mondeo around tight multi-storey car park ramps was not a chore. The controls are light and quite effortless. Indeed I was concerned that they might be too light on the open road.
On twisty byways, my fears about the steering were allayed. It may be light, but it is also sharp and communicative. Turn in on bends is eager and the poise and balance is excellent. The brakes, however, do remain a shade on the light side for my liking and it is easy to set your passengers’ heads rocking as you press the pedal.
Ford says the new Mondeo hatchback bodyshell is 130% stiffer than its predecessor. This, combined with thorough chassis tuning, results in excellent handling characteristics.
The test car was fitted with the £500 sport pack, which comprises sports suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels. That “sports” tag might provoke fears of firm, uncompromising suspension, but the reality is that the Mondeo rides remarkably smoothly, even over potholes and speed bumps.
The two-litre diesel engine on the test car impressed. It is refined, with very low noise levels for a diesel and almost no vibration. There is the merest hint of delay when you first open the throttle, but this is soon replaced by a strong surge of power. That said, you do need to use the gears to get the best out of it on cross-country routes.
Acceleration 0-62 mph takes 9.5 seconds. On my daily commute, I averaged around 35 mpg. As with most diesels, however, economy would be much greater on a longer journey, particularly on motorway driving. It is also on dual carriageways and motorways that you notice the very low noise levels on this car.
Ford have pulled out all the stops in developing the new Mondeo, that is clear. The result is that – although the price of the upmarket Ghia model remains almost unchanged at £19,645 – the new model makes a stronger case for itself. Vauxhall must now be even more desperate to launch their replacement for the Vectra.
Check out our online motoring store. Everything from car accessories and sat-navs to car insurance and breakdown services.
At that time I had driven the Mondeo Ghia 2.0 TDCi for only a few miles. But, even in that short acquaintance I was impressed enough to be concerned that I was sounding a bit like a salesman!
We looked at the boot and remarked how you have to bend down to see the back of it. My test car was the saloon version, so we noted that Ford have made hatchback-style folding seats standard.
We looked inside and I highlighted the generous space in the back seat. Even with the drivers seat set well back, there is still plenty of knee room for rear seat passengers.
So how has this increased space been made available? The new Mondeo is a little bit longer, taller and wider than its predecessor. The most notable increase is five inches added to its width.
“So,” I warned my new friend, “if your Mondeo is a tight fit in your garage, you will need to get the tape measure out before you buy this new one!”
I like the looks of the new car. I know they are not to everyone’s taste, but the appearance is fresh and distinctive. There is also a new air of quality about the interior too. Sadly, this was let down on the Ghia model I tested, by some rather nasty looking fake wood. The aluminium style finish on other models is much more effective.
In making the new Mondeo more appealing, Ford have also recognised that company and private buyers these days like their “toys”. European buyers want a high specification as standard and they also like to ‘build their own car’ from an options list strong on goodies.
The new Mondeo obliges. Erstwhile luxuries like cruise control and air conditioning are fitted as standard on all models. On the safety front all come with ESP electronic stability programme, electronic brake assist and a total of seven airbags – including one to protect the driver’s knees.
It may be a bit bigger, but driving the new Mondeo around tight multi-storey car park ramps was not a chore. The controls are light and quite effortless. Indeed I was concerned that they might be too light on the open road.
On twisty byways, my fears about the steering were allayed. It may be light, but it is also sharp and communicative. Turn in on bends is eager and the poise and balance is excellent. The brakes, however, do remain a shade on the light side for my liking and it is easy to set your passengers’ heads rocking as you press the pedal.
Ford says the new Mondeo hatchback bodyshell is 130% stiffer than its predecessor. This, combined with thorough chassis tuning, results in excellent handling characteristics.
The test car was fitted with the £500 sport pack, which comprises sports suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels. That “sports” tag might provoke fears of firm, uncompromising suspension, but the reality is that the Mondeo rides remarkably smoothly, even over potholes and speed bumps.
The two-litre diesel engine on the test car impressed. It is refined, with very low noise levels for a diesel and almost no vibration. There is the merest hint of delay when you first open the throttle, but this is soon replaced by a strong surge of power. That said, you do need to use the gears to get the best out of it on cross-country routes.
Acceleration 0-62 mph takes 9.5 seconds. On my daily commute, I averaged around 35 mpg. As with most diesels, however, economy would be much greater on a longer journey, particularly on motorway driving. It is also on dual carriageways and motorways that you notice the very low noise levels on this car.
Ford have pulled out all the stops in developing the new Mondeo, that is clear. The result is that – although the price of the upmarket Ghia model remains almost unchanged at £19,645 – the new model makes a stronger case for itself. Vauxhall must now be even more desperate to launch their replacement for the Vectra.
Check out our online motoring store. Everything from car accessories and sat-navs to car insurance and breakdown services.
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