Overall Rating |  |
Mondeo was always a good car; this one aspires to greatness. Classy, roomy, well equipped, safe and reliable, it's even more practical and even better to drive than its predecessor.
For
- Good choice of engines and body styles
- Comfortable and well equipped
- Affordable running costs for its size
Against
- Some rivals are safer
- Too commonplace for some buyers
- Lots of tired high-mileage cars about
Road Test
Ford must have looked hard at the Passat before designing the current Mondeo. It's Passat-sized (and thus far bigger than the previous car), and it's very well made. The tie-breaker? It's cheaper than the VW but drives better.
Mondeo plays its winning hand with a neatly laid out cabin, good safety features and generous equipment. Drivers like its taut, responsive steering and reassuring grip; it feels quite sporty even with the smaller engines. A relaxed open-road cruiser, it's also nimble around town. Passengers like the generous leg- and headroom, plus the supple ride.
1.8 and 2.0 petrol engines are the commonest choice; the 2.0 has a slight performance edge. The 2.5 V6 is smoothly powerful but thirsty. Best diesel is the swift and refined TDCi 130 bhp unit. The older 2.0 TDi is a bit noisy.
Running costs are sensible for a big car, though initial depreciation is quite steep.
Need To Know
JD Power stars: 3
NCAP: 4
Best Models: 2.0 Zetec-S; 2.0 TDCi 130; estates
Worst Models: 2.0 TDi
Alternatives
|
Star Ratings
Handling  Comfort Quality & Reliability Performance Roominess Running Costs  Value for Money Stereo/Sat Nav |
|
|
|
|
