The all-new Ford Mondeo is now available with a range of petrol and diesel engines and, for the first time, a hybrid petrol-electric option. It’s a terrific car, so how disappointing it is to discover there’s so much badge snobbery around.
The reaction I got from premium brand car lovers when I mentioned I was attending the Ford Mondeo press launch wasn’t exactly positive. Naturally, that just goes to show how marketing affects people’s preconceptions. Don’t get me wrong; Ford is no stranger to spin either but, seriously, this latest Mondeo is the real deal.
The reaction I got from premium brand car lovers when I mentioned I was attending the Ford Mondeo press launch wasn’t exactly positive. Naturally, that just goes to show how marketing affects people’s preconceptions. Don’t get me wrong; Ford is no stranger to spin either but, seriously, this latest Mondeo is the real deal.
At launch, I tested the Mondeo Titanium Estate 2.0 Duratorq TDCI. With 148bhp and 258 lb.ft of max torque, the Ford is able to dig deep at low revs, resulting in proper pulling power.
It’s easy to be blinded by the cachet of a premium car badge but the Mondeo is exceptional whether in estate, five door hatch or four door hybrid guises. It’s attractive, cabin space is excellent, the ride is smooth and the handling is spot on.
The diesel estate stands out in every single area. It’s superb to drive, it has a refined engine and the boot is the perfect shape for carrying everyday items, from a family-sized weekly shop to a mountain of suitcases. It’s good value and will be less pricey to run than many of its key competitors.
It’s easy to be blinded by the cachet of a premium car badge but the Mondeo is exceptional whether in estate, five door hatch or four door hybrid guises. It’s attractive, cabin space is excellent, the ride is smooth and the handling is spot on.
The diesel estate stands out in every single area. It’s superb to drive, it has a refined engine and the boot is the perfect shape for carrying everyday items, from a family-sized weekly shop to a mountain of suitcases. It’s good value and will be less pricey to run than many of its key competitors.
The Mondeo is overflowing with entertainment tech and safety gadgetry too. In fact, it’s the most advanced Ford ever introduced in Europe and has been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating by independent crash test body Euro NCAP.The all-new Mondeo is the first car from the Blue Oval worldwide to offer Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. This is designed to detect people in the road ahead and automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond to warnings.
Also introduced for the first time in Europe is Ford’s pioneering Inflatable Rear Seat-belt technology. In the event of an accident, the seat-belts expand to disperse crash forces across a body area five times greater than that achieved by a conventional belt.
On the entertainment front, Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system boasts an eight-inch colour touch-screen to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems using voice commands. For example, simply pushing the voice control button and saying “I’m hungry” will display a list of local restaurants, and the MICHELIN guide can help you choose where to dine-out. SYNC 2 will then connect you by phone to the restaurant to book a table and guide you there.
So, in my opinion, the 2015 Ford Mondeo with its often-perceived non-premium badge is as good, if not better, than many of the celebrated German ‘premium’ cars. Go on – try one out, it’ll be an eye-opener. The all-new Ford Mondeo is on sale now from £20,795.
Pros ‘n’ Cons
Satisfying drive v
Spacious v
Safe v
Economical v
Badge image X
Fast Facts
Max speed: 130mph
0-62 mph: 9.4 secs
Combined mpg: 62.8
Engine: 1997cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel
Max. power (bhp): 148
CO2: 117g/km
Price: £24,745
For more CarCliq reviews click here
So, in my opinion, the 2015 Ford Mondeo with its often-perceived non-premium badge is as good, if not better, than many of the celebrated German ‘premium’ cars. Go on – try one out, it’ll be an eye-opener. The all-new Ford Mondeo is on sale now from £20,795.
Pros ‘n’ Cons
Satisfying drive v
Spacious v
Safe v
Economical v
Badge image X
Fast Facts
Max speed: 130mph
0-62 mph: 9.4 secs
Combined mpg: 62.8
Engine: 1997cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel
Max. power (bhp): 148
CO2: 117g/km
Price: £24,745
For more CarCliq reviews click here
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