Ford Mondeo Estate

Posted in: Car review in namasjung's Blog

ON THE ROAD

Performance

There are no fewer than nine engines to choose from, including five petrols and four diesels. The 2.0-litre 138bhp turbodiesel, which will make up the vast majority of sales, revs sweetly and feels eminently suited to the car. The range-topping five-cylinder 2.5-litre petrol engine delivers a whole lot more performance and a delightful burble when revved hard. A six-speed automatic gearbox is available with the 2.3-litre petrol and the 2.0-litre diesel.

Ride & handling Ford has sacrificed some sharpness of response in favour of a smooth, calm and quiet ride. The Mondeo still outdrives most of its rivals, however, and there's the option of adaptive or sports suspension, and, for the estate, self-levelling suspension.

Refinement Only the merest flutter of wind noise is noticeable at the national limit, and although some road noise does intrude over coarse surfaces, it's never a major annoyance. Engine refinement is equally impressive. A slight vibration at tickover and a hard-edged note under heavy acceleration are all that betray the diesel nature of the 138bhp TDCi.

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
Ford has kept Mondeo prices low to deter massive discounting, and it has promised to limit sales to rental fleets in an effort to push up second-hand values. However, we still expect resale values to be weak. Leasing rates and running costs are competitive for the class.

Quality & reliability The Mondeo's interior features a soft-touch covering for the top of the dashboard and all the switchgear operates with slick precision. There are also high-gloss centre console coatings and modern graphics. Some of the plastics in the lower reaches of the cabin do have a rather hard, grainy texture, but they're extremely solid.

Safety & security The days when you could get into a Ford with a bent coat hanger are long gone, and the Mondeo is one of the most secure cars you can buy. Safety, too, is right up with the best, with crash and pedestrian safety very much a driving force in the Mondeo's overall design. All cars come with electronic stability control and seven airbags, including one for the driver's knees.

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel
The first thing that strikes you on sliding behind the wheel is just how big this car is. The high window-line forces you to sit with the seat cranked up, and even then it's not easy to judge the extremities of the car. Fortunately, the seat is supportive and there's masses of adjustment to help you make yourself comfortable. The standard dashboard layout is simple, too, but satellite-navigation brings a touch-screen that makes things overly complicated.

Space & practicality Getting in and out of the Mondeo is a doddle, thanks to wide-opening doors and minimal wheelarch intrusion, and once ensconced, there's oceans of leg and shoulder room. Additionally, there's a boot you could get lost in, as well as split-fold rear seats which may make you think twice before placing your order for that MPV.

Equipment The Mondeo Estate is attractively priced, but Ford hasn't skimped on equipment. All models come with air-conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, powered front windows, a heated quick-clear windscreen and a CD player with MP3 connectivity.

Reference : http://www.whatcar.co.uk