Drivers
It goes without saying that the Mondeo is an excellent motorway cruiser but the new model also proves equally adept at weaving around country roads. Responsive steering and tight grip make the experience very enjoyable yet refined. Excellent visibility combines with a multi adjustable seat/steering wheel combination to ensure the driver feels totally in control. The new Duratec petrol engines feel smoother and more sophisticated than their predecessors and also improve fuel economy.
Passengers
The Mondeo provides bags of space for passengers and will seat five people very comfortably. The cabin feels plush and solid and the clever suspension provides a very peaceful ride disturbed only by an unwelcome intrusion of wind noise.
Practicality
The boot is voluminous but the rear seating area is provided with little storage space.
Equipment
Ford has equipped even the basic models with lots of goodies including, ABS, aircon, front and rear electric windows and a CD player.
Safety & Security
Front, rear and side airbags and ABS are included as standard on all models and the Mondeo scored 4 stars in the NCAP test. Ford has fitted deadlocks and remote central locking as standard.
Quality & Reliability
Ford has tried hard to improve the overall quality of the Mondeo and to a great extent have succeeded. The Mondeo now rivals the VW Passat in overall quality and feel. Engine reliability is excellent as is to be expected for a unit built for reliability.
Owning
Ford offers a 3yr warranty on new cars so expect reasonable maintenance and servicing costs. The biggest problem is heavy depreciation. Mondeo's are sold in massive quantities to fleet buyers and newer used models offer good value.
Review ©2006 New-car-reviews.co.uk
