9:00 am, August 26, 2011
One-in-six large cars in the UK is a Mondeo. Now Ford has given it a make-over. JAMES BATCHELOR reports
WHAT IS IT?
It’s a refreshed-looking Mondeo with new engines to make the car as competitive and as desirable as ever.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
As you’d expect from Ford, Mondeo Man has plenty of choice. He can choose from a Duratec 1.6-litre petrol or an ECOboost version, a 2.0-litre Duratec petrol, or a 2.0-litre ECOboost petrol in either 200bhp or 237bhp forms. On the diesel front there’s the new 1.6-litre Duratorq ECO, a 2.0-litre in either 138bhp or 161bhp, and a range-topping 197bhp 2.2 TDCI.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
Plentiful. The range kicks off with the 1.6-litre petrol Edge at £17,705 which has Bluetooth, LED rear lights, air con, and a Quickclear heated windscreen. Step up to Zetec at £19,500, and Titanium comes in at £21,100. Titanium X follows at £23,100, and the range maxes out at £26,550 for the Titanium X Sport which boasts leather/alcantara, bodykit, and LED front lights.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The same as the old Mondeo – which is great news.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK OF IT?
Autocar agree with us that the 1.6- litre Duratorq ECO diesel is all the engine customers will ever need. Autoblog said: ‘Mondeo Man has never had it so good.’
WHAT DO WE THINK OF IT
There’s no denying the Mondeo is great to drive and makes you wonder why its competitors are so far behind. But, above all, the new Mondeo looks stunning. The new look just turns a good car into an excellent one.
