| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| 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. |
| Handling |
 |
| Comfort |
|
| Quality & Reliability |
|
| Performance |
|
| Roominess |
|
| Running Costs |
 |
| Value for Money |
|
| Stereo/Sat Nav |
|
| NCAP |
| 4 |
| Best Models |
| 2.0 Zetec-S; 2.0 TDCi 130; estates |
| Worst Models |
| 2.0 TDi |
|
 |
| 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. |
| Positive Points |
- Good choice of engines and body styles
- Comfortable and well equipped
- Affordable running costs for its size
|
| Negative Points |
- Some rivals are safer
- Too commonplace for some buyers
- Lots of tired high-mileage cars about
|
|
