Ford Mondeo (2011) review
by Tom Stewart (19 November 2010)
As Ford followers will know, the current "kinetic design" Mondeo was launched in 2007. With over 120,000 Mondeos sold over the past four years ago the model has just received what's commonly known as a facelift, or some mid-term refreshment. Or, as otherwise known in unofficial Ford-speak, some mid-cycle action.
Ordinarily a mid-life refresh involves some subtle styling tweaks inside and out plus a few minor spec level revisions. However, in addition to the debut of three new engine versions Ford has incorporated some 1350 other new components, and so along with enhanced interior quality and some new hi-tech features, the 2011 Mondeo is a little newer than might usually be the case.
There's much to report, so let's start with a quick look at the 2011 Mondeo's extensive engine options. On the diesel menu there are no less than six to choose from: a 113bhp 1.6-litre, a 123bhp 1.8-litre, a two-litre with either 113bhp, 138bhp or 161bhp, or a new 198bhp 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi. Or, if you lean more toward petrol, then there are five that partake of the unleaded: a 118bhp 1.6-litre, a new 158bhp 1.6-litre EcoBoost, a 143bhp 2.0 and either a 200bhp or a new 237bhp version of the 2.0 EcoBoost engine – both these last two come with Ford’s PowerShift (double wet-clutch) transmission as standard.
As before, the Mondeo still comes in Edge, Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X spec levels, with the addition of a new Titanium X Sport spec now available with the two most powerful TDCis and the most powerful petrol motor.
My on-the-road evaluation started with a five-door, 161bhp 2.0 TDCi in Titanium X spec. Being in close to top-of-the-range trim and fitted with a number of optional extras (which hiked the price from £24,395 to £29,365) it wasn't short of bells and whistles, and these included the new Lane Departure and Blind Spot Warning systems.
But fancy electronics aside (and there are plenty of them) what impresses most about the new Mondeo is how it feels and how it drives. Ford is keen to emphasise the model's premium-level quality, and casting all preconceptions aside it would indeed be difficult, if not impossible, to make distinctions in fit and finish, ride quality and noise suppression when compared with equivalent models from premium brands like Audi and BMW.
Furthermore, and this shouldn't come as any surprise, the Mondeo has lost none of its driver appeal. The driving position can quickly be adjusted to the ideal, the six-speed manual shifts with ease and precision, the steering is sweet and grip far exceeds what's required in normal driving. On 17" alloys the suspension does an excellent job on all surfaces, and even when approaching the limits of lateral grip body roll remains minimal.
There's also almost a surplus of torque – 236lb/ft from 1750 to 2250rpm, and more than sufficient performance – 0-62mph in 8.9 secs with a 137mph top speed. And should you assume that a roomy, comfortable, near-140mph hatchback must by definition be quite thirsty, then allow a moment to digest this model's 53.2 combined mpg figure, along with 139g/km of CO2.
I was then allotted another 2.0 TDCi Mondeo, this time a £24,240 (including the optional touchscreen satnav and metallic paint) Zetec-spec estate with 138bhp and a six-speed PowerShift transmission. By coincidence, or maybe not, this car boasts exactly the same mpg and CO2 figures as the more powerful 161bhp version, so assuming you'd be satisfied with 0-62mph in 9.5 secs and a 131mph max then the more affordable 138bhp version makes sense.
In everyday use that 23bhp shortfall would rarely be noticed, while the Zetec's standard 16" alloys provide a marginally comfier ride, so the biggest difference between these two particular models lies in their transmissions. Although PowerShift is technically a manual with auto mode, I rarely use such gearboxes in manual as there's hardly ever a need to, and driving in auto mode is more relaxing, especially in heavy traffic. However, what I do occasionally miss is the extra control afforded by a conventional manual's clutch pedal, not least because if you do suddenly decide to make an instant getaway then you can. Stamp on the throttle at a standstill with the PowerShift in auto mode and there's a brief but frustrating delay before full power becomes available.
At this point I should make further brief mention of some of the new technologies available on the Mondeo. The Driver Alert system monitors your driving and if necessary emits visual and audible warnings. Auto High Beam maximizes high beam efficiency and automatically switches to dipped beam when required. The Speed Limiter is exactly as described – handy if you're on nine points.
The new, tailgate-mounted Rear View Camera helps when parking or reversing by working in unison with the parking sensors. There are also new audio and satnav systems, a new multimedia DVD system, a new Eco Mode Driver Information system, a new Smart Regenerative battery charging system and, not least, on some models there's a new Active Grill Shutter situated just forward of the engine's radiator that opens and closes in up to 15 different positions in 6 degree increments to optimize both engine cooling and aerodynamic drag. Of course it's all more to go wrong, but that's been the case for decades and still we beg for more . . .
So, all you have to do is cast aside any brand snobbery and decide whether you wish to spend from a little over £17,000 or something over £30,000, and whether you want a 53mpg TDCi, a 153mph EcoBoost petrol, or something in between. Oh, and whether an estate or hatch, a manual or auto, in what spec level, with which options, and in what colour. Confucious he say, "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated".
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