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First drive: Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 EcoBoost
publication date: Dec 11, 2010
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author/source: David Miles
Having
just had a brief first drive in the revised Ford Mondeo range I can say right
away that there is absolutely nothing wrong with these new, improved, better
built, more luxurious and well equipped cars.
In reality they are now executive
models and should be an option for business and retail users who traditionally
buy the BMW 3/5 Series, Audi A4/A6 and Mercedes-Benz C/E-Class in the upper
medium and executive sectors. |  | Only
the Mondeo name for British users doesn't do justice to a very fine range of
cars. If it is a company car driver allocated a Mondeo that is what they are
given. But where Ford of Britain is missing out, is the opportunity with
financially better off retail customers who will not consider owning a
Mondeo.
Vauxhall saw the light with the
move from away from using the Vectra title, synonymous with fleet users, when
they launched its replacement - the Insignia. Virtually at a stroke with better
quality,
improved driving dynamics they saw sales to retail customers rise from just 5
per cent to 35 per cent.
Ford should do
the same with Mondeo as they strive to improve the appeal of their medium sized
models to private buyers who need to proud of ownership. Last year Ford sold
34,500 Mondeos in the UK, slightly less than the Vauxhall Insignia and 4,500
less than the BMW 3 Series.
Other
than the BMW 3 Series there is now no D-segment (upper medium) or executive
segment models in the UK's top ten sales chart as customers, retail, fleet and
business user choosers are forced to downsize. But there is still money to be
made mainly with premium models.
As good as the latest Mondeos are the name
does not have the cache to attract such buyers.
Like it or not middle and senior management business people and the
better off retail buyers are, in my experience, happy to say they drive a BMW,
Audi or Mercedes. - But a Mondeo?
I'm not convinced. |
My very brief test drive of the new-look Mondeo was in a five
door estate with the new 2.0-litre, 203PS (200bhp) EcoBoost turbocharged direct
injection petrol engine with Titanium specification, likely to be a popular
choice with private retail customers who are the target for Ford.
The new bright and sharp styling lines of the latest Mondeo impress on
sight, it looks a classy vehicle. | 
| If size matters then the overall length of
4,830mm will impress as well, so will the load capacity of 542-litres with the
rear seats in use and with them folded this goes up to a cavernous 1,733-litres. It is big,
comfortable and great to drive. The
suspension is very compliant yet the large estate remains very
agile.
The Titanium specification offers all the equipment any premium brand buyer
could want and the quality is impeccable.
When could you say that before about a Mondeo?
The EcoBoost petrol engine is exceptionally refined, eager and responsive. The 221lb ft of torque
provided from just 1,750rpm gives it turbodiesel like responses and flexibility
without the traditional diesel engine clatter. Mated with Ford's six-speed twin
clutch PowerShift auto gearbox this combination is perfect for all types of
driving.
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| There is no penalty on fuel economy
either - 32.2mpg during my short test
drive around the hilly and winding Cotswold roads.
Officially it will return
36.6mpg with CO2 emissions of 179g/km so
road tax is £300 in the first year reducing to £200 a year after that.
For
company drivers the Benefit in Kind tax rate is an agreeable 24 per cent and the group 24
insurance rating is another bonus.
It is a big car to park for sure but its on road presence really should appeal even if
the Mondeo name does not. | MILESTONES:
Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 EcoBoost 203 Titanium £23,395.
Engine/Transmission: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, direct injection, turbocharged
petrol, 200bhp, 221lb ft of torque from 1,750rpm, 6-speed twin clutch auto
gearbox. Performance: 141mph, 0-62mph 8.2 seconds, 36.6mpg (32.2mpg on test),
CO2 179g/km, VED road tax £300 First Year rate then £200 a year, BIK company
car tax 24%.
Insurance group: 24. Dimensions: L 4,830mm, W 2,078mm, H 1,510mm,
load space 542-1,733-litres.
For: Classy styling, huge for space, extremely comfortable,
high quality interior, agile despite its size, great engine and transmission,
very attractive pricing.
Against:
The continued use of the down-market Mondeo name, big to park. |
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