Review
/5
- Pros:
- Huge passenger and cargo space
- Supple, comfortable ride
- High quality interior plastics
- Cons:
- ‘Common’ image
- Size can make manoeuvring tricky
- Poor resale values
pictured: Ford Mondeo hatchback 2012 5 door
reviewed by Carbuyer
"Almost flawless! The five-door Mondeo has a massive boot, offers loads of passenger space and the most comfortable ride of any family car."
At a glance
- The greenest
- Zetec Business 1.6TDCi ECO 115PS S/S 5dr
£21,795 - The cheapest
- Edge 1.6 Ti-VCT 120PS 5dr
£18,100 - The fastest
- Titanium X Sport 2.0 240PS EcoBoost Pwsf 5dr
£28,105 - Top of the range
- Titanium X Sport 2.2TDCi 200PS Automatic 5dr
£29,755
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It's a common sight on Britain's roads, but Ford's Mondeo family car is anything but average! In fact, it's an almost flawless offering in the family car market - which is why we named it Best Large Family Car in our 2012 Car of the Year awards. The five-door Mondeo has a massive boot, offers loads of passenger space and the most comfortable ride in its class. What's more, it's still fun to drive. Even basic Edge trim gets alloy wheels and air-conditioning, while top-level Titanium models are lavishly equipped. Of all the engines available the diesels are best, offering punchy performance with good economy - especially the green ECOnetic edition. The Mondeo was facelifted in 2010 gaining LED headlights and tailights on high-spec models, a sublty revised centre console with new plastics and new EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engines, alongside new diesels and a smooth new Powershift automatic gearbox.
Drive
The Mondeo is fun to drive
The Mondeo was launched in 2007, and cemented Ford's reputation for making cars that outshine its competitors. That's because it doesn’t have any major flaws. As well as a comfortable, pothole-absorbing ride and a widely adjustable driving position, it's also fun to drive. Zetec models have stiffer suspension for a sportier feel, although they’re still comfortable on most roads. The smallest 1.6-litre petrol engine feels underpowered, but the latest 1.6 and 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engines are great. The diesels - ranging from 1.8 to 2.2-litres - all offer good economy and enough urge to tow heavy loads.
Comfort
There's plenty of space for passengers
Ford's Mondeo is so comfortable that it teaches some more expensive executive cars a lesson about comfort. A supple ride smooths out even the poorest road surfaces and keeps the body under control - so that occupants aren’t shaken up. And because the car has so much space, those in the front and rear will enjoy plenty of leg, head and elbow room. For the driver, a massive range of steering wheel and seat adjustment means anyone can find the right driving position.
Reliability
There are no major safety or reliability issues to report
Three years after release, there are still no major safety or reliability issues to report. The Mondeo, which finished 20th in the 2010 Driver Power survey also gave Ford its highest-ever rating in 2009's survey, ranking 11th, which put it ahead of compact executive cars from BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. No mean feat! All cars get traction and electronic stability control as standard.
Practicality
Split-folding rear seats add even more practicality
An official 528 litres of space means the boot is bigger than that of its main rival, the Vauxhall Insignia, and split-folding rear seats add even more practicality. The cabin is so big that there's genuine space for five adults, and even points such as wide-opening doors for ease of access have been considered by Ford.
Value for money
All models are well equipped
The vast scale of choice in engines and trims means prices are wide ranging. All models are well equipped, including standard alloy wheels, air-conditioning and seven airbags for safety. However, the Mondeo's ‘sales rep’ image means resale values are poor, on average retaining 37 per cent of its value after three years.
Running costs
Diesels are very popular
Diesel engines are the best choice for day-to-day economy, but they’re more expensive to buy, so make sure you’re doing enough miles to justify the extra outlay. For best fuel economy, resale value and emissions, the petrol engines are best avoided. The 138bhp 2.0 TDCi is a popular choice; it's powerful and offers nearly 50mpg. The 1.8 diesel ECOnetic is even more fuel efficient. Automatic gearboxes drain economy.
*Our monthly finance prices are updated on a regular basis, but due to the dynamic nature of the market are not guaranteed accurate. You can always confirm the monthly finance price with FinanceAcar.
