Auto-biographies New Ford Mondeo
by Tim Barnes-Clay Motoring Writer at
www.carwriteups.co.uk
The fi fth generation Mondeo is now available with Ford’s range of economical EcoBoost engines and, for the fi rst time in the UK, a hybrid petrol-electric option.
Introduced in 1992 to replace the Ford Sierra, the Mondeo went on to become a piece of popular culture in 1996 when Tony Blair used the phrase ‘Mondeo Man’ in his Labour Party Conference address.
What a shame there’s so much badge snobbery around these days though. The reaction I got from premium-badge car lovers when I mentioned I was attending the Ford Mondeo press launch wasn’t exactly upbeat. This just goes to show how marketing and image aff ects people’s preconceptions. Don’t get me wrong; Ford is no stranger to spin either, but I’ve got to tell you this latest Mondeo is the real deal.
At launch, I tested the Mondeo Titanium Estate 2.0 Duratorq TDCI. With 148bhp and 258 lb.ft of max torque, the Ford is able to dig deep at low revs, resulting in proper pulling power.
Certainly, it’s easy to be blinded by the kudos of a premium badge but the Mondeo is brilliant whether in estate, fi ve door hatch or four door hybrid semblances. It’s handsome, interior space is excellent, the ride is smooth and the handling is spot on.
The diesel estate, in particular, excels in every single area. It’s fantastic to drive, it has a refi ned engine and the boot is the perfect shape for carrying a range of everyday items, from a family-sized weekly shop to a stack of suitcases. It’s good value and will be less costly to run than many of its competitors. The car is crammed with entertainment tech
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and safety gadgetry too. In fact it’s the most advanced Ford ever introduced in Europe, and has been awarded the maximum fi ve- star safety rating by independent crash test authority Euro NCAP.
The Mondeo is the fi rst car from the Blue Oval brand worldwide to off er Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. This is designed to detect people in the road ahead – or that could cross the vehicle’s path – and automatically applies the brakes if you don’t respond to warnings at the wheel.
Also introduced for the fi rst time in Europe is
Ford’s ground-breaking Infl atable Rear
Seatbelt technology. In the event of an accident, the seatbelts expand to disperse crash forces across a body area fi ve times greater than that achieved by a conventional belt. This off ers valuable extra protection to very young or old passengers with weaker chest areas.
On the entertainment front, Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system boasts an eight-inch colour touch-screen to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems using voice commands. For example, simply pushing the voice control button and saying “I’m hungry” will display a list of local restaurants, and the MICHELIN guide can help you choose where to eat. SYNC 2 will then connect you by phone to the restaurant to book a table and guide you there. Groovy, or what?
So, this Ford Mondeo with its ‘common-as- muck badge’ is as good, if not better, than many of the eulogized German ‘premium’ cars. Go on – hop in one and try one out. You may be surprised and have an epiphany.
To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com
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