Ford Mondeo: driving test and video
Posted on 27-10-2014 at 16:00 by CasperH – 38 Comments”
We have our patience put to the test, let it set, but here he is: the new Mondeo. We test whether he is worth the wait.
[ First look, then read? Watch the video HERE! ]
Two years ago, had the first Ford Mondeo’s of the tape reels in Genk, but unfortunately. The factory in Belgium was closed and the production had to be moved to Spain. And so, we can now, for the first time on the road with the new Mondeo.
Classmates
The Ford Mondeo has been a successful player in the class of cars like the Opel Insignia and the Volkswagen Passat. The latter in particular is important to keep in mind. Last week we came out that the Passat is the smartest boy in the class at this time. We were also the smartest little boy the cutest little boy who has to deal with. Ford has a name to uphold in regards to dynamics, so the expectations are high. At the same time, we must not forget that this car technically might be a little behind. The reason is simple: in two years time many changes.
Offer
The Mondeo comes in many flavours. The range starts with a 1.0 EcoBoost but that is only from the second quarter of next year available. At this time, the entry-level model, therefore, one diesel, the 1.6 TDCi Trend manual zesbak, 115 hp and not unimportant: 20% tax liability. From 31.195 euros, this for you on the sidewalk. There is more with 20% addition to get in both petrol as dieseltrim. Also the Hybrid will get 20% of list price. The Ambiente is the cheapest Mondeo-version, prices to follow soon.
The top model is, for now, the 240 hp 2.0 EcoBoost Titanium with automatic transmission. This is from 47.195 euros available. The strongest diesel is the 210 bhp TDCi which is equipped with a dual sequential turbo: a small jump in the toerenregionen, then the bigger turbo takes over. The turbo’s are electronically controlled by the engine management and ensure that a turbogat virtually absent.
She’s got the looks
First let’s look at the basis. It remains a matter of taste, but personally I find the new Mondeo a very fine appearance. Not as anonymous as many other cars in the segment, the nose is nice and agrressief and the low, flowing roofline makes the Mondeo a slim but athletic appearance. In terms of looks, the Mondeo giving me an edge on the competition.
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Sportiest of the class?
The new Mondeo is 10% stiffer than its predecessor, there is Ford lot located on the sportiest car in the segment to put down. The Mondeo features Torque Vectoring Control, the system that we know from the Focus and Fiesta ST, and that causes the front wheels to optimum traction find cornering. The optional Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control adjusts the severity and directness of the steering to the driving modes ‘comfort’, ‘normal’ and ‘sport’. The new Mondeo really sends a lot more fun than the Passat. That is in addition to the stiffer chassis and Torque Vectoring Control, thanks especially to the newly developed rear axle, which is much stiffer and much more of the lateral movement of the wheels to know against which there is more tranquility in the ass is arise. The Mondeo is tight, but does not actually really in on comfort. It is downright impressive how the Mondeo handles bumps in the road. The Spanish roads on which we drive the car are not of the best quality, but still, the Mondeo continue the feet tightly on the floor. Kudos for the developers of the chassis are surely on their place.
The 180 bhp TDCi which we drive is the best option in terms of diesel horsepower, with a 20% tax liability. With 400 Nm of torque it is a smooth block. If you get this to 40,000 miles per year should drive you go, you really can’t get bored.
Nice and light
The optional Adaptive Front Lighting System is completely built with LED technology. The lighting adjusts itself continuously to the circumstances. The angle and intensity of the beam be non-stop adjusted to an optimum beam pattern to create. Also, there are all kinds of veiligheidssnufjes are available, such as Park-Out Assist that checks whether there is nobody behind your car wants if you want to drive, Active City Stop with Pedestrian detection, and Lane Keeping Aid. On the Titanium models, the latter two systems, even standard. Also a new veiligheidsgadget is the inflatable seat belt for the rear seat passengers. This distributes the pressure of the belt in a collision over an area five times larger than normal. This way the risk of injury (particularly bruised ribs e.d.) about 80% reduced.
A solid interior
Previous Fords I drove for Autoblog (Fiesta ST, Focus ST) did not have the best interiors. Cheap plastic, knoppenbrei, map screens, the size of a stamp: not really super. How different is that in this Mondeo? Completely different. It is not the nicest interior in this class can get, but it is not nearly as repulsive as that, for example, in the Fiesta and pre-facelift Focus.
Our testauto is also equipped with the SYNC 2 system with large screen and Sony soundsystem. That is a fine combo. In particular, the integration of the phone in the media system and the split-screen overview that in four areas the most important information displays there is an option where I very easily could get used to. Also very nice are the seats, which to desire to obtain different massage settings. Good to hear!
Babysitter
Navi, phone, entertainment, and climate system are to operate with the help of ordinary spoken language, thanks to SYNC 2. If you are hungry, you say simply “I’m hungry” and the car gives you a list with restaurants in the area, the Michelin list is standard with SYNC 2. The programmable MyKey gives parents the ability to set the maximum speed to limit incoming calls to block and the volume of the stereo to the limit. Jep, if you are a parent you are not a party to award you will a smart unlocked vehicle with the keys should do.
In terms of decor, you can totally go wild, there are packets in all shapes and sizes. Something for everyone to enjoy, shall we say. In particular, the First Edition package is available on the Titanium models is interesting: for €1.995 euro (€1.595 on the Hybrid), you have Adaptive LED lighting, SYNC 2 with 8 ” touchscreen, DAB+ radio, navigation, parkeerassistentie (incl. Park Out Assist) and the electrically operated tailgate with sexy waarschuwingsdeuntje. Normal cost of all those gadgets with each other more than €5,000 euros. And about fine options speak: in the second quarter of 2015, the Vignale label optional: state-of-the trinkets, service and finish belong to the possibilities.
Autoblog advice
With the very successful Passat is still fresh on the retina, we set ourselves the question: is there still a reason to for a Mondeo to choose? What concerns me more. To start with, the Mondeo which I think is more beautiful and second is the handling of the Mondeo a bit or two more. It makes me personally happy, but I understand that a lot of people prefer a Passat would be driving, because that, inside, tighter and more luxurious looks. The Mondeo is not on the back of the Passat, but sets his priorities on a different way. To you the choice of what you on the sidewalk. Movie!
Gallery: Ford Mondeo 2015
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