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Mondeo Awarded Best Mid-Size Car

Cambo, Tuesday December 4, 2007.

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With an emphasis on safety, comfort and technology, the all-new Mondeo has delivered Ford a winner in the toughest class of all.

In the closest-fought battle and in the most hotly contested Best Cars category, the all-new Ford Mondeo has scored a narrow victory over the impressive Volkswagen Jetta. Cementing its place as the family vehicle with style, space and comfort, the five-door Mondeo TDCi offers a sizeable cabin with a cavernous boot and an abundance of load-space versatility. Seat support and comfort were considered best in class, while sharp exterior styling will bring its own level of ownership pride.

Mondeo – Best Mid-Size Car Over $28,000

Ford Mondeo TDCi
2.0-litre turbo-diesel sedan
6-speed auto
$37,990

Safety: DFSA, CA, KA, ABS, ESC
NCAP: 4 Star
GVG: 3.5 Star

(Video courtesy of Australia’s Best Cars.)

While the model range starts at $29,990 for the LX, the Zetec petrol and turbo-diesel TDCi models (from $34,990 and $37,990) are significantly better equipped and will be more popular.

In a category where we have come to expect first-class design and presentation at the wheel, the Mondeo’s controls, instrumentation and switchgear are up there with the best.

Safety is a hallmark of the new model, which has seven airbags including the all important curtain head protection. The TDCi is also equipped with active head restraints, and dynamic controls including stability and traction control, as well as anti-lock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution.

There are also many subtle but useful accessories, like rain-sensing wipers and parking sensors on the standard specification list. While the 2.3-litre petrol models deliver the same level of presentation, it’s the 2.0-litre diesel mated to a six-speed automatic that is the standout for performance smoothness and driveline refinement.

Like its competition, the diesel engine sound is obvious on start-up and outside the car, but barely perceivable inside the cabin when on the move.

Performance is delivered in a smooth, flowing fashion, so the car never feels out of step either commuting around town or climbing the steepest mountain road.

Built in Belgium, we found this a better finished Ford; and benefiting from the European approach to suspension settings and sharp dynamic handling, the Mondeo will also entertain with a rewarding drive.

Progressive brakes, crisp steering response and good suspension control give balance and predictability over less-than-perfect roads, providing the driver with confidence.

While the Mondeo TDCi delivers a great all-round package, it’s not without some minor quibbles.

Despite good fuel economy from the 2.0-litre diesel/auto combo, Mondeo’s fuel consumption falls just short of the benchmark Jetta, but fortunately without detriment to exhaust emissions.

Warranty offers no more than the standard cover, and a space-saver spare wheel has found its way into the boot.

Finalists
Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Honda Accord Euro Luxury

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