FirstDrive: Ford MondeoIt's not revolutionary, but the new Mondeo ticks the boxes for Michael McAleer, Motoring Editor
As election fever sets in, it's worth recognising the one car that spawned a political manifesto. Bertie and Enda may not be directly pursuing "Octavia owner" or "Beemer boy", but in the 1990s, as Tony Blair attempted to wrestle control of the British government from 18 years of Conservative rule, "Mondeo man" was born.
Various tales are told of how this term came about, but Ford executives claim it originated during canvassing by Blair, when he met a long-time Labour voter who, when asked if the party could count on his support, said: "I've just bought a new Mondeo, so I guess I'm now a conservative."
From this encounter, a new approach to the electorate was born. The Mondeo symbolised middle England.
Whatever about its political power, it symbolised the popularity of Ford saloons. From the Cortina and Sierra to this latest Mondeo, Ford has become something of an icon for family motoring.
In recent years, however, the saloon market has lost ground to a variety of niche models, from people carriers to SUVs. Indeed, Ford has adapted to the changing trends with models like the Galaxy and recently launched S-Max, built on the Mondeo chassis. Yet the saloon remains an important - if smaller - part of the blue oval story. Ford needs to get this car right.
Hardly surprising then that thii latest version is about evolution rather than revolution.
Nevertheless, a quick look back on the first two generations reveals the changes that have crept in.
For a start, the side windowline is higher than before, there are sporting indents on the bonnet and BMW's Chris Bangle must take some credit, as the crease lines he introduced several years ago in the BMW 3-Series make an appearance on Mondeo's metal.
There's also a nod towards the larger grilles that are all the rage at Audi, courtesy of designer Walter de Silva.
Overall, the car is far more striking than the squashed marshmallow lines of the original model of 1993. The Mondeo has been sent to the gym: even in its estate guise. Ford speaks of it as "kinetic design", though we still can't decipher the buzzwords or the claims behind it. Regardless, the car looks great.
The inside has improved also, with plenty of rear-seat legroom - more than many of its competitors - and comfortable, well-cushioned seats. The added legroom in the back is a real boon in this class, and the new Mondeo can now accommodate three adults in the back without anyone having to nibble on their knees. It's now more spacious in the front and back than either the VW Passat or the BMW 5-Series.
There are also nice touches in terms of the fit and finish to the car and the build quality of the test cars was superior to any versions of the old model we had tested. Built in Ford's Belgian plant in Genk, where it is assembled alongside the S-Max, the detailing of the paintwork, shutlines and interior plastics seem to pit the car in a far higher league than previous editions.
That said, some of the material choices let the car down. In particular, the choice of plastics for the central console are a serious disappointment.
With much of the switchgear carried over from the new S-Max, the test cars we had were trimmed in either a faux walnut or chrome-coloured plastic. Both felt rather cheap. Ford is also offering a "power button" starter on some models, similar to those in premium rivals, and similarly pointless in our opinion.
Then there's the new "Human Machine Interface" (HMI) system. Sounding like something from a rather bad sci-fi series, this optional extra is actually just the usual array of screen controls one finds in many in-car control systems, but comes with a rather impressive colour screen. Simple to operate and using a logical tag system, it can be controlled with a mix of buttons and a touchscreen in the central console or through the toggle switchgear on the steering wheel.
One useful feature is the smaller screen fitted into the dashboard between rev counter and speedometer. It doesn't do anything more than the main screen but it's easier to monitor while you are driving.
Away from the gadgetry, Ford has opted to give the Mondeo a decent safety specification, with ESP stability control and seven airbags - including a new knee airbag - as standard. According to Ford executives, the plan has been to upgrade even standard models in order to improve resale values later in life, where they believe features such as ESP and air-conditioning will make a difference to potential buyers.
The Mondeo's real attraction, however, remains its on-road ability. Ford has long prized its reputation for handling and agility and the good news is that where the last generation Mondeo topped the list of family saloons in terms of driving dynamics, this latest version retains the crown.
The car flows through corners with fluidity and though there is a variety of suspension and damping options available - from sports springs to hydraulic suspension controls - we were just as impressed by the standard suspension as any of the optional settings.
Ford has managed to reduce bodyroll, while at the same time damp out the traditional undulations of potholed country roads in a way that others - particularly the French brands - must envy.
That's matched to a steering agility that's second to none in its class and would challenge even BMW for pinpoint accuracy and flow.
When matched to the right powertrain, the Mondeo has a real confidence on the road; more than just the comfortable cruiser format that defines so many of its rivals in this class.
If there is a criticism in this regard, it's that Ford has built up a reputation in this area that leads motoring hacks to believe it will set new standards every time. In this case, the Mondeo disappointed ever so slightly in that its handling was not as improved on the S-Max - with its higher centre of gravity- as we would have expected. Nevertheless, it's some distance ahead of its direct rivals.
Ford has opted to let the driver decide what version he or she wants, so the choice of bodystyle, engine range, suspension, and interior trim culminates in more than 40 permutations, enough to leave even the most individualistic of us befuddled.
Engines start at 1.6-litre petrol, but as even this version of the car weighs 1,500kg, it's not light by any means.
While it weighs in at less than the equivalent Passat, it still seems like too much metal for the entry-level engine if cross-country driving is part of your motoring needs.
In all, five diesel and four petrol engines are on offer, with either five-speed or six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
While the petrol range starts in 1.6-litre guise, the diesel range starts at 1.8-litre. We tested both the 2-litre diesel and 2.5-litre petrol and, while the petrol was as potent as one would expect, the diesel lagged slightly, due to manual transmission needing constant work on the challenging test route. It's a good engine, but diesel fans should opt for the automatic version where available.
Obviously the 2.5-litre petrol version had all the power one would need in a car this size, but our two days of testing did leave us with questions over the potential performance of the smaller-engined versions. Those questions will only be answered when the car is launched here at the end of the month. Admittedly, its rivals also suffer from power lag in entry-level models and, on paper at least, the Ford is their equal in terms of performance.
Ford needed to make the new Mondeo a more emotive purchase and close the gap on the premium models in terms of quality feel and finish. It has done just that.
Mention was made at the launch of the new car being able to challenge the likes of BMW's 3-Series for owner appeal, but that's taking the marketing spin too far. The reality is that VW nudged the entire family saloon segment closer to the premium end with its latest Passat, and Ford has followed suit.
Neither car has the badge appeal of the German premium brands, but neither do they have the price. The Mondeo matches its VW rival in terms of quality feel, has the edge over it in terms of sports styling and remains the best driving car in its class.
That should be enough to keep Mondeo man happy and prevent him from turning into suburban SUV man.
Factfile
Engines
Petrol:
1.6-litre 108bhp or 123bhp
2-litre 143bhp
2.3-litre 158bhp (due for
launch later in year)
2.5-litre 217bhp
Diesel:
1.8 TDCi 99bhp or 123bhp
2-litre TDCi 129bhp
or 138bhp
Features:
Standard on all models is ESP stability control; seven airbags; trip computer; air-con; connection for MP3; tinted glass; heated windscreen; pollen filter.
Zetec, Ghia and Titanium X extras include: alloys (16" and 17"); cruise control; climate control; automatic wipers and headlights; chrome inserts on scuff plates; front and rear parking sensors.
Prices: Starting at €24,995 for the 1.6 LX four-door saloon.