What they said when the Ford Mondeo was new… (Oct 16 2005)
THE Ford Mondeo has been one of the best selling cars list in Britain since its launch in 1993, a firm favourite with both fleet and retail buyers.
It's not hard to see why it has remained at the head of the list.
It's extremely roomy, style changes throughout the years have kept it up to date, and the choice of petrol or diesel models is vast.
The Mondeo's most recent facelift was in April this year and it may be its last.
Just a couple of weeks ago, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford showed off its Iosis concept car which many believe will be the face of the next generation of Mondeo.
But until the new Mondeo appears, buyers could do worse than keep faith with the existing model.
I recently tested the diesel-engined 2.0 TDCi Titanium version, introduced in 2004 as a limited edition. Now it has been included in the mainstream range.
It slots in behind the Ghia specification and Ford has made some exterior and interior changes. Outwardlly, upgrades include a distinctive upper grille mesh, body-colour front and rear bumpers and a 17-inch alloy wheel design with a chrome centre cap.
Inside changes include "Titanium" trim on the clock and gearshift bezels, a special cloth trim, rear window privacy glass and a CD player as standard.
Along with exterior and interior changes across the range, improvements have been made to the driving quality.
The braking system has been given an overhaul and I did notice a more responsive feedback when stopping.
On the Durashift six-speed manual transmission version I tested a gear lever trigger has been added which helps eliminate potential miss-shifts. A spring-loaded ring under the gear knob now has to be lifted by the driver when selecting reverse gear.
Other updates include the ability to fit the latest communication and navigation technology such as hands-free phone, including Bluetooth systems, as an option for around £250.
Buyers of Mondeos have never been short-changed. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, electric heated door mirrors and a CD player, electric windows and alloys.
On the road the Mondeo is as I expect it to be - refined and quiet, pottering around town or out on the open road. It's also a real mile-muncher on the motorway, especially when in sixth gear.
As for comfort and roominess, the Mondeo has always been one of the best in class. Head and legroom are excellent front and back and the boot can swallow up a sizeable amount of luggage, golf clubs, kiddies' gear or a fortnight's shopping.
Fuel consumption over a week of average driving came to around 48mpg, which is respectable.
The Titanium is also very well catered for in the safety stakes with front, rear and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability systems, emergency brake assist, anti-whiplash front head restraints and anti-submarining seats.
Until the all-new Mondeo makes it appearance, probably late next year or early in 2007, Ford's workhorse will continue to attract those who want a reliable, tried and tested and dependable motor.
Words: Stewart Smith
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