The Mondeo was warmly welcomed by those who liked the idea of a vehicle with European styling and dynamics that could be used as a family car. And that could just be the reason for Ford earning its Mondeo countless awards for Best Family Car and Family Car of the Year.
The fourth generation Mondeo was officially unveiled in a 4-door production form in 2009, and although front and rear styling have been tweaked, I think most people would struggle to tell the latest version from its predecessor.
Nonetheless, the Mondeo wafts about like a premium saloon and that's what it's all about.
Exterior
Due to its 'Kinetic Design' trademark, the striking Mondeo is certainly dramatic to look at. This trademark of Ford's emphasises the use of complex surfaces and athletic, sculptural forms to create an impression of 'energy in motion' - to allow the car to look as though it's moving even when it's at standstill.
The luxurious sedan is distinctly modern with real style around the front end with its sharp and sleek headlights while the curved rectangular fog lamps give the car a muscular and taut stance. While the Mondeo's design is a breath of fresh air on our streets - neat, inoffensive and more dynamic looking than most of its competitors - the rear section of this sedan appears rather bulky.
The fourth generation Mondeo was officially unveiled in a 4-door production form in 2009, and although front and rear styling have been tweaked, I think most people would struggle to tell the latest version from its predecessor.
Nonetheless, the Mondeo wafts about like a premium saloon and that's what it's all about.
Exterior
Due to its 'Kinetic Design' trademark, the striking Mondeo is certainly dramatic to look at. This trademark of Ford's emphasises the use of complex surfaces and athletic, sculptural forms to create an impression of 'energy in motion' - to allow the car to look as though it's moving even when it's at standstill.
The luxurious sedan is distinctly modern with real style around the front end with its sharp and sleek headlights while the curved rectangular fog lamps give the car a muscular and taut stance. While the Mondeo's design is a breath of fresh air on our streets - neat, inoffensive and more dynamic looking than most of its competitors - the rear section of this sedan appears rather bulky.
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Fortunately, the rear end is nicely styled with an upward curve and modern, bold taillights that remind you of a pair of raised eyebrows.
I reckon the main thing that will strike people when they first see the Mondeo is its size. Measuring at just over 4.8 metres long, the car is big, dwarfing even the recently launched Volkswagen Passat CC by a little bit.
It still competes against familiar rivals, such as the Opel Insignia, Honda Accord and Citroen C5, although it is premium models like the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Volkswagen Passat CC that are arguably this car's fiercest rivals.
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Interior
Ford's forte lies in build quality, safety and, of late, design and packaging. These traits are certainly evident in the family car.
Get in and the first thing that strikes you is the massive use of grey and silver, and that includes the steering wheel.
The Mondeo's interior may not be a high-style zone, but it's a satisfying, well-thought-out piece of work. Plastics and leather invite intimacy, sound good to a rapped knuckle, smell fine and are aligned to the dot. The ergonomics excel in that thoroughly unobjectionable way you'd expect from a carefully-considered piece of hand-crafted art.
Ford's forte lies in build quality, safety and, of late, design and packaging. These traits are certainly evident in the family car.
Get in and the first thing that strikes you is the massive use of grey and silver, and that includes the steering wheel.
The Mondeo's interior may not be a high-style zone, but it's a satisfying, well-thought-out piece of work. Plastics and leather invite intimacy, sound good to a rapped knuckle, smell fine and are aligned to the dot. The ergonomics excel in that thoroughly unobjectionable way you'd expect from a carefully-considered piece of hand-crafted art.
Although the Mondeo has been praised for its contemporary exterior styling, we reckon the same compliments apply to the interior. The tested vehicle was fitted with suede and leather upholstery and there was also a pleasant, thick-grip leather-wrapped steering wheel with plenty of buttons for audio and trip computer operations.
Once you open the heavy doors and settle into the spacious driving environment, you'll realise that space is certainly adequate with the dimensions suggested on paper. Rear seat headroom and legroom are particularly impressive, allowing lengthy passengers to fit comfortably.
Additionally, the layout offers a class-leading 535 litres of load volume, which can easily fit a couple of luggage and hand-carry bags if necessary.
Once you open the heavy doors and settle into the spacious driving environment, you'll realise that space is certainly adequate with the dimensions suggested on paper. Rear seat headroom and legroom are particularly impressive, allowing lengthy passengers to fit comfortably.
Additionally, the layout offers a class-leading 535 litres of load volume, which can easily fit a couple of luggage and hand-carry bags if necessary.
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The Drive
On the go, the Mondeo is no speed demon. But instead, it's the comfort and supple ride that blow the driver and passengers away. No rival cruises as comfortably at high speeds or deals with coarse surfaces so well.
Like a great dance partner, the connection between the driver and Mondeo is excellent. The naturally weighted steering is rich with feedback and it has an impressive solid feel that bodes well for long life.
More importantly, it feels unflappably safe thanks to its high levels of grip, which in turn inspires confidence. It slices through corners steadily, and unlike some rivals, it never feels heavy or cumbersome - quite an achievement given the hefty 1,555kg kerb weight of the car.
And impressively, the six-speed auto is a perfect match to the engine, with Sports mode delivering a little more jizz when you need it for press-on motoring.
On the go, the Mondeo is no speed demon. But instead, it's the comfort and supple ride that blow the driver and passengers away. No rival cruises as comfortably at high speeds or deals with coarse surfaces so well.
Like a great dance partner, the connection between the driver and Mondeo is excellent. The naturally weighted steering is rich with feedback and it has an impressive solid feel that bodes well for long life.
More importantly, it feels unflappably safe thanks to its high levels of grip, which in turn inspires confidence. It slices through corners steadily, and unlike some rivals, it never feels heavy or cumbersome - quite an achievement given the hefty 1,555kg kerb weight of the car.
And impressively, the six-speed auto is a perfect match to the engine, with Sports mode delivering a little more jizz when you need it for press-on motoring.
Between a range of 2,000 to 3,500rpm, a range sufficient for day-to-day driving situation, only the merest flutter of road noise intrudes, but it's never a major annoyance. The only set back is the presence of body roll when turning at higher speeds.
It, however, remains composed over uneven road surfaces as the suspension soaks up humps and bumps without drama. It is very obvious care has been taken at the design and engineering phases of the car to make sure it handles safely and well.
Conclusion
The Ford Mondeo has a precision that few, if any, rivals can match.
For a 2.3-litre powerplant, the solid carriage makes a nice alternative for those looking for a family car that's away from the usual moulds. With the noticeable design of the car (exterior and interior) being well-balanced with the way the car handles, it's certainly a car that's worth adding to your list.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
It, however, remains composed over uneven road surfaces as the suspension soaks up humps and bumps without drama. It is very obvious care has been taken at the design and engineering phases of the car to make sure it handles safely and well.
Conclusion
The Ford Mondeo has a precision that few, if any, rivals can match.
For a 2.3-litre powerplant, the solid carriage makes a nice alternative for those looking for a family car that's away from the usual moulds. With the noticeable design of the car (exterior and interior) being well-balanced with the way the car handles, it's certainly a car that's worth adding to your list.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
