Review: New Ford Mondeo

Its name does not set pulses racing, nor does its badge provoke executive envy - which is why it can be easy to overlook the excellence of the Ford Mondeo writes motoring editor Peter Carroll.

Arguably its only real crime is its popularity: more than 1.3 million have been sold, in the UK alone, since it was first launched in 1993.

• See more pictures of the new Mondeo in our gallery to your right

But the days of massive sales have gone. The Mondeo, in common with all other big repmobiles, faces more of a struggle in the market place these days and has has to do battle with a host of 'lifestyle' vehicles which weren't around 17 years ago.

So is there still room for a large traditional hatchback in a world where people are increasing opting for SUVs, MPVs and 'crossovers'?

Ford believes there is and has just carried out a surprisingly comprehensive facelift of the Mondeo.

The 2011 car features a more sculpted design, an uprated cabin, new flagship engines and a host of premium technologies.

Yes, Ford has taken the car upmarket and, as if to emphasize the premium nature of its new car, held its European launch in Munich - right in BMW's back yard.

Five trim levels will be offered when cars start arriving at the end of the month: Edge, Zetec and three varieties of Titanium. Ford expects Titanium models to account for half of all sales.

Prices start, as before, at £17,295 and peak at £26,995, though Ford has still to reveal the prices of its flagship models. Once a few options have been ticked, these top end cars could come in at a hefty £30,000.

Design

Though the essential shape of the Mondeo has been preserved, it looks a substantially different car in the metal. There's a completely new front end with strong creaselines along the bonnet in the style of a BMW or Volvo.

The grille has been reworked, with a more imposing trapezoidal lower section, and now rows of LED lights flank the headlamp clusters.

Inside, the cabin looks a step-up in quality from the old model, though we were drove only top end rather than base models at the launch.

There's a new centre console surrounded by better-looking brushed aluminium effect trim. The instrumentation is new and the door trim has been upgraded too. The glovebox is impressively huge.

The seats are comfortable, if slightly lacking in lateral support, and it's easy to find a good driving position.

Ford engineers have worked hard to boost refinement and the Mondeo is notably serene on the road.

Engines

The Blue Oval badge tends to attract keen drivers who will doubtless be interested in the two new flagship power plants showcased by Ford: one a diesel, the other petrol.

The 2.2 litre Duratorq TDCi is the most powerful diesel yet produced by Ford and develops 200PS. It's quick (0-62 in 8.1 seconds) and responsive and only in the area of emissions is it bested by the BMW equivalent.

The new 2.0 litre EcoBoost, meanwhile, replaces the Volvo-derived five-cylinder 2.5 litre petrol power plant which has served Ford well across a range of vehicles, notably in the Focus ST.

The new engine is just as powerful but more refined - and far more economical than its thirsty predecessor, with up to 36mpg possible on the combined cycle.

Ford says it warms up more quickly than the old engine which boosts economy. It also works very well with Ford's Powershift auto gearbox, taking 7.5 seconds to hit 60mph.

The EcoBoost's engine note is enhanced by Ford's Sound Symposer system, which amplifies aurally 'pleasing' frequencies.

So while the Mondeo sounds purposeful but restrained, expect the new Focus ST (which will be powered by the same engine) to produce a more raucous noise.

Other engines in the Mondeo range include three versions of Ford's existing two litre diesel; a 140hp 2.0 litre petrol; and a new 1.6 litre EcoBoost petrol, due in a few months' time.

The Mondeo remains excellent to drive and does a good job of concealing its considerable bulk on bends.

What else is new?

A first for Ford is the Active Grille Shutter which opens and closes at the front of the car to boost aerodynamic efficiency by up to six per cent.

The Mondeo now also comes with a raft of high-tech features including self-dipping headlights, reversing camera, a Blind Spot Information System and a lane departure warning system, which is just as much of a pain as it is in other cars.

There's even an Eco mode which encourages more fuel-efficient driving. It uses leaf graphics in the style of a Prius or a Honda Insight.

Ford is playing catch-up here to a certain extent but these are features which would have been available only on premium executive models a few years ago.

Verdict

In these days of down-sizing, more than a few business types might find themselves driving around in Fords instead of swankier models from the likes of Audi and BMW.

These executives might not like the badge - but I suspect they will grow to love the car.

Because Mondeo Man has never had it so good.

• See the history of the Ford Mondeo in pictures