Wheels pitches 10 of the biggest sellers in the medium-to-large car segment to see which is the best of the current crop. Here’s number 2, the Ford Mondeo.
Can’t wait to see the final score? Jump to the verdict now.
FORD’S spiritual Falcon replacement seems to be perpetually behind the eight-ball. Two years late getting here due to European factory issues, the fourth-generation Mondeo is now struggling to gain traction in a declining segment – an undeserved predicament for such a capable car.
On many important fronts, the latest Ford Mondeo is at the top of its game. Engineered to be profoundly enjoyable, it possesses comfort and refinement to catch out a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and dynamic prowess to challenge a BMW 3 Series, for up-spec Camry cash. If only Ford adopted Audi’s design, interior presentation and quality acumen…

Yet repeated exposure reveals nicely tactile surfaces, usefully comprehensive vehicle/trip data, thoughtfully executed ergonomics and a hugely useful hatchback. Equipment levels are also outstanding, including an electric tailgate, rear seatbelt airbags, 220-volt outlet, adaptive cruise, AEB, swivelling headlights and 10-way powered front seats.

Any initial hesitations melt away the moment you sink into the sumptuously supportive seats. Adding to high comfort is low fatigue. Mechanical and road noise intrusion is notably muted, aided by this group’s only adaptive suspension with electronic dampers that virtually smother bumps and irregularities away, without feeling floaty. Mondeo’s refinement would wow at twice the price.

The six-speed torque-converter auto is a useful companion, with an intuitive Sport mode, and properly sorted ratios keeping the spirited engine on the boil.
Just as fast and fluid is the electric steering, defined by an effortless finesse for pin-point cornering and backed up by satisfyingly taut body control, regardless of prevailing conditions. Though assisted by torque-vectoring tech, it’s still astounding how Ford’s lounge suite on wheels manages to handle so sweetly. No competitor is as poised or as plush.

Not so much behind the eight-ball, then, as ahead of the other eight, the charming, occasionally frustrating Mondeo Titanium EcoBoost comes tantalisingly close to sinking every mid-sizer.
Not on Trend
Our intended mid-range Trend ($37,290) ended up being a Titanium range-topper, slapping on $7000, more weight and bigger wheels to potentially compromise the Trend’s fabulously supple ride. We needn’t have worried, as it turned out, but increasingly frequent rattles from the sunroof blind, glass roof seal and A-pillar trim almost drove us to distraction. It also suffered from an intermittent electrical glitch that affected the driver-assist systems, voice control, sat-nav and multimedia connectivity. But with Ford’s completely re-engineered SYNC3 system rolling out in Mondeo from July, such problems should be a thing of the past.
Want to compare the field? Check out all the Family sedan finalists.
SPECS
Price: $44,740 *Includes metallic paint ($450)
Engine: 1997cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo
Power: 177kW @ 5300rpm
Torque: 345Nm @ 2300-4900rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Dimensions (L/W/H/W-B): 4871/1852/1482/2850mm
Weight:1695kg
Cargo capacity: 557 litres
Tyres: Michelin Primacy 3 235/45R18 98Y
Test fuel cons: 11.2L/100km
0-100km/h: 7.7sec
0-400m: 15.5sec @ 148.4km/h
80-120km/h: 4.9sec
3yr resale: 49%
Plus: Refinement; dynamic fluency; practicality; value
Minus: Thirst; rattles; messy instruments; SYNC2 glitches
Verdict: 8.0/10
