This is the third all-new Mondeo iteration since the model’s birth in 1993, and in principle its mechanical make-up is much the same: transverse, front-drive powertrains, MacPherson strut front suspension, something multi-linked at the rear and a level of functional development that enables this Ford to offer more than might be expected in the areas of handling, steering, ride comfort, refinement and convenience.
All of this is underpinned by attention to the economic realities of insurance groups, cost of service and repair, safety, theft-proofing and low fuel consumption that can win or lose the big fleet orders that make or break models like these.
In fact, there are few truly fresh engineering features to be found in this car, which instead rides a contemporary innovation wave largely generated by its suppliers. You can have your Mondeo with adaptive cruise control, a hill-holder and various levels of voice-activated infotainment system, as well as collision mitigation systems, adaptive damping, climate control, trick headlights and so forth.
What gives it a potential edge is the thoroughness with which these systems have been developed and integrated into the car, and the sheer scope of safety and convenience features being offered in a model whose prices start at £15,000.
All this is built into a car that has grown, particularly in terms of its width, which has swollen by almost five inches. This Mondeo is also slightly longer and taller, with the result that it weighs, model for model, up to 175kg more than the outgoing car.
Still, it’s also stiffer; the torsional rigidity of this five-door is improved by 130 per cent. It’s significantly roomier than the old model and safer, too, what with seven airbags, active front head restraints and a steering wheel and pedals that move away from passengers in an impact.
