If you want to see where much of the graft – and money – has gone into this new Mondeo, take a look at the cabin, because its finish has been taken to a new level, as Ford chases after the standards set by industry leader Audi.
The Mondeo can't quite get there, because it costs thousands less than the equivalent A4. But you could hardly call this interior cheap. Pleasing soft-touch plastics skin much of the dashboard and doors. Tasteful aluminium décor features extensively, as do piano-black lacquer inserts.
The instrumentation looks appealing and the seat fabrics, the steering wheel and the design of the subsidiary controls lend the cabin a sophisticated, high-quality aura that makes it a pleasing place to be. There are minor cheap moments, such as the glovebox lid and the extent of the Ghia’s veneer abuse, but on the whole it is an attractive piece of work.
At least as important is the spaciousness of this interior. We wouldn’t quite call it limousine-like (as Ford does), but there really is a lot of legroom in the back, besides a well shaped 60/40 split rear seat. The top models even come with B-pillar-mounted air vents, and there are optional seat heaters too.
The boot is huge and well shaped, the rear seats fold to form a flat floor and a protective bulkhead, and there are load hooks and tie-downs.
Ford will also be keeping service and repair costs low, though the use of a cambelt rather than a chain means eventual expense with this engine. The ‘sacrificial panel’ – a body-coloured plastic section of the tailgate that absorbs knocks to save the steel pressing – is an example of its attention to detail.
The 2.0 TDCi’s 156g/km of CO2 is competitive, as is its fuel consumption. Ford has less control over used values and the Mondeo’s (relatively) lowly branding, and its segment are all likely to condemn it average residuals. But that could make it a fine used buy.
