Ford Mondeo 2.0 Duratorq TDCi Titanium review: Why it’s better than the new Passat

Ford Mondeo 2.0 Duratorq TDCi Titanium review

What is it?

THE fourth-generation version of Britain’s former best-seller and Ford’s fleet and family favourite – the Mondeo.

Promised since 2012, this new Mondeo has in fact been on sale in North America for the last three-years – although, the Mondeo is a significantly different car to the Fusion.

Ford is predicting that the 2.0-litre Duratorq diesel engine, that’s powering this Titanium, is going be the best-seller.

The new Mondeo also debuts new technologies, such as Ford’s new Pre-Collision Assist and Adaptive LED Headlights.

What’s hot?

• The Mondeo’s exterior styling might be all-new, but the fact that this car’s look is so closely-based on the American Fusion that’s been available for three-years, has taken away some of the impact of the design. Still, our hatch looks far sleeker and sportier than before. Highlights are the Aston-like family grille, those slim headlights and that high waistline. Best-looking new Mondeo? It’s difficult to judge, but the estate in my opinion just pips the others.
• Interior space has always been a Mondeo selling point and the new big Ford doesn’t disappoint. There’s plenty of room front and rear, with 740mm of space for three six-footers to sit comfortably in the back.
• Hatch or estate, on top of the impressive interior room, boot space is equally impressive.
• Initially slow off the mark, the new 2.0-litre TDCi shows its flexibility, feeling genuinely torquey and brisk through the mid-range. Acceleration to 62mph takes 9.3 seconds and the top speed is 134mph.
• Despite the performance, this Mondeo is capable of 62.8mpg on the Combined Cycle, with Co2 emissions of just 117g/km.
• The low Co2 emissions mean the Mondeo 2.0 Duratorq TDCi Titanium falls into the 19% company car tax band for 2014/15.
• Our Titanium spec test car was fitted with the optional 19-inch alloys. Big wheels usually result in an unsettled ride, but the Mondeo impresses with its composure, potholes only becoming noticeable on the worst roads.
• Modern Fords sell on their driving dynamics and the new Mondeo doesn’t disappoint. Apart from the controlled handling, the new Mondeo’s driving highlight has to be the sharp, responsive steering.
• Despite this car having over £4,700 of options, I thought our Titanium’s £23,495 list price was good value when you compare it to the Volkswagen Passat.