The Mondeo Si and ST may be the performance models, but even the 1.8 and 2.0 perform well enough for most. They rev nicely and pull well through the rev range, and work well with the slick standard five speed box. Except the V6's will better 30mpg and while the diesels return over 40mpg, they lack refinement.
Mondeo’s road performance has always been its forte. Even against more modern cars, its ride and handling impress and nothing of its age in this class offers a sharper, better drive. The price you pay is a slightly firm ride and, "even then, it’s only a problem on very poor roads", but it’s worth it for the superb handling.
For the most part, the Mondeo is thoroughly impressive. The cabin is hushed and calm at motorway speeds and the four cylinder petrol engines again rev nicely and smoothly. The let downs are the V6, which is not as smooth as you’d expect, and as for the diesel it's far too noisy.
Hatch and estate models are more practical and popular than the saloons. All body styles came with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines throughout the car’s life, including the high performance ST models. All featured five speed manual gearboxes, but auto was optional on all petrols except the 1.6. Trims run from basic Aspen to luxury Ghia X.
The basic Aspen is decent enough, but it’s better to head up the range for a little more kit. In Feb ’98 air con became standard on most models. Mid range LX and GLX have plenty of toys, but if you want more luxury, go for Ghia or Ghia X, which bring CD changers, wood trim, leather and cruise control.
The 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine packs quite a punch, developing a super 217bhp and enabling the ST to hit 60mph in just 7.5sec. And it sounds great, too.
Six airbags, anti whiplash head restraints full curtain bags and anti lock brakes are standard, while the pedal box collapses in a crash.
Ford revised the Mondeo's dash in summer 2003 to give it a classier, more harmonious look and feel. The biggest change is the new look stereo in the centre console. As before, there's masses of space and adjustment of the steering column and seats, plenty of storage areas and a fine, logical layout.
The Mondeo is a vast car, easily housing five. If it has a fault it's that the rear headlining brushes the hair of six- footers if they lean back. Rear storage areas are noticeably absent, too. A sizeable boot can be extended into the cabin, though the familiar Ford failing of a split backrest but one piece rear cushion mars versatility.
The new Mondeo will preview as a stylish estate, an ideal bodystyle to preview the sporty, expressive appearance of the upcoming range. A few of the finer technical details may be secret for a little longer, but the Paris showcar's dynamic exterior design and spacious new interior will show the world just how different the new Mondeo range will look and feel.A wide range of dependable Ford powertrains will be available, from the highly efficient 1.6-litre Duratec petrol and 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, to the powerful Duratorq 2.0 litre TDCi diesel. There’s also a high performance 2.5 litre turbocharged Duratec petrol unit derived from the engine in Ford’s performance ST range.
And the next Blog will be called (Ford GT40 v RS200).
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