Ford Mondeo 2.0i 16V TDCi SIII

After almost three years and just under 58,000 miles, it is time to share my thoughts on my Mondeo 2.0TDCi 115 (Euro IV) Ghia hatch.

RELIABILITY

Practically flawless. Mechanically, it has never skipped a beat, and there were not even any mechanical wrinkles to be ironed out when I first got it. The only reasons I describe it as "practically flawless" are a minor squeak that has developed on the dashboard over the last six months or so, a fault with the stereo that required replacement under warranty (that's a Sony product, not Ford), and a slight rumble from the rear wheel bearings at speed, which I understand is a common and minor flaw.

SAFETY

Ford's "Intelligent Protection System", which links the airbags, seatbelts and steering column together to reduce the likelihood of injury in the event of a crash, has thankfully not been used! It is reassuring to know that with six airbags and a 4-star Euro NCAP rating, I'd be pretty safe in a crash.

From a day-to-day perspective, the ABS works well when needed and gives a reassuring judder through the brake pedal when it kicks in. The brakes are very solid and I've noticed very little fade on the odd occasion that I've given it the beans (see Handling section). There is Electronic Brake Force Distribution fitted as standard, which augments the stopping power in an emergency, though I haven't had cause to test it yet.

It has five proper inertia reel belts and adjustable head restraints, and the front restraints are anti-whiplash.

It's slightly disappointing that Traction Control and Electronic Stability Protection were a £250 option on such an expensive and high-spec car (I had them as standard on my previous Focus Ghia), though their absence does encourage sensible driving and after all, this is meant to be a sensible car...

SPACIOUSNESS

A real plus of this car. I'm 6'6" tall and have no problem whatsoever in fitting in the car, although having the seat right back does hamper rear legroom behind me. For most drivers, it is a fully functioning five-seater.

The boot is huge and will cater for most needs. I have managed to get a massive armchair in the back with no trouble at all. On the downside, the rear seat cushion doesn't fold forward to give a fully flat load area.

There are four door pockets, a large illuminated (but not chilled) glovebox, and cubbies to the right of the steering column and in both armrests. There's also two cupholders, though the main one that folds out from the centre console is rather flimsy.

COMFORT

Because of my height, I specifically chose the Ghia model so that I could have the optional £150 electric seat. This is a real plus, as the seat squab tips upwards at the front to support the underthigh of taller drivers. For "normal" sized people, the regular seat will be fine.

My wife is 5'2" and has no problem finding a comfortable seating position, so I would suggest that pretty much anyone would be able to get comfortable.

Both front seats have electric height adjustment and manual lumbar adjustment, though I've never had to adjust it for me.

The seats themselves are made of a very supportive foam, that means that even after a three-hour non-stop drive, I get out feeling quite comfortable. For me, there could be slightly more lateral support available, though again I'd emphasise that this isn't a sporty model.

The steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake, and is leather trimmed and good to hold.

Ergonomically, everything falls easily to hand, making the whole driving experience a very relaxing affair.

In terms of ride comfort, it is designed to be a relaxing cruiser and the motorway ride is excellent. It does thump a bit over potholes and poor surfaces, but then it will spend more of its life on flat, fast roads, where it sits well. There is a bit of wind and tyre noise at cruising speed, but never too much that you can't hold a conversation at normal speaking volume.

ROAD HANDLING / PERFORMANCE

It's a big, diesel hatchback. Handling isn't necessarily going to be a priority for most drivers.

If you chuck it about on the corners, it does feel pretty secure, although you do need to remember that it has a dirty great lump of pig iron under the bonnet and it will understeer if you push it. I've nearly ended up in a ditch once due to a bit of overenthusiasm and forgetting I wasn't in a Focus anymore...

Having been on Pirelli P6000's for 30,000 miles, and now switching to Michelin Energies (Kwik-Fit's choice, not mine), I'd recommend sticking with Pirellis as they felt more secure at speed.

Performance is good for such a big car, though not as good as the uprated 130bhp version that I had on a test drive initially (which scared the bejeebers out of me when I floored it out of the Dartford Bridge tolls).

On the one occasion I got a passenger to time my 0-60 sprint, it came out at 11.1 seconds, not far short of the claimed 10.2. I've never had it up to top speed (122mph), as I wouldn't dream of doing this on UK roads, but as it's turning over at 2,300rpm at 70, I don't doubt it'll do it comfortably.

I've got the 5-speed gearbox (a 6-speed 'box is an option with this engine, standard on the 130bhp). The gearbox is smooth, though a little notchy when cold.

The engine revs well up to the redline of about 4,500rpm, although there is a fair degree of turbo lag until about 2,000 - so you need to change down in plenty of time if you anticipate the need for a quick getaway at roundabouts and the like.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

The only real downside to 21st Century Ford ownership in my opinion.

Despite working for probably the local dealers' biggest fleet customer, I don't really get made to feel special. When there have been minor things to look at, like the bearing rumble, they've never communicated what they've done or why.

I wonder whether this is because they know I'm not paying the bills...

My advice would be to find a smaller dealership, or use an independent, unless a full Ford Service History is important to you.

SECURITY

The car has remote, central locking with deadlocks, as you'd expect. You can also set the plipper to only open the driver's door with one press, then all the doors with two - a useful trick. It's also got a volume and movement sensing alarm, which has never gone off falsely - a good thing in my book.

I can speak from bitter experience about the success of the car's security strength.

About four months into my time with the car, some lowlife tried to break into it in a hotel car park in Leicestershire. Clearly he hadn't read that modern cars are practically unbreakinnable as he attempted to do the driver's door lock with a screwdriver.

Thankfully, he didn't resort to breaking any windows and so the only damage was a smashed lock surround and a scratch on the door (well repaired by Solus in Norwich).

LOOKS

I really love the look of the thing. It looks grown-up and classy. I'd particularly recommend Platinum metallic, a sort of pale gold that really sets off the chrome door, boot and grille trims.

Pre-2005 models have door rubbing strips that not only protect, but also break up the line of the doors. Post-2005 models don't have these, and look quite slab-sided and chubby as a result.

FEATURES

You can go to the Ford website to get a list of the features, so I'll emphasise the key ones for me, both good and bad:

- Cruise Control: very relaxing but watch out for speed cameras (got done by a van by forgetting to switch it off)
- Jack plug in the glovebox for plugging your iPod into the stereo
- Door mirrors that fold in for parking in tight spots or on busy roads, and that have "puddle lights" that light up your way
- Rain sensing wipers: useless, either go too fast or too slow, I wish you could retrofit the manually-adjustable ones
- Auto headlights: good that you never have to worry about leaving your lights on (though there is a buzzer for that), although they do turn on if you go under a bridge, even in bright sunlight
- Auto-dipping rear view mirror: works like Reactolight sunglasses, and is particularly effective
- Cubbyhole on the ceiling for holding your sunglasses - no more rummaging for the case in the door pocket.

FUEL CONSUMPTION

This is pretty good, usually at between 45 and 50mpg under most conditions, and I have had close to 60 on a run from Norwich to Newcastle and back.

I mentioned earlier about the switch from Pirellis to Michelins affecting the grip, I also believe that they've increased my fuel consumption.

It's worth pointing out that the MPG and range readouts on the trip computer are both overoptimistic. A full tank will give you an initial range reading of 750 miles, but will only actually deliver about 600.

OVERALL

This series of Mondeo is about to go out of production, to be replaced by the James Bond version. This review is therefore likely to be read by people that are going to be buying cars like mine - three years old, ex-fleet, about 60,000 on the clock.

If that's you, I would heartily recommend this car to you. It's quick, comfortable, reliable, well specced, economical, stylish and fun to drive.

The few minor foibles I've described shouldn't deter you from another Ford success story (although I'd seriously recommend you shy away from their Service Departments!)

I hope the new one is as good as this has been, and that you enjoy owning and driving yours as much as I've enjoyed mine.