Ford Mondeo 2.2 TDCi 175 CV, road test (part II)

As I mentioned in the first part, this really was a car that clearly deserved a recommendation, both for its excellent driving dynamics and its interior and exterior finish.

Let’s recall that the version we tested is the sportiest one, so as standard it comes with lower suspension, 18-inch wheels with wide tyres (245 mm), and aluminium inserts on the front and rear, along with side skirts. It isn’t quite the ST finish or the legendary RS of Ford, but it is a very good and elegant approximation. And as for taste? It may look a bit flashy — I think the privacy glass helps with that — but it is a very elegant line as standard, and personally I really like it.

Exterior design and interior space

The exterior line bears a certain resemblance to the saloons of the Jaguar brand, which is quite reasonable given the kinship between the models.

The front grille is very aggressive, and its 1.87 metres of width allow all the necessary elements to fit. Almost all the elements are edged with aluminium-coloured trim, which gives it the sporty look we mentioned earlier. The lower intake covered with mesh lets air in to cool the engine, as does the slightly smaller upper one.

Something I find superfluous is the external radio aerial. An internal aerial could have been fitted on the windscreen, as many brands do, and given doubts about its reception, it is a piece that is very tempting to thieves in some areas of our country and very annoying when you want to wash the car, for example.

The side skirts, together with the widened wheel arches, are visually very eye-catching, and combined with the 18-inch wheels and low-profile tyres they give a striking look that carries through to the rear. The two exhaust pipes, one on each side, with the lower part in aluminium colour and slightly raised, are reminiscent of the sportier models. The rear spoiler completes that aggressive touch.

When we sit in the driver’s seat, we feel as if we are at the controls of a car from the future, because of the large insertion of chrome and glossy black pieces, although this never becomes annoying (let’s remember it is the sportiest version). The multifunction steering wheel is quite complete and, together with the rest of the stalks behind it, allows almost total control of all the car’s functions.

The steering wheel and gear lever are finished in leather with red inserts, which gives a more comfortable and sporty feel that really suits the overall look. The space between driver and front passenger has been used excellently. At the top is the 7” screen, which shows radio information, navigation, phone, traffic via TMC technology, current position information, the navigation map and other functions.

Moving further down we find the dual-zone cabin temperature control, which should be set to a slightly high temperature, since you can end up sweating on normal spring and autumn days and especially in winter. Unlike other brands that allow a greater difference between the passenger and driver zones, or even completely independent temperatures, here the maximum possible difference is only 4º C. The armrest with two compartments, besides adjusting the driving position, offers extra hidden space for keys, garage remotes or even CDs.

The seats are really comfortable. They don’t tire you out on long journeys and allow a very correct position thanks to their full electric adjustment. There is a lot of room, and neither front nor rear passengers will feel cramped, since however far back the front seats are set, there is enough space to fit the legs of taller people without hitting the seat in front. Its 4.78 metres of length seem even more once you notice how well the interior space is used. Without a doubt one of the most comfortable saloons for travelling.

But what really stands out about this model is the use of space and its incredible boot capacity. Although it depends on the spare wheel: puncture repair kit, space-saver or emergency tyre and full-size wheel, it can reach up to 540 litres and more than 1,700 litres with the rear seats folded. Personally I can tell you that everything fits, even luggage for 5 people and a baby for a weekend, with relative ease and without much effort in packing. Although the CD changer takes up space in a really inconvenient spot, this can be offset by the two compartments on either side.

And the last part will be devoted to prices and equipment, which are truly surprising.