17 Oct 08
However, while self-levelling suspension does see to it that the car doesn't subsequently spend the next five hours adopting the attitude of a jet leaving the runway, something strange does happen when you load a Mondeo Estate's even three-quarters full...
Even though I really didn't notice the extra weight overmuch from the driving perspective, and the car appeared to be more or less as level as it would have been empty, I became increasingly baffled by the clearly perceptible vibration of the rear bonnet lip, just above the windscreen wipers. A deal of manful pressing proves this panel to be mighty rigid at this point - positively inflexible actually. So I can only imagine the motorway-speed forces at work powerful enough to set it flapping like bunting in a gale.
Is it that even a slight change in nose attitude elicits a sudden increase in airflow under the bonnet within the engine bay? This seems unlikely. All answers gratefully received...
This thorny little problem aside, the Mondeo estate has proved itself a formidable long-haul weapon. My slight misgivings about the re-installation of the driver's seat aside, it's superbly comfortable and quiet when cruising and, despite not being as high-riding as the Land Rover Discovery it has replaced, itstill manages to afford the children a good enough all-round view out to stave off feelings of claustrophobia or car sickness.
And, of course, it's still good to drive. The constant, politely muted chatter of road-surface information coming through the helm and the seat of the pants, allied to a crisp turn-in and outstanding body control, make for entertaining handling despite the presence of the extra weight in the back.
