Ford Mondeo (2007-) Review

Overview

• Next: Reliability and Quality

The Mondeo has been the best selling car of its type in Europe since its original 1993 launch, and deservedly so. Large family-sized hatchbacks, saloons and estates don't come any better than this: roomy, utterly user-friendly, affordable and - distinguishing the Mondeo from its opposition - fun to drive.

The 2007 Mondeo, built alongside the Galaxy and S-Max MPVs in Genk, Belgium, is the most upmarket yet. All versions in the large range have a good basic equipment level, the exterior design has got flashier, and the interior is better trimmed. Importantly, Ford has also honed the ride quality and refinement to a level that wouldn't shame a far more expensive car.

Engines include a new 2.3-litre petrol (159bhp), which comes later in the year, but in the meantime there are 99bhp and 123bhp 1.8 TDCi and 128bhp and 138bhp 2.0 TDCi diesels, and 108bhp/123bhp 1.6-litre, 143bhp 2.0-litre and 217bhp turbocharged 2.5-litre petrols. The 128bhp diesel and 2.3 petrol come with a six-speed automatic gearbox. There are no firmed-up plans for an ST-badged model as yet, but with the 217bhp turbo engine and the sporty Titanium X trim, there's the possibility to create a pretty sporty Mondeo. The 2.2 TDCi diesel engine could follow at a later date, too.