Category: Large Family 
Price Range: No data available
Refinement, safety, comfort and dynamic ability
Lack of rear stowage, potential for massive depreciation
An extremely good car, let down only by minor niggles and the workaday nature of the market sector in which it competes
The Mondeo is an easy car to spend time with. The driving position is very adjustable: the perfectly-sized steering wheel, in particular, adjusts for both reach and rake, and its weighting is just right. The pedals, gearbox and minor controls are similarly positive in weight and feel. Visibility is good and the mirrors offer a good panorama with the 2004 models receiving slightly enlarged units to negate the loss of visibility caused by the tapered ends on previous cars. Drivable engines complete the package, with ample torque (pulling power) and smooth power delivery. Remarkably good fun, given the workaday nature of the model. Designed to munch miles of motorways, the Mondeo puts in a surprisingly good performance on the twisties. The steering is smooth and precise, if lacking in feel, and the body is well damped and controlled - plus there's loads of grip. The ST220 sporting version is a right cracker and reviewed separately, but even in its basic form, the Mondeo is hugely entertaining.
The 1.8 and 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engines develop 125 and 145bhp respectively. Smooth and much more refined than in the previous Mondeo, they offer good drivability and better economy than before. New for 2004 is a 1.8 SCi direct injection petrol engine, which is marginally more powerful than the conventional 1.8 (up 5bhp to 130) but around 7 percent more efficient. Crucially, it produces less harmful carbon dioxide, making it an ideal fleet purchase. There's also a 2.5 V6 (170bhp) and two 2.0 diesels (115 and 130bhp). These latter engines are first-class, if a little noisy at idle. Reviewed separately, the 3.0 V6 ST220 is capable of 155mph . A six-speed gearbox is mated to both diesel engines, the new SCi and both V6s, giving better acceleration and more relaxed cruising speeds. A five-speed tiptronic 'box is available on both diesels and the 2.5 V6.
