Ford Mondeo

The well-laid-out cabin has oodles of space that ups the comfort quotient inside. The talking point inside is the large 8-inch infotainment system which Ford calls Sync 3. Currently, in its third iteration, it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sync3 unit is very responsive and comes with a voice recognition system. Also, it gets an in-built navigation system and DAB+ digital radio. The Sony sound system gets nine speakers, Bluetooth audio streaming and USB connectivity, etc. Material quality around the infotainment system and gear selector surrounds is mediocre. The cargo space inside is generous at 730-litres with the rear seats in use, which can be expanded to 1,605-litres by folding the seats completely. A 12V power outlet is present at the rear, though the USB charging points are missing, instead, it gets a 230V power plug that enables charging laptops. Comfort bits such as heated rear seats, 10-way power driver seat adjustment with lumbar support and dual-zone climate control among others are packed inside.

On the outside, both hatchback and wagon versions vary a tad. The body styling kit is available only with the top-spec Titanium variants. Also, the base variants miss out on LED daytime running lights and adaptive LED headlamps with signature lighting and dynamic leveling. The LED tail-lamps at the back are standard, while the entry-level variants come bereft of signature lighting, dynamic levelling in the wing mirrors and auto-dip on the reverse. The Prestige paint is optional on both hatchback and wagon, whereas the roof rails are offered only with wagon. Adding a sporty flair to the face are the redesigned front bumper and the new air-intakes. There is a chrome trim at the rear, that runs between the tail-lamps. A prominent shoulder line runs across the length of the boot lid, connecting the tail-lamps. Sharp lines present all over the body infuse aggression, while the multiple slat chrome grille in front reiterates its bold appearance.

The Mondeo performs well on this front and remains composed on sharp-edged bumps on the road and even cobblestones. Also, the electrically assisted steering wheel is spot on. It drives well on highways and on country roads. The suspension system includes adaptive type set-up on the top-spec Titanium variants, while rest of the range makes do with the self-leveling system.

The Ford Mondeo hatchback is available in petrol as well as diesel engine choices with a 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and a 2.0-litre diesel engine powering the hatchback. The wagon comes only with a diesel unit, giving the petrol engine a miss. In terms of output, the petrol unit makes 177kW at 5,300rpm against 345 Nm torque between 2,300 to 4,900 rpm. Available with both hatchback and wagon, the 2.0-litre diesel engine generates 132kW at 3,500rpm along with 400Nm torque between 2,000 to 2,500rpm. A six-speed SelectShift automatic gearbox is paired to the petrol unit and the wagon gets a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

The safety brigade on the Mondeo range comprises of adaptive cruise control, multiple airbags, anti-lock-braking system, emergency assistance, blind spot information system with rear cross-traffic alert, engine immobilizer, hill launch assist, lane-keeping aid with lane departure warning, etc. Other features such as a rearview camera, smart keyless entry with push-button start, etc. are integrated into the vehicle. 

Ford’s longstanding model Mondeo is spacious and gets an array of goodies including the latest Sync3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, use of sub-standard quality materials inside the cabin is a huge put-off. Overall, it offers a great mix of features along with a strong visual appeal.