2015 Ford Mondeo Hatchback Review

Mondeo is bigger than before, but not necessarily better

The Ford Mondeo has always stood out among its mainstream rivals as the car you’ll actually want to drive. It’s traditionally been good enough to champion it over its premium alternatives, but with the current Mondeo things have gone a bit awry; it’s bigger, but some of the magic has gone - while its contemporaries have caught up.

Review

What is it?
The Mondeo has always been a big family car for all, though admirably Ford has always gone a bit further in making it one you’ll actually enjoy. Its traditional rivals are the Toyota Avensis, Volkswagen Passat, Mazda6 and Opel Insignia, but the march of premium competition like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class into the mainstream has made times tougher for Mondeo sales. All diesel engines promise decent, if not class-leading, economy and emissions, and pricing starts at €28,845.

What is it like?
Bigger and bolder than ever and that’s to the benefit of interior space. It’s comfortable too, Ford working tirelessly on refinement. Safety is also a given, though the most sophisticated safety kit requires extra outlay. The engine line-up is mostly diesel, with 1.5- and 2.0-litre TDCi offerings, while those needing it can have it with all-wheel drive or an automatic transmission. A competent, rounded drive rather than stand out one now, the diesel engines are smooth, though many alternatives better them on emissions and economy.

Carzone verdict: 3/5
In getting bigger the Mondeo is more spacious and comfortable, yet it has lost some of the special driving appeal that once made it stand out. The Volkswagen Passat feels like a far classier proposition, while you’ll find more expansive standard equipment on rivals like the Skoda Superb. Start ticking the options boxes and the Mondeo gets perilously close to premium rivals for overall cost, too. It may not be the class leader it once was, but the Mondeo is still worthy of consideration.