Ford MONDEO SILVER RANGE
If you want a Ford Mondeo and you want the most for your money, then the next few paragraphs are going to make interesting reading. If youre looking to buy one of this market-leading models rivals, its also worth checking out the merits of the Silver special edition were looking at here: after all, you need to know what else is out there, if only to get a better deal.
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0-litre 115bhp TDCi diesel if thats more your thing. Thats about the size of it as far as the Mondeo Silver is concerned but nicetities like flash wheels and radar-guided parking arent going to completely swing buyers decisions on a £16,000 family car. Equally, useful though it is, a £300 saving on list price wont generate a massive increse in Ford showroom traffic on its own. No, the real pulling power of the Mondeo Silver special edition is the exemplary engineering contained within the Ford Mondeo plaform itself.
"the real pulling power of the Mondeo Silver special edition is the exemplary engineering contained within the Ford Mondeo plaform itself"
The aforementioned 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines that power the Silver might not be the most inspiring in the Mondeo range but dont knock them until youve tried them. The 1.
8 is an all-alloy Duratec HE that pushes out 123bhp all ends up. Its as much as 20kg lighter than the similar capacity units used by other manufacturers, so performance is that much sharper. 60mph is attainable in 10.8 seconds if youre nimble enough through the gears and 128mph is possible where conditions and the law allow.
Fords TDCi diesel engines, of which the Mondeo Silvers 2.0-litre powerplant is one, have been gaining plaudits left, right and centre as they progressively access all areas of the manufacturers product range. They utilise the latest common-rail direct-injection configuration to deliver power and refinement that will surprise many a motorist. Especially those who still have their arrival heralded by the clunking death-rattle and cloud of acrid black smoke eminating from their cars aging oil-burner.
The 115bhp offered by the Mondeo Silvers TDCi will haul the car to 60mph in 10.6 seconds and reach a 122mph top speed. These are figures that closely resemble those of the 1.8-litre petrol option but of more consequence to family motorists will be the diesels 48mpg return on the combined cycle compared to the petrols 36mpg.
Youll also find that the TDCi has more clout in the middle of the rev-range, just where you want it. Weve already touched upon the extra equipment that Mondeo Silver buyers will experience but lets not forget that the LX trim level, on which the car is based, brings a sizable haul of its own. Should you be involved in a colision, the inside of the car will instantaniously take on the appearance of a marshmallow factory after a serious industrial accident. Dual stage airbags for the driver and front passanger are suplemented by front-seat side airbags and curtain airbags that deploy along the side windows.
Then there are the anti-whiplash head restraints and the load-limiting seatbelts. Not to mention ABS brakes with EBD to ensure that, hopfully, none of the above are ever needed. Labour-saving (as oppose to potentially life-saving) devices include electric windows all-round, powered/heated door mirrors, air-conditioning, remote central locking, perimeter alarm and immobiliser. Oh yes, and the models crowning glory, Fords Quickclear heated windscreen system.
Its a simple idea that almost succeeds in making those early starts on winter mornings bearable but not quite. The overall quality of the Mondeo platform, which the Silver special edition inherits, will raise eyebrows amongst those who still insist on a car with prestigious German badging to ferry their family in the manner to which its become accustomed. Flick the switches, slam the doors, bounce in the seats and bang the dash, preferably while the salesmans not looking, and youll discover a robustness that you might not necessarily have been expecting. Theres a similarly superior feel to the Mondeo once it gets moving.
The pinpoint steering and brisk chassis response are enough to put a smile on anyones face but theres also impressive refinement and a comfortable ride to take the edge off longer journeys. Motorists who might have been reluctant to give Ford another chance after disappointing 70s and 80s stints at the wheel of Cortina and Sierra models will have to remark on how far the blue oval has come. The Mondeo sets the benchmark for drivers in the sector and even nibbles hard on the toes of those German inhabbitants of the next class up. The Mondeo Silver special edition brings a further dose of value to proceedings and thats more good news for buyers.
You do have to wonder if Ford really needed a further push in the right direction, such has been the Mondeos sales success to date, but who are we to argue. Ford certainly didnt get where they are today by standing still.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Ford Mondeo Silver special edition range
PRICES: £15,680-£16,585 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 8
CO2 EMISSIONS: [1.8 Petrol] 187g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.8 Petrol] 0-60mph 10.8s / Max Speed 128mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.8 Petrol] (urban) 24.7mpg / (extra urban) 49.6mpg / (combined) 36.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, twin airbag curtains, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4704/1775/1419mm
