Ford MONDEO ZETEC RANGE
Producing cars that are ahead of the opposition for driving enjoyment, but aren't too painful on the pocket is what Ford does best. Witness the success in these terms of the Focus. Most now understand this to be a driver's car, a reputation the company wants to extend to its larger Mondeo models. Hence the existence of the sporty Mondeo Zetec range.
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8, from £17,720 for the 2.0-litre, from £18,195 for the Euro IV TDCi 115, from £18,695 for the TDCi 130 and from £19,195 for the TDCi 155. Prices run up to £20,195 for the top Euro IV compliant TDCI 155 estate. You get a slightly sporty look too though if thats what you really want, then you really want a Titanium or ST model from the next trim level up.
For those who dont like to use atlases, theres also a range of Zetec-Nav models on offer and available with the same engines. Whichever model you choose, the principle is the same. What Zetec Mondeos set out to do is to draw attention to one simple fact: that no other medium range family rival is (in Fords opinion anyway) better to drive. In other words, the wolf is now in wolf's clothing. Even on the least expensive 1.8-litre version, you get alloy wheels and a mesh front grille: all are supposed to shout 'drive me' - that's the intention anyway.
"In other words, the wolf is now in wolf's clothing"
Specification tinsel is all very well but what really matters of course for a sporting family car is what lies under the bonnet. The current all-alloy Duratec HE 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol units are strong, developing 125 and 145bhp respectively and feeling faster thanks to strong low-down torque.
Theyre a sack of potatoes (20 kgs) lighter than rival engines which helps performance (sixty from rest takes 9.8 seconds in the 2.0-litre) and are very rigid which helps to achieve VW Passat-levels of refinement. The diesels are good too, the entry-level TDCi 115 common-rail unit having113bhp at its disposal.
It produces extremely impressive fuel figures (up to 50mpg on the combined cycle) and the performance (rest to sixty in 10.7s on the way to 121mph) is a big improvement on Mondeo diesels of the past. Mind you, if you really want to see a step forward in the diesel stakes, then you need to try the 128bhp TDCi 130 turbo diesel unit: refined and fast, this is a far more impressive proposition and a tribute to Fords Centre for Diesel Excellence based in Dagenham. Those boys have excelled themselves even further too, with the 2.2-litre TDCi 155. This engine will hit 60mph from standstill on 8.
7s. When it comes to the twisty stuff, Fords claim that the Mondeo handles better than ever largely holds up. As ever, it still offers a much sharper drive than rivals like the VW Passat, Renault Laguna or Vauxhall Vectra. Its hard not to be impressed with the standard of quality on offer in the cabin.
Flick the switches, then check the quality of fit and finish. Take away the Blue Oval badge and youd probably guess at compact executive class leaders like Audis A4 maybe even BMWs 3 Series. Except, that this car isnt compact. You dont need a tape measure to know that.
In fact, theres as much space inside as Ford offered in its old flagship Scorpio, a car from the next class up. And all of the same gadgets, niceties and safety standards. Not that the Mondeo looks big from the outside or feels it behind the wheel. Despite the extra 150mm in length (and a huge 500-litre boot) over the last generation Mondeo, the latest model shrinks around you, much like an A4 or a 3 Series.
Before we get into the marketing tweaks, its worth mentioning the improvements to the driving experience on offer, which wasnt bad already. Key changes include enhancements to braking performance, with improved pedal feel supposedly providing the driver with a more responsive, solid feedback. In addition, dealers had reported that some people had mistakenly been selecting reverse in the models fitted with six-speed manual gearboxes (how?), so a spring-loaded gear lever trigger ring has been added under the gearknob which has to be lifted by the driver when selecting reverse gear. On to the spec stuff.
There are now a whole range of new technology, communication and navigational features. There are three hands-free phone kits available, for example, two of them with the new Bluetooth technology. Moving on to the stereo, i-Pod and MP-3 player users will appreciate an Auxiliary Input socket in the glovebox. Here, they can bridge portable technology with their ICE system using a cable connection.
Equipment levels include most of what you would expect climate control, front electric windows, cruise control, a quality Sony stereo and so on. Theres plenty of stowage space around the cabin too, with perfectly-shaped homes for items like window squeeges, atlases, drinks cans, tapes, CDs, owners manuals and mobile phones. Notable options include a facia-mounted CD autochanger and a DVD video system with screens mounted in the back of the front head rests: with films or linked to a PlayStation: that should keep the kids quiet on long journeys. In summary, its easy to see why the Mondeo is so popular in Zetec form. Ford, who remain the masters of packaging, have come up with a recipe that makes entry-level Mondeo buyers feel special. With good reason.
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FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Ford Mondeo Zetec range
PRICES: £17,195-£20,195 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-10
CO2 EMISSIONS: 148-187g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.8] 0-60mph 10.8s / Max Speed 118mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.8] (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?: [5dr] Length/Width/Heightmm 4704/1774/1419 WHO TO SEE:
