Driving Report: Ford Mondeo Titanium 1.5 l EcoBoost

A challenging face with a beveled shark nose and narrow, aggressive looking headlights. Muscle-packed, classic wedge-shaped sides and a sharply cut, energetic hatchback. The outfit of the Mondeo, designed by the Ford Design Center in Cologne-Merkenich, looks masculine and energetic. The American carmaker wants to firmly establish the fifth generation of its compact mid-size sedan in Business Class. 

The business class firmly in view

Ford Mondeo 1.5 EcoBoost review

Back to the roots is the motto: Ford's best-selling and reliable D-segment sedan should continue where the fourth-generation Mondeo had left off.

The 4,87 meter measures in Valencia (Spain) built Mondeo, just under three centimeters more than its predecessor. As a result, the wheelbase remained at 2,85 meters. On the other hand, the width has grown by almost three centimeters to 1,91 meters. The five-door Ford Mondeo not only has short body overhangs, it also offers decent space in its successful interior. The seats are also sporty contoured and offer good lateral support. The cockpit is pleasantly clear: everything you need is there and placed where you expect it to be.

Not only the Isofix brackets qualify the sedan as a family-friendly car, but also the trunk with a load volume of 458 liters plus a fully-fledged spare wheel. The high-opening tailgate makes loading easier, only the loading sill is a little too high. Otherwise, the interior makes a good impression, the workmanship is neat and the seats offer enough lateral support. And as far as the interior design is concerned, the round instrument and chrome applications on the optional multifunction steering wheel reveal the desire for sport.

On engines, we test the 118 kW (160 PS) strong 1.5 EcoBoost, which is delivered with a precisely switchable six-speed gearbox. The very well graded gearbox helps to adequately bring the torque (240 Nm) of the powerful engine, which is already in the lower speed range, onto the road and at the same time does not have to drive to the petrol station too often. The body, which weighs almost one and a half tons, takes 9,2 seconds to get up to speed 100, the top speed is very fast 222 km / h. This is anything but boring.

An automatic start-stop system is now part of the standard equipment of all Mondeo versions and also includes models with an automatic transmission.

Under the body, the new flagship convinces with some standardized technologies and systems for the segment: from adaptive headlights with LED technology to the versatile multi-contour seats. Added to this is the fifth generation “Pre-Collision Assist” with pedestrian detection. This system helps to avoid accidents with pedestrians or at least to minimize the consequences.

The features of the connectivity system from Ford SYNC 2 include the further improved voice control and an eight-inch, high-resolution color touchscreen display. Bluetooth hands-free system, USB connection and SD card slots expand the possible uses. The voice control of the new Mondeo is particularly easy. If you are looking for a restaurant on the go, you will find it quickly: All you have to do is activate voice recognition and say "I am hungry". A list of nearby restaurants will appear on the color display.

The integral link rear axle contributes to a very good compromise between comfort and improved driving dynamics and even smoother running.

Thanks to greater lateral stiffness, it noticeably improves the handling and steering behavior of the fifth Mondeo generation. Associated with this, the noise comfort could also be improved. It is three decibels lower at the back and two decibels lower at the front than its predecessor.

Ford demands 27.150 Euro for the petrol engine 1.5 liter EcoBoost with basic equipment, 31.200 Euro for the diesel 1.6 TDCI, whereby in addition to ABS, seven airbags and a CD / MP3 radio, ESP, air conditioning, hill start assist and daytime running lights are included in the price. That is a thoroughly competitive price / performance ratio. This means that the Mondeo can be seen in any environment - and that is what it wants.

Technical data: Ford Mondeo Titanium 1.5 l EcoBoost

Photos in the article and cover picture: Stefan Beckmann