Forget it’s a Ford and just enjoy

THE bloke who lives next door to me wouldn’t be seen dead in a Ford because he assumes everyone will then think he’s driving a company car and spends his life flogging brushes.

He doesn’t know what he’s missing, especially if his car was a Ford Mondeo.

Okay, the Ford Mondeo is a favourite with company fleets, but there are several reasons why they are popular. Most people enjoy driving them; they’re comfortable, roomy, well equipped and reliable.

They’re economical, have a decent turn of speed and, if you haggle, are actually decently priced.

In other words, they also make brilliant family cars as a private purchase.

Prices start at £19,450 for the entry level Mondeo Zetec. However, it’s always worth checking with your local dealer because Ford frequently has various promotions on the go. After the Zetec, there’s the Titanium, a couple of ST sporty models and a top of the range Vignale edition which comes with everything.

The ST certainly looks the part with sports suspension, styling kit, smart alloy wheels and sports style seats. Most folk however, will be happy with the Zetec which comes with a really good level of goodies including sat nav, air con, DAB radio, front and rear parking sensors, heated windscreen, cruise control and powered folding mirrors.

Every Ford is good to drive. The Mondeo isn’t quite as pin-sharp as it was because Ford has softened the ride to make it cushy on long, motorway journeys. Put it this way, if you wanted to take the family and all of their baggage on a long holiday trip, everyone will arrive fresh as a daisy. The seats are comfortable and the interior is both roomy and airy.

In terms of engine choices, most models are available with either turbocharged EcoBoost 1.0 litre, 1.5 litre or 2.0 litre petrol engines, or 1.5 litre and 2.0 litre Duratorq diesel power. There’s also a hybrid model, but that is only available in Titanium Edition trim. All are available with auto gearboxes apart from the smaller petrol and diesel engines which are 6-speed manual only.

Our favourite is the Ford Mondeo Titanium 1.5 EcoBoost petrol manual. 0-60 takes a shade over 9 seconds and top speed is 138mph. Go easily and you’ll manage 48mpg which is impressive for a sizeable car. If you intend doing a high mileage, look at the 1.5 diesel which will get close to 80mpg.

Don’t be put off by the blue oval badge. The Ford Mondeo is a hugely successful car for one very simple reason. It’s good.