The estate version of Ford’s Mondeo is one of the most practical and stylish load-luggers of all, with the added bonus of being a fine driver’s car into the bargain. Its sweeping lines belie the spaciousness of the cargo area, with the wide-opening tailgate incorporating a large glass area to give excellent visibility.
The fact that Ford has chosen to include a high-performance 150mph model within the range illustrates just how immensely competent the ride and handling are.
The icing on the cake is not just the high levels of equipment as standard on a car that is built to devour the motorway miles but the economical diesel engines that enable it to do so with such consummate ease.
The icing on the cake is not just the high levels of equipment as standard on a car that is built to devour the motorway miles but the economical diesel engines that enable it to do so with such consummate ease.
All Ford Mondeo Estate’s are equipped with air conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows, a CD sound system with MP3 compatibility, cruise control, steering wheel adjustment and split-folding rear seats. Zetec and upwards also have alloy wheels, electronic climate control and electric operation of the rear windows too. Many have electric operation of the driver’s seat whilst leather upholstery is standard on the Ford Mondeo Estates Titanium X models. Options include Bluetooth and satellite navigation, parking sensors, electric sun roof and metallic paint, which costs £350 on all models.
The Ford Mondeo Estate feels like an extremely sturdy vehicle and this was endorsed by EuroNCAP, which awarded it a five-star crash test rating. This was top marks for adult occupant protection plus a four-star child occupant protection score and two out of a possible four for pedestrian safety. Like the saloon and hatchback models there are anti-lock brakes with traction control and ESP Electronic Stability Programme plus front, side and curtain air bags in addition to rear centre three-point safety belts and ISOFIX child seat mountings. The 1.8 TDCi 100 has a CO2 rating of 154g/km and the 125bhp version is rated at 156g/km. In the case of the 2.0 TDCi the figure is 156g/km, which results in a company car tax liability of just 22 per cent. This is the same as the petrol-powered 1.6-litre 110bhp engine and rises to just 23 per cent for the 125bhp model. Figures for the 2.0, 2.3 and 2.5-litre petrol variants are 189g/km, 223g/km and 222g/km.
The Ford Mondeo Estate is generally acknowledged as one of the finest driver’s cars that money can buy, thanks to its brilliantly-engineered chassis and excellent range of petrol and diesel engines. The top performer is the 2.5T with a power output of 217bhp to endow the car with a top speed of 150mph and a 0-60mph acceleration time of just 7.7 seconds plus 30.4mpg economy. At the opposite extreme is the 99bhp 1.8 TDCi, which boasts 48.7mpg economy despite achieving 112mph performance with a 0-60mph acceleration time of 12.7 seconds. Lying between these two extremes are several petrol and diesel alternatives that offer variations on the performance and economy themes including the impressive 2.0 TDCi with a power output of 138bhp and pulling power of 250lb/ft for a top speed of 127mph, a 0-60mph acceleration time of 9.8 seconds and average economy of 47.9mpg.
The Ford Mondeo Estate weighs between 1553kg and 1690kg and has a towing capacity of up to 2000kg. The cargo area is 554 litres with rear seats in place and 1685kg with them folded flat.
Prices for the Ford Mondeo Estate start at £16,945 for the 1.6 Edge 110, rising to £25,395 for the 2.5T Titanium X. There are 2.0 and 2.3-litre petrol-powered models too with prices from £18,195 and £19,645 for Edge versions, rising through £19,145 and £20,645 for Ford Mondeo Estate Zetec models to a high of £22,895 and £24,395 for Titanium X models. The diesel range starts with the 1.8 TDCi 100 Edge at £18,445 and continues with the 125bhp version from £18,745 in Edge trim, rising through £19,745 for the Zetec and £21,195 for the Ghia and Titanium models plus £23,695 for the flagship Titanium X model. The 2.3-litre petrol models have automatic transmission included in the price.