Test Drive Ford Mondeo Hatchback 1996 - 2000 Hatchback

Ford Mondeo.

Autopilot rates cars in five main criteria. The amount of advantages is indicated +, disadvantages -. The next subject scored five +. This is Ford Mondeo.
EXTERIOR. The first Mondeo appeared in 1993, and the current version of the result of a 1996 generative restyling. The appearance of Mondeo is unlikely to cause a splash of positive emotions, but he does not give rise to idiosyncrasy. It is quite modern with its own characteristic style (some rear lights of what are worth it!) Solid car middle class. Mondeo is presented in three types of body sedan, hatchback and wagon. Options for the configuration are indicated by the CLX, GLX and GHIA indices. In our market the most common two last. From other GHIA distinguish the bumpers, door handles, external mirrors and fog lights in the standard configuration. ++++ -
INTERIOR. The salon is very spacious, in it competently calculated the proportions. Places in Mondeo will enforce all robust and driver, and passengers. The design is a bit old fashioned, which, however, does not affect the general perception. Mondeo furnishings are very thorough, in all the spirit of solidity and comfort. In the GHIA version, the interior is enriched with decorative, under the tree, elements, as well as leather on the steering wheel and the knob of the handle of the checkpoint.
For economic needs, all three types of body are fitted well: the backs of the rear seats are folded in the ratio of 60:40 and do not need to remove headrests. The decomposed seats are almost three times increased by the already solid volume of the luggage compartment: from 470 to 1260 liters in the sedan and from 650 to 1640 in the universal. The length of this part in the universal 1.9 m makes it a chemless sleeping carriage. In addition, the wagon kit includes a trunk curtain and a grid for small things. +++++.
Equipment and ergonomics. In all modifications, the power steering is required, adjustable in height of seat belts, driver airbag, adjustable steering column, microfiller ventilation system, central locking, immobilizer, etc. Starting with GLX, the standard equipment includes alarm with volume sensors and double lock (which means the impossibility of opening the door of the machine even from the inside), as well as front windows. In GHIA, this list is complemented by air conditioning, a passenger airbag, a complete electric car, a windshield with heating throughout the area heated by the washer nozzles and external mirrors. Also here includes a proprietary integrated radio tape recorder with RDS and EON and control on the steering column. Other options are possible.
As for ergonomics, the answer is simple: Ford is Ford, everything is calculated, verified, simply, understandable and logical. With the exception of one: the front seats cushions are too short and horizontal, in addition, it is lowly located, lacks literally some one and a half or two centimeters. In GHIA, this is compensated by the presence of adjustment of the driver's seat in height. The same in relation to the rear seats pillows, they could be done a little higher, especially since the ceiling height allows. ++++ -
     
 
ROAD. How solid is externally, as respectable and confident in motion. The smoothness of the course and the course stability of Mondeo is much closer to the rear-wheel classics than to the front-wheel drive classmates. Running machine over the axes is made almost perfect. Solid base 2.7 m and a wider range of more than one and a half meters. Plus, elastic, moderately rigid multi-dimensional independent suspension, which is equally well extinguished irregularities and keeps the car at the specified course with the smallest deviations from the horizontal. An unexpectedly sharp steering wheel perfectly complements the alternating type hydraulic cell, they provide a good and permanent connection with the road. Mondeo successfully resists driving and clearly reacts to all manipulations with the steering wheel, transmissions and brakes. A good review, great noise insulation and practically complete no aerodynamic noise.
Both engines, 1.8 and 2.0, are good for both comfortable speed driving on higher transmissions and for moving on low revs and speeds in the city. The two-liter is revealed already on 3,500 revolutions, while the other manifests itself only after 4000. Both of them give a smooth, but without tangible pickups. And if you want to get joking, the tachometer arrow must be constantly maintained in the 4000 zone and work vigorously with the PPC lever. +++++
     
Features of national exploitation. The slogan does not climb under the hood and do not bother working the machine fully refers to Mondeo. Add to this: and do not let all sorts of self-dellic. And all will be well.
Under the average annual mileage of 30 thousand km, regular service costs at an authorized center (work and materials) will be about $ 450 without force majeure.
All Zetec-E series engines, which are completed with Mondeo certified for Russia, deserve only praise. In any case, while the memory of the Fords service specialists there was no cases of natural death of the engine. And there are already cars with mileage under 300 thousand km. Nevertheless, specialists working with this model have been more than five years old, very categorical: first, these motors are critical to the quality of the fuel to refuel only the 95th and only in proven places. Secondly, oil. All dubious brands are excluded. Only synthetics and only from well-known manufacturers. All the motors are equipped with valve hydraulicomators that can safely serve 200 or more than thousand km, but it is worth saving several times on the oil and in the near future the facilitation of the purse is shining at $ 700750. Lovers pour gasoline from Kanister Mondeo can punish dollars by 450: the fuel pump does not endure mechanical impurities and quickly bends. Finally, the third is not recommended all sorts of additives-cleaners. Just you can run on the replacement of nozzles. It will not seem little. And naturally, as practice shows, nozzles are normalized up to 150 thousand km. After that, either replacement, or treatment at an ultrasound stand. To the oils, filters and pads on the first 100 thousand km of mileage will be added to the timing belt approximately $ 120.
The checkpoint is unanimously recognized as an unborn. Moreover, Mondeo has this unit, the maintenance free oil is not provided at all. The steering mechanism, the hydraulicer and shruses are also at the level of 150 thousand km and more without problems. If in order of anthers. They are perfectly withstanding our salt baths, but they are afraid of mechanical damage. If you often have a wheelchair, you need to follow them, because the replacement of the shrus will cost only dollars at 300.
Officially supplied Mondeo have more powerful shock absorbing racks with increased size springs and enhanced shock absorbers. Increased suspension and clearance. However, jumps without disruption can be out of order first the cross-stability stabilizer bushings (3040 thousand km), and after its rods. Cowboy will cost 100 dollars at a minimum and at 300 to the maximum. And in normal mode, suspension elements, including springs and shock absorbers, work better up to the 100th mark on the odometer. Most of the faults begins to manifest after four years of life on the expanses of our homeland. Some of the salt blows out the wiring, the loops of the fifth door, etc. are cleaned. It is treated quickly and cheap. +++++
Our sentence. Very good middle class car for middle class middle age with income above average. In this, it is remarkably suitable for both family-friendly and official use. Yes, it is expensive, but in his niche Mondeo still remains one of the best. Fully deserves +++++.
 
Text Andrei Timofeev, photo Alexey Ilyin
 

Source: "Autopilot"