Test Drive Ford Mondeo Sedan 2000 - 2003 Sedan

Potential leader

This car is fully developed on the computer - in record short time: exactly two years from the first sketch before the start of production. Created to be first - this is the new Ford Mondeo advertising. We tried to find out how true this is true - due to the fact that Mondeo finally got to Russia (official sales of the adapted version began at the end of this spring).

At the moment, the leader in this class is deservedly considered to be Volkswagen Passat. He became a guideline for the creators of the new Mondeo - Ford Laulilate Volkswagen designers led by Jebe Mace Design Chief, which was supervised by the development of the last Passat. However, the plagiarism here does not smell. Mondeo is rapidly and dynamic, although the proportions of the bodies are similar. The new model Ford is another NEW EDGE corporate identity medium: a combination of clear faces with simple small curvature surfaces. At the same time, Mondeo is not lost in the model range, it is individual and does not look like a clone Focus (this happened, for example, with Audi A6 and the last A4).

Our Mondeo is black, and this color slightly hides the features of the body design, exposing crystal optics and beautiful alloy 16-inch wheels to the fore. And another black color is a sign of solidity, which is very useful for the luxury version of the execution of GHIA (there is still a complete set Core and Trend). Little does not fit with this body hatchback, although its downstream rear window adds the appearance of rapidness and sportiness. In general, the sedan and hatchback are visually very similar, there are differences only in the convenience of access to the trunk. Externally, Mondeo is good: a solid concise image - nothing superfluous, minimum decor, simple and clean surfaces with clear and unambiguous glare. In this Ford really, if it did not overtake, it was certainly painted with the generally accepted leaders of the VOLKSWAGEN and AUDI design.

To get inside, just press the button on the security system control panel (the remote control is combined with the ignition key), which each new Mondeo is equipped - regardless of the configuration. Very useful in Russian conditions, a two-level central castle. When you first click on the button, only the driver's door is unlocked, and the rest and lid of the trunk - at the second. Immediately the key can only be opened the driver's door. Door handles are very comfortable - even winter gloves will not interfere (the knobs of this type today are most common).

But in Mondeo and the truth is very reminded by Audi / Volkswagen - the same techno-architectural style. Similar massive cylindrical surfaces of the trim and front panel - only more futuristic, can be said, cosmic. Such salons were quite recently only at the concept car. Below the interior is an unusual steering wheel with a powerful flat middle, where the control buttons of the standard stereo system are located, and four aluminum knitting needles.

Two colors and material are dominated - black plastic, which is finished the front panel and the upper part of the doors, and light beige fabric - doors and seats. It must be said that such a bright interior is not in our life and climate - it is very quickly dirty and cleaned reluctantly. But such materials and colors offer only GHIA - Core and Trend are more practical and in color, and by the texture of the upholstery. The features of the configuration include plastic with the imitation of the ebony on the center console, the leather rim, the handle of the gearbox and its corrugation. There is GHIA and twist - with leather seats and leather inserts in the doorway.

Convenient, wide and moderately rigid chair has four adjustments: the length, the angle of inclination of the back, the lumbar side and height (with the electric drive). Heated - standard equipment. You can install a fully electric seat with ten position adjustments.

All management bodies on logical places. Optimal in diameter and cross-section The steering wheel is adjustable in height. But the pedals would like to raise a little higher - it works incorrect, less sensitive, middle part of the foot. Perhaps the pedal node is designed for a smaller foot size.

The dashboard is simple and understandable, the instrument readings are easily read, in the dark, due to the pale green illumination. Large key control keys are very comfortable. But the liquid crystal display is blind - in sunny weather you will not see anything. Large glove box complements deep pockets in the doorway. There is a chain on the ceiling, two cup holders - retractable, on the center console, and stationary, between the front seats.

In the back seat, the place is sufficient and in height, and in width, and the legs are free, even if the front seat is maximally shifted back - the additional 50 mm base fully went to improve the comfort of the rear passengers. The backlight of the front and rear parts of the separatic cabin.

With the visibility of things are not very good. Everything is fine (manifested in the Sun grid warm glass heating, so necessary in the conditions of our winter, the hindrance can not be considered), but the review back is difficult because of the thick rear racks and high feed, besides, the fancy side mirrors are non-informative by virtue of their Small sizes.

The trunk lock is unlocking with a keychain or button on the center console. The opening button on the cover of the compartment is very small and closed with a rubber band - to grope is not easy. The trunk is very spacious, under the carpet - a full-size spare.

The hood, like on Focus, opens outside the key - the lock is located under the corporate emblem.

Our Mondeo is equipped with a 2.5-liter 170-strong V6. This is the only engine out of all installed gamma, which went to a new Mondeo from the old one. Waking up, the engine immediately marked himself a serious grumble. The first start passed not quite smoothly, on the verge: the gas pedal is recrypened, and at the time of the clutch, the engine did not have time to score the necessary revs - and he does not like small. Therefore, for a successful start, it is necessary to push the gas pedal, raising the turnover to 2000. The motor is unwound smoothly and confidently, with tangible pickups in the area of \u200b\u200b3500-4000 rpm. The pace of overclocking is preserved up to the fourth transmission. The sound of the engine is not just pleasant, but beautiful, solid, it instills optimism and calls for an active ride. The latter implies the turns not lower than 3000. The switching mechanism works flawlessly: short moves, clarity and selectivity of inclusion - in the best traditions of sports boxes, and at the same time with a barely noticeable effort on the lever.

The behavior of Mondeo and on the line, and in turns can be called exemplary. The steering wheel with an unambiguous zero, saturated with reactive action, soft and fast reactions to the driver, small rolls, absolutely accurate following the specified trajectory - this car with confidence can be found to the discharge of Driver's Car.

With brakes, everything is in order. True, at first the free course of the pedal seemed great. The ABS works very delicately, relying on the skill of the driver and before the last pulling the moment when it is time.

At a very decent level, vibration and noise insulation - a minimum of anxiety from both the engine and the road are made. But with aerodynamic noises, the situation is worse - perhaps their main source is angular mirrors. The suspension is harsh, but there is no unpleasant sensation because it does not occur. It is a good energy intensity stock.

It seems that the new Ford Mondeo really has every chance to be first. Solid car with original fashion design, excellent handling and, if you believe the manufacturer, advanced safety. The GHIA version is the most expensive - worth 26 thousand dollars. What else to wish?

Text: Sergey Yakubov
 

A source: Motor magazine [№7 / 2001]