Test drive Ford mondeo sedan 2000 - 2003 sedan

Road disputes with a guest from the future

Can a modern sedan fight on an equal footing with a car of tomorrow?
  
Beautiful far
Look into the future - at least in the after tomorrow, albeit half a minute! - The person always wanted. After all, it is so interesting to find out how to dress there, what to look at, what to ride. Well, since the time machine has not yet been invented, the fantasies of designers, artists and simply incorrigible dreamers are cut out spatio-temporal continuum. At the sunset of the 19th century, cars of the future were represented by clumsy wagons on the speakers and with a steamed pipe, and the outlines of space missiles were given in the 50s of tomorrow's cars. What will happen tomorrow? Maybe soon cars will be made not of metal and plastic, but from cheap and universal jelly -like mass?
Agree, all this resembles the ideas of the Sholokhovski impudent about multi -storey buildings. The huge hut, covered with fresh reeds, has another hut on her pipe, that one has another one on the pipe ... No, guys, it doesn’t happen. At home is made of concrete, and cars will not be cast from gelatin. But most importantly, now it is not necessary to guess at all what the car of the future will be - after all, it can be bought today. No, this is not an advertising draw, but a real truth. A new generation of Nissan, who received sale in Europe on the first day of spring, is a natural guest from the future. Not from the beautiful far away, to which hundreds of light years, but, let's say, from no less beautiful day after tomorrow.
The car is so unusual that there is no doubt about this. And to make it easier to get used to the new environment, in the guards we chose to her the most earthly and modern Ford-Mondo-a recognized favorite of buyers, an intended lover of fitness clubs and at the same time a gentleman with the most gallant manners.
   
Not even carried away by such fashionable experiments with dimensions, Nissan engineers managed to create not only a very stylish, but also a very spacious salon
  
   
You will not find original solutions in the interior of Mondeo in the afternoon with fire. But to the quality of execution, the ergonomics of the workplace and the living space for passengers will not
 
  New face
The fact that a new example is a little not of this world or, more correctly, not from its time, clear from the first look. Nissan, whose ossested corporate identity seemed incorrigible, is now rushing forward with semi -mini steps. It is possible that this is the merit of Renault, because after the unification of the two firms, a solemn exchange of specialists occurred, including in the field of design.
One way or another, the appearance of the examples at least does not leave indifferent - drivers turn their heads to crunch in the cervical vertebrae. This is not New Age, not a bio-design-this is something new. The main feature of appearance examples are the so -called monosluge. The hood and trunk, as it were, merge with the passenger compartment into a single whole, and, nevertheless, there is no doubt - before us is a classic three -knit sedan. What else? A high waist line, which spite the last fashion, limits the area of \u200b\u200blateral glazing, plays well. In principle, this means not only a memorable profile, but also poor visibility. But the conversation is ahead.
The worst of all Nissan, perhaps, looks from behind - huge and faceless lanterns, a wide bumper. But in front of an example, something elusively resembles Renault. Relatives, after all
Mondeo, of course, does not attract so many curious looks - for the second year on the conveyor. But although, against the backdrop of a monosluge, examples of the Ford style can already be called even classically conservative, but not already out of fashion. In an elegant dress, New Age Mondeo is absolutely recognizable. The branded optics, the oval grin of the radiator grilles, the characteristic nests of the airplane do not give the right to error. Here you have the first reason for comparison: which is better - a futuristic after -performance or the most important? Not sure that the majority will prefer the first. Too bold sometimes repels.
   
Not yet flying saucer, not just a passenger car - this is about Nissan. Ford, as you yourself see, is more and more prosaic
 
   
In this perspective, the dash panels of both cars are very similar. But do not forget that in Ford (photo below) the shield in front of the steering wheel, and in Nissan - in the middle of the torpedo
 
Today and tomorrow
But that outside, but what about it? Agree that the form and content of the interior can affect the decision to buy more rather than the appearance. There is no doubt inside Mondeo - the usual and general average salon. Nothing new. There is no dispute, all type-top is diluted, the mosquito will not flow. The quality of the finish, even despite the basic execution of Core, is at a very good level. Expensive rubberized plastic on the torpedo, comfortable, carefully clasping the body front seats, the lordly expanse of the back - if not a high tunnel, three would have sat down with chic.
There are, however, unpleasant little things - first of all, the cheap plastic of the central console and upholstery of the central racks, and the radio is high time for the landfill of history. But in general, the impression is the most favorable. Perfect devices, tolerable visibility, the widest range of adjustments. What else, one wonders, is needed for this life?
Nevertheless, inside Mondeo, the feeling that you are in the car of the twentieth century do not leave. But the XXI is already buzzing outside the windows. Come on, we will cross the example.
Ba, this is a completely different matter! Stand in a circle! Take the handrail! - I instantly remembered the phrase from the tale of Bulychev about the guest from the future. There is no mistake - Nissan’s salon is decorated in the spirit of the most ordinary time machine. The stylists of the company managed to choose the most difficult pattern from a variety of triangles. And this turned out to be a mosaic, you can’t take your eyes off! For the enhancing effect, even external mirrors were made triangular, without worsening visibility. Particularly good overlays on the doors, as if leaving the torpedo.
      
Two front attack
Selling class D sedans in Europe every year is more and more difficult. The fact is that traditional buyers of machines such as Ford Mondo, Nissan-Primer, Opel-Vetra, Peugeot, 406, Volkswagen-Passat, are increasingly cannot control double temptation. On the one hand, there is a great temptation to pay less for the noticeably grown on the outside and inside and no longer inferior to the older brothers in terms of equipping the golf class machine. On the other hand, it is tempting to pay a little to pay and purchase similar in dimensions, but related to the compact-luxury class, and therefore, more prestigious Audi-A4, Mercedes-Benc Class Benc or BMW of the 3rd series. Concerned about reducing demand, middle -class producers are trying to return customers by all possible means. So, the new vector takes a very rich level of equipment and low price. Renault, Citroen and Nissan relied on an unusual appearance and the latest filling. It is interesting how expensive Peugeot 407 and a new Passat, debuts in a year or two. After all, just solid cars in Europe now, it seems, has no chance of success.
Further along the list - the dashboard located in the center. Mmmm, what is the first to say, an original proprietary feature appears in Nissan's interior. After all, the trio of dials migrated in the example straight from the SUV Ix-Trail. On the other hand, despite the excellent readability of the dials themselves, the devices are slightly away from the natural angle of view of the driver. Therefore, you can not learn how to catch lateral vision, for example, you can not suddenly speed up speed or number of revolutions - you will have to practice at least.
So, the reason for thoughts number two: the usual, time -tested interior, convenient and high -quality or trendy, sometimes controversial, which you need to get used to? And again, the result is by no means obvious. Are you ready at least a little to sacrifice convenience for the sake of fashion?
But in general, the devil is not so terrible. In practice, it is quite possible to get along with the central tidy. Especially when you have such a glorious little thing in your assistants as N-form systems.
     
 
 
Oval clock - obvious and, in our opinion, not too successful stylization under Mazerati
  
 
  
The gearbox lever conquers the clarity of switching
 
Plastic plugs in the fog nests - this is the basic configuration of Core
 

Ay-drama for the people
If you are an amateur to solve the charades, you will immediately understand that the information system is hiding behind an unintelligible-high abbreviation N-Form. In its essence, n-form is a lightly well-resistant version of the Ai-Drive from BMW. Instead of one big flywheel, there is a small joystick with the Enter key, two round-rostates, and a dissipation of buttons.
Do you think that dealing with an electronic casket is cunning? Not at all. With music, in general, continuous grace - the volume control is so convenient that the need for steamed joystick disappears. Need to change the wave? Then you just click on the circle, get into the musical submenu and choose the station in memory on a six -digit calculator. Classedly thought out the control of climate control. A light turn of the right wheel, and, at your request, the stove will breathe warmly or from the confectioner will play with cold.
In addition, information about the trip can be displayed on a colored 7-inch display. Press the Info button, and a driver’s information appears on the screen (the time spent, the distance traveled, average speed). Twice - you can monitor fuel consumption. The third press will tell the time of the following. Conveniently, damn it.
Everything is wrong in Ford. To configure the temperature, you need to twist ordinary handles, control the radio is inconvenient, and only a careful service will remind you of the upcoming inspection. Mondeo here clearly has nothing to cover the maps of examples. And Nissan also has a trump card in the sleeve. After all, the main concept of Japanese engineers, of course, is a rear view camera.
I'm sitting behind - I look good
A tiny eye built into the trunk lid is just over the registration number, allows you to bring the art of parking to ideal. I turned on the rear gear, and everything on the same LCD monitor appears the balance of power in the rear. Yeah, on the right is a pit, a pillar on the left, and a garbage tank right along the course. Spearled! Great! Having crossed in Mondeo, I almost immediately threw an attempt to park just as accurately, but on mirrors alone.
There is only one incredulous remark to the camera. But will the all-seeing eye clog with a thick-toleous layer of dirt after traveling along sliding winter Moscow? Because without an example, a blind kutenka resembles an example.
But the example is captivated not only by a video camera or ai-drive for the people. Nothing things can be pleased with the after -time. What a competent solution is to arrange a glass on the site of the handle above the driver's door. The right seat sensor is also useful: he will make the ignorant passenger belts be fastened with his touched piking. And here is a nice trifle - when the rear gear is turned on, as after returning to the move mode, a distinct beip resembles the driver which way to look. In addition, Nissan’s salon will not give in at all in the spaciousness of Ford - and this is at a smaller one of the overall length of the overall length! It’s only a shame that even in the future they have not yet learned how to do without quite high tunnels.
And finally, a spoon of tar into a barrel of future honey. The English assembly - and all examples of the new generation intended for Europe are gathered at the plant in Sanderland - almost no complaints. The offensive almost contained traces of glue on the central console and the cracked coating of the inner handle of the driver's door. A trifle, but unpleasant!
    
    
Larva of the castle, in case there was a battery of remote control, is hidden under a plug in a handle
  
    
The N-Form keyboard can be mastered in a couple of minutes
 
Comfortable scoundrel over the driver's door
  

    
What's how much
If you certainly wanted to purchase Mondeo with a 1.8 liter engine, keep in mind that this modification is proposed exclusively in the basic configuration of Core. However, the indigenous one does not mean naked. For $ 19,590 you get a 4-door sedan (hatchback is more expensive than $ 510, $ 1010 universal), equipped with ABS, air conditioning, frontal airbags, central locking, immobilizer and a simple magnet. For an additional fee, you can get many other useful gizmos, including xenon headlights ($ 870), electric lover ($ 780), light alloy wheels ($ 700), side ($ 250) and window ($ 400) airbags. But ESP is installed only on 2-liter (145 hp) modification of Mondeo, which involves the Trend ($ 21,700) and GHIA configuration ($ 23,700). The latter in the standard is equipped with climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, an on-board computer, a cd player and so-relevant heated windshield in Russian conditions.
The 1.8-liter Nissan-seder sedan with a mechanical box performed by Sport is given for $ 21,900. A completely reasonable price, given the level of equipping the model-ABS, BREAK ASSIST, eight airbags, full electric package, heating of mirrors and seats, radio tape recorders from 6 -discus cd chain, rear view video camera, climate control. Of all the possible bells and whistles, there is perhaps only a leather upholstery of the cabin, electric lover and xenon. These pies are included in the equipment of a 2-liter (140 hp) sedan with an automatic wedge-repair variator. The cost of such an offer is $ 24,900.

Equal to contemporaries
Excessive vibrations of the gearbox lever examples during movement are also caused by the same feeling of light annoyance. By the way, the same ailment is inherent in many Renault. Did the exchange of specialists go so far? But we will be fair: in the end, the unfortunate lever and its work passes that are not distinguished by clarity, perhaps the only stone that can be thrown into the garden of sled impressions from our guests from the future.
   
No, to say that an example was surprised to give up something. It is also impossible to say that the behavior of the car on the road will become a reference. Not at all - the new Nissan is only very obedient, quite soft on the go and quite receives. Is this not enough?
The 1.8-liter 116-horsepower engine, despite a rather modest volume, surprises the unassuming the selection of gears. The bottom of the engine is excellent - with the second you can move without worrying about the clutch. The torque curve is very flat, which is more likely for a city car than a minus. You can quickly go with an example without questions and at the same time with great comfort: you can almost hear 150 motors. And the predictable front -wheel drive behavior on the road, coupled with a very powerful hydraulic wrap - the steering wheel does not bite even with the most intense maneuvers, feedback does not cause complaints - much allows on a mountain road.
True, let's clarify - on a flat mountain road. Nissan suspension is still more imprisoned for comfort. The car simply does not notice minor irregularities, it copes perfectly with more serious flaws of the canvas. But intensive acceleration on an uneven, abundant with waves of asphalt is not elements - the sedan begins to swing, repeats the road profile in too detail.
But on Nissan you can play in an interesting game to save fuel. A very visual electronic curve of the instantaneous consumption of gasoline, which can be displayed on a color display, as if created to train eco-radio participants. The reward for your neat touches and smooth switching will not decrease, but the growing numbers in the column, the remaining before refueling.
 
Despite the unadapted suspension, the example allows you to climb the sidewalk
  
      
The screen -stomach in the center of the torpedo works for seven - various information and the video row of the rear view camera are displayed on it

 
Little tiger
Mondeo is completely different. I don’t want to save gasoline at all. And this - I really did not expect! - with a modest 1.8-liter four. Objectively, its power is slightly larger than that of the Nissan engine - 125 liters. with., And subjectively as an example and even more so for Mondeo, not to keep up. The thing is that the motor of the blue oval, the poorest on the bottom, is very cool picked up behind a mark of 3,500 rpm.
Anyway, despite the modest, if not a shy appearance in the habits of even the smoother sedan, you feel why Mondeo is called one of the most correct front -wheel drive cars in terms of controllability. Ford is enthusiastically rushing into the turns of a vacationer diving into the affectionate sea. And how this sedan holds a straight line! What a delightfully sensitive, obedient and sharp steering wheel here! The gearbox lever conquers the impeccable clarity of switching. Even in the hollow, by definition of a non -sports motor, aggressive notes are heard. Look, what a tiger!
What is the other side of the scales? Perhaps, only tougher, I would even say, a loud suspension - on the bumps in the Ford salon it thumps much louder than in Nissan. Otherwise, the English Japanese is not so inferior to the German American, but rather behaves a little differently. As if speaking that in the very near future, not gambling will come to the forefront, but exceptional comfort and security of the driver. How will it really be? Why make a guess
 
Nissan premer
Per
Attractive appearance,
modern and spacious salon,
comfortable suspension,
convenient and visual N-form system,
rich equipment
  
Against
Vibrations of the gearbox lever,
mediocre filtering at high speeds
 
Ford Mondo
Per
Very spacious salon
excellent handling,
combat motor,
reasonable price,
close to the ideal workplace of the driver
 
Against
Boring interior
noisy suspension,
factory warranty for only one year
 
Mikhail Medvedev, photo Maxim Goncharov
 

Source: Magazine "Limousine" [05/02]