Test drive Ford mondeo sedan 2003 - 2005 sedan

Without dura

Reliability is our Earth's compass, and Ford is its embodiment in metal. The continuers of the affairs of Henry Ford would like everyone to think that way. Not the most harmonious prefix DURA for the Russian ear, used in the branded designations of the Ford's latest generation, is taken from the English Durable, which means reliable.
 
The hero of this story serometallic Mondeo in the most trumped configuration GHIA is doubly reliable. A 170-horsepower six is \u200b\u200blocated under the hood, the full name of which sounds like 2.5i DOHC V6 24V Duratec; And her partner is the new automatic Durashift 5-Tronic automatic box.
 
This box is not simple, but smart. Several operating modes are laid down in its electronic brain, each of which is activated as necessary. The measure of necessity determines the circumstances about which numerous sensors are reported to the box. Thus, Durashift is able to adapt not only to the moment of the owner, if necessary, turning into sports regime, but also under specific road conditions. For example, if, with a gas -saved gas pedal, the car is not accelerated quickly enough, the control computer converts the box to the mining mode of operation: transmission begins to be included in a specific algorithm, ensuring a supply of torque. A special mode is designed for traffic jams, which is optimal for constant alternation of acceleration and inhibition. In general, the number of pre -installations in Durashift seems to be record: in addition to the above modes, there are also special options for winter and for hot weather. And, of course, a mandatory manual gear mode for all modern machines.
 
What, really and really a box with a scientific degree?
With a calm measured movement, the delicacy with which switching occurs: the car moves without any fuss and jerks as if in one gear. In traffic jams, Durashift, it seems, forgets about the existence of the first gear within itself and ceases to use it, and a powerful Mondeo each time touches with exceptional smoothness. But it is worth it to break out to a more or less open area and start nimble, how the machine gun wakes up and, infected from the driver with an excitement, will toss up the wheels all lower gears, forcing the tachometer to jump in the right hemisphere of the dial.

 
Durashift virtuoso juggles with horsepower and Newton-meters, and therefore the manual switching mode is perceived no more than as a means of entertainment like this, to knead the hands that are stuck on the long journey. And not at all because the car behaves inadequately, no. It’s just that this machine itself is quite self -sufficient, and interference in its work is unlikely to be able to better realize the traction capabilities of the engine.
 
And, of course, an expensive GHIA set is very well combined with a powerful engine and a smart box, and the optional light leather interior and the central console with a stone finish automatically erect this machine to the rank of the Ford of the European Department of the Ford.

   
The car is provided by Euro Motors.
 
Text: Kirill Brevdo
Photo: Evgeny Egorov
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: Wheel magazine [July 2003]