Test Drive Ford Mondeo Sedan 2005 - 2007 Sedan

All photos Ford Mondeo Sedan 2005 - 2007

Compare: Ford Mondeo VS. Opel Vectra.

Today's heroes are among the middle-class cars in the consistent classification class D. It can be said that it is from them that this segment begins, they are most affordable in it, and the prices for them in low-cost equipment are quite comparable even with golf class representatives.

Both models have already survived updates, and Restyling Vectra appeared from Russian dealers quite recently. Its price begins with 21 290 dollars. We received a car in the Elegance equipment equipped with a 1.8-liter 122-strong Ecotec engine, mechanical gearbox. The final price is 25,130 dollars.

Picking up the rival Vectra, we chose 2-liter Mondeo with a capacity of 145 hp Of course, it would be more appropriate to evaluate the Ford C 1.8-liter 125-strong unit. But for the same and even a little smaller money, Ford today offers the 2-liter Mondeo and even in the GHIA configuration. True, it is worth noting that the final price is obtained as a result of the discount. But still interesting

Outside: And who is German here?
German Vectra is collected in German Rüsselheim, American Mondeo in Belgian Genk. But at the same time, Ford seems to seem to be a more German car if it is considered a characteristic severity of forms and lines for the German. Outside in Mondeo there is nothing causing, it is a discreet and concise design. He is not boring, by no means, but it is still difficult to imagine that such a machine Ford designers would have done in early 2006.

Vectra outside seems much more massive can be said, solid, cumbersome. Fat strip on a radiator grid, a non-trivial shape of the headlight, large areas of doors with relatively small glasses, all this makes Opel more plump, or something. At the same time, last year's changes were very successful: the dorentyling model looked even more hardly.

Everyone explains impassive numbers, which testify: mondeo and longer and wider, but Vectra is higher. Accordingly, the explanations of the more stringent forms of one and less strict other are obtained.

Inside: matte or glossy?
And then there is a stylish and concise interior, which is conveniently furnished by appointed devices and controls. Only the triumph of straight lines and aluminum mattiness in the Opel design quickly bored. Ford has all the motley and brighter. Inserts under the wood, diluting chromium shine and plastic gloss, are successfully inscribed in the interior. But this does not give the novelty of the central console, which here still looks old-fashioned, compared with the modern style of the elevation. In general, an amateur.



In management and ergonomics everything is in order not to complain about what. Both seats are moderately tough, which affects the excellent well-being of the back during a long trip, and adjustments are enough to be comfortable to presser. Mondeo has a tangible side support, which seems to be lacking German. But in Vectra, the three rear passengers who have moved here from Ford are much spacious, they will appreciate it. Loving sitting close to the steering wheel criticize Opel Pen Pen with this landing is located at the top of the hip. The right hand in the blind search box shakes a little closer than the desired.



In general, the driver's seat is convenient and in Opel, and in Ford. One minus for everyone: in Ford, even adjusting the seat seems to be low, and in Opel it is difficult to get used to the soft pedal of clutch with great, as it seemed to be idle. The climate control faced by both sedans. Adjustments are carried out electronically, which, however, does not deprive them of clearness and convenience of setting.

On the go: sharpness and dimension
Opel Vectra does not call athlete. At least a tested car with a 1.8-liter 122-strong engine. The list of options also has a low suspension package, and changed gear ratios in the checkpoint to include them in the test sedan and so Opel homely duplicate Kotya, who has just blossomed twin portion of the Whiskas: He is deeply indifferent to the favorite before the woolen ball, mice and other entertainment. A sedan with a 2.2-liter engine would be more cheerful; Would play a role and a sports configured suspension, who came together with restyling (version with a motor 1.8 is deprived of it) ... But it was so that it turned out that this car got it. And it is such a 2-liter 145-strong Mondeo. Standing identical money. Therefore, we leave forecasts and all possible.

Vectra, of course, is not so lazy and vulgar, as in the metaphor from the past paragraph, but she lacks his liveliness. The reaction to the gas pedal with light delay, and acceleration, though confident, but a smooth and uninteresting gambling driver. Only if you make the engine work on high speed, the German slowly comes to life, but Mondeo comes to itself much earlier. The difference between the sedans begins to feel since the release of the clutch pedal. Forda, it grabs almost at the bottom, pulling the car from the scene. Opel also rows only after the release of the left pedal percent for seventy, and then the car is patiently waiting for the fuel and is not in a hurry to move forward.

Ford turns the driver with an acute response to the operation of the accelerator and clear answers to the steering steering. Vectra also can not be reproached in the insufficient interactivity of the steering, but mischief will have to leave for another machine. Here I want to relax in a slightly harsh, but convenient seat, slowly and easily rotate the steering wheel, not applying extra effort. At high speeds, the car does not change itself and continues to delight the peaceful suspension and silence in the cabin. Small road defects are silently swallowed, without damage to hearing and touching in the cabin. Ford Pogromic: Poins are not accompanied by a discomfortatic body shaking, but knock and vibrations are noticeable than on Opel. Mondeo is rehabilitated in turns: enters the inclination with great enthusiasm, smoking less and reacting to the deviation of the steering wheel. Damn nice sensations! And only winter studded tires reduces the high-speed turning mode: the rear axle demolition on the asphalt will start much earlier than the summer tires would allow. It is necessary to be careful: winter, as - in no way! Vectra rolls barely noticeably, and only when the speed goes far beyond the limits of reasonable (read the allowed BDD rules). Sometimes it seems that inertia weakens in her salon, which does not allow non-unspecified passengers to move through the cabin, continuing the car trajectory before turning. The clutch with the road and the trajectory is also at a high level: just a word is not lucky with the enemy. A well-balanced city car next to a brighter in terms of Drive Mondeo seems sluggish. But everything comes in comparison?!

Summary
Despite the mass of the overall features in the sedans, you can summarize that Vectra is a more plumbing machine, oriented to a calm, measured ride. Salon and the exterior of her modern. So it is overpaying for what, if, of course, consider these criteria a priori. Therefore, we would call Opel more representative.

Mondeo balanced and aggressive car. Its credo speaker, maneuverability, constant contact with the driver. Despite the fact that his age is nearing the automotive standards to the respectable, in the relevance of the Ford sedan, it is not necessary to doubt. And sales statistics are the best confirmation, there is Mondeo ahead. Very confident.

Opel Vectra.

Get a sedan of Opel Vectra from 21 290 dollars. This amount includes a 1.6-liter 105-horsepower engine, ABS, EBD, Brake Assistant, front and side airbags, air conditioning, electric boiler and front windows. Increase engine capacity up to 1.8 liters, you can pay $ 900. Automatic box is available from a 2.2-liter version, which will cost 28,000.

Ford Mondeo.

Prices start from $ 21,120. This money is estimated with a 1.8-liter 125-strong motor, ABS, EBD, EBA, front and side airbags, air conditioning and front windows. You can order a two-liter 145-strong car with a mechanical gearbox already for 23,952 dollars, and for the machine will have to pay another about 1,800 dollars.

Cars of provisions for the test of the official GM dealer, Laura, official Ford dealer, Alarm Motors

Text: Alexander Korobchenko, Philip Berezen
Photo: Roman Stunnin