Test drive Ford mondeo sedan since 2010 sedan
Compare: Ford mondeo vs. Opel Vectra
The current hero belongs to the middle class cars according to the letter classification of class D. We can say that this segment begins with them, they are the most affordable in it, and the prices for them in inexpensive trim levels are quite comparable even with representatives of golf class. Both models have already experienced updates, and the restyled vectra appeared among Russian dealers recently. Its price starts at $ 21,290. We received a car in the Elegance configuration, equipped with a 1.8-liter 122-horsepower ECOTEC engine, a mechanical gearbox. The final price is 25,130 dollars.
Choosing a Vectra opponent, we opted for a 2-liter Mondeo with a capacity of 145 hp. Of course, it would be more appropriate to evaluate Ford with a 1.8-liter 125-horsepower unit. But for the same and even slightly smaller money, Ford today offers just a 2-liter Mondeo and even in the GHIA configuration. True, it is worth noting that the total price is obtained as a result of a discount. But still interesting
Outside: And who is the German here?
The German Vectra is collected in German Rüsselheim, American Mondeo in Belgian Genka. But at the same time, the Ford seems to be a more German car, if for the Germans a characteristic strictness of forms and lines is considered a characteristic strictness. Outside in Mondeo there is nothing defiant, it is a restrained and concise design. It is not boring, by no means, but it is still difficult to imagine that Ford designers would make such a machine in early 2006.
Vectra outside it seems much more massive to say, solid, bulky. A thick strip on a radiator grille, a non -trivial shape of the headlight, large areas of doors with relatively small glasses all this does Opel more chubby, or something. At the same time, last year's changes turned out to be very successful: the prerestyled model looked even more heavy.
Everyone explains the impassive numbers that testify to: mondeo both longer and wider, but Vectra is higher. Accordingly, more stringent forms of one or less strict forms of the other receive explanations.
Inside: matte or glossy? And here and there, a stylish and laconic interior, conveniently furnished with devices and controls. Only the triumph of straight lines and the ugly aluminum in the design of Opel quickly bored. Ford is more mottled and brighter. In the interior, the inserts under the tree, diluting the gloss of chromium and gloss of plastic, are successfully inscribed in the interior. But this does not give the novelty of the central console, which still looks old-fashioned here, in comparison with the modern style of the vector. In general, for an amateur.
In the management and ergonomics, everything is in order to complain about. Both seats are moderately tough, which affects the excellent well -being of the back during a long trip, and the adjustments are enough to conveniently sit down. Mondeo has a more noticeable side support, which, it seems, lacks a German. But in Vectra, the three rear passengers who crossed here from Ford will be much more spacious, they will appreciate it. Lovers to sit close to the steering wheel criticize Opel PPP handle with such landing at the top of the thigh. The right hand in a blind search for the box fumbles a little closer than the desired.
In general, the driver’s place is convenient in Opel and Ford. One minus each for each: in Ford, even adjusting the seat, it seems that you are sitting low, and in Opel it is difficult to get used to the soft adhesion pedal with a large, as it seemed to us, idle move. Climate control of both sedans came to the place. Adjustments are carried out in an electronic way, which, however, does not deprive them of the understanding and convenience of configuration.
On the go: sharpness and measured
Opel Vectra cannot be called an athlete. At least a tested car with a 1.8-liter 122-horsepower engine. In the list of options there is both a package of low suspension, and the changed gear numbers in the checkpoint would include them in the tested sedan and so Opel is a home peaceful kitty, who has just broken a double portion of the whiskey: he is deeply indifferent to his favorite woolen ball, mouse and other entertainment. A sedan with a 2.2-liter engine would have been more cheerful; The configured suspension, which came with restyling (a version with a motor 1.8, was deprived of it) ... But it so it happened we got this particular car. And it is precisely such a 2-liter 145-horsepower mondeo. Worth the same money. Therefore, we leave forecasts and all kinds are possible.
Vectra, of course, is not so lazy and clumsy as in a metaphor from the past paragraph, but she does not have enough liveliness. The reaction to the gas pedal with light delay, and the acceleration, although confident, but smooth and uninteresting to the gambling driver. Only if you force the engine to work at high speeds, the German is slowly coming come to life, but Mondeo comes to his senses much earlier. The difference between sedans begins to be felt from the moment the clutch pedal is released. At Ford, it grabs almost at the very bottom, sharply moving the car from a place. Opel is touched only after releasing the left pedal by seventy percent, and then the car patiently waits for fuel supply and is in no hurry to move forward. Ford starts the driver with an acute reaction to the accelerator and clear answers to the steering wheel. Vectra also cannot be blamed for insufficient interactivity of steering, but mischief will have to be left for another machine. Here I want to relax in a slightly harsh, but comfortable seat, slowly and easy to rotate with the steering wheel, without applying unnecessary efforts. At high speeds, the car does not change itself and continues to delight the pendant and silence in the cabin with peaceful work. Small defects in the road swallow silently, without prejudice to hearing and touching in the cabin. FORD Little: Potholes are not accompanied by uncomfortable shocking the body, but the knock and vibration are noticeable than on Opel. Mondeo is rehabilitated in corners: it enters with great enthusiasm, swaying less and more acutely reacting to the deviation of the steering wheel. Damn pleasant sensations! And only winter studded rubber reduces the speed mode of turning the turn: the demolition of the rear axle on the asphalt will begin much earlier than the summer tires would allow. We must be careful: winter, after all! Vectra is barely noticeable, and only when the speed goes far beyond the rational (read the permissible by the rules of the BDD). Sometimes it seems that an inertia weakens in its salon, which does not allow unhealthy passengers to move along the cabin, continuing the trajectory of the car before turning. Clutch with the road and observing the trajectory here is also at a high level: just vector was not lucky with the enemy. A well -balanced city car next to the brighter in terms of the drive Mondeo seems sluggish. But everything is known in comparison?!
Summary
Despite the mass of general features in sedans, you can summarize that the vectra is more imposing a car, focused on a calm, measured ride. She has a more modern salon and exterior. So there is something to overpay for, if, of course, to consider these criteria a priori. Therefore, we would call Opel more representative.
Mondeo is a balanced and aggressive car. His credo is dynamics, maneuverability, constant contact with the driver. Despite the fact that his age is nearing automobile standards to the respectable, there is no doubt about the relevance of the Ford sedan. And sales statistics are the best confirmation of this, here Mondeo is ahead. Very confident.
Opel Vectra
You can get Opel Vectra sedan starting from $ 21,290. This amount includes a 1.6-liter 105-horsepower engine, ABS, EBD, Brake Assistant, front and lateral airbags, air conditioning, electric grinders and front windows. You can increase the engine volume to 1.8 liters by paying $ 900. The automatic box is available starting with a 2.2-liter version, which will cost 28,000.
Ford Mondeo
Prices start at $ 21,120. This money is estimated at a 1.8-liter 125-horsepower engine, ABS, EBD, EBA, front and side airbags, air conditioning and front windows. You can order a two-liter 145-horsepower car with a mechanical checkpoint for 23,952 dollars, and for the machine will you have to pay more about 1800 dollars.
Cars are provided for the test by the official dealer of GM, Laura, the official Ford dealer, Alarm Motors
Text: Alexander Korobchenko, Philip Berezen
Photo: Roman Ostanin
Source: Wheel magazine [No. 101/2006]
