7 reasons to buy a Ford Mondeo

The market for big hatchbacks like the Ford Mondeo is in decline, with many people switching to SUVs or prestige saloons, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider a Mondeo.

It might not make the neighbours jealous, but it remains a great all-rounder. Here's why it should be on your list if you're after a practical family car.

7 reasons to buy a Ford Mondeo:

7. Reliability

Ford’s parts are relatively cheap, it has decent reliability and there are Ford dealers all over the place. The Mondeo hasn’t been evaluated for reliability yet, but it shares some engines with its predecessor, which didn’t score badly in the area.

6. Running costs

The Mondeo is better suited to long-term ownership due to its lower residual values, but Zetec trim cars with Econetic 2.0-litre diesel engines are well priced. Ford dealers often hand out big discounts, so make sure you’ve got your haggling hat on and you could grab a real bargain.

5. Handling and comfort

As with many other cars, comfort is better in the Mondeo if you avoid the larger wheels. Aside from this, it rides well over all surfaces. Add the fact that the Mondeo is the best-handling large car this side of the BMW 3 Series, and you’ve got a winning combination.

4. Driving position and front space

There’s an adequate amount of seat adjustment, but not quite as much, especially electronic adjustment, as the VW Passat unless you go for a high-end car. Nonetheless, there’s height and lumbar adjustment from the bottom-spec up, while the space on offer in the front of the car is one of its largest strengths.

3. Safety

There’s a lot of safety kit on the Mondeo, especially if you go for a higher-end Titanium trim version. There’s optional automatic emergency braking, extra seatbelt airbags and a five-star Euro NCAP score for your peace of mind, too. It’ll even call the emergency services in an accident, if your phone is connected to the car’s Bluetooth.

2. Boot space

Not only does the Mondeo have a huge boot (although slightly smaller than the Passat’s), it’s easily usable space too due to the hatchback boot. Note that the hybrid version only gets the standard saloon boot though. There’s no adjustable floor, but there are bag hooks and lashing eyes, so it’s as practical as you could ask for.

1. Refinement

Go for the 1.5-litre petrol engine, and you’ll barely notice any engine noise, wind noise or vibration. On faster roads there’s a bit of road noise, but motorway cruising – the Mondeo’s natural habitat – is hushed and calm.

What about buying used?

The Mondeo has been around since the early 1990s, so there’s one to suit every budget, from a few hundred pounds upwards. The previous-generation Mondeo had a few issues with rattly or loose interior trim, so get a tidy example that has been looked after. If you can stretch to £10,000 that’ll buy you our favourite Mondeo – 2.0-litre TDCi in Zetec Business Edition trim, with three years under its belt and less than 50,000 miles on the clock.

What next?

Click here to find out more about the Ford Mondeo, or to take a look at used examples, click here to browse the What Car? Classifieds

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