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Ford Mondeo Econetic: Test Drive (continued)
Date: 09 June 2008 | Author: Tristan Young
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This sector is evolving rapidly. The closest any manufacturer comes to the 13% band in the large family car sector is the BMW 318d at 123g/km. Should, as is rumoured for later this year, BMW be able to tweak the 318d down to the magic 120g/km level, then its cost per mile will drop to match the Mondeo's.
From the end of the year Vauxhall will launch a further Mondeo rival in the shape of the Vectra-replacing Insignia with two low-CO2 Ecoflex models. One of these will be a petrol-powered version that is understood to come in at 15% BIK taxation level.
Despite similar levels of kit to its two main rivals, the Mondeo is well over £1k more expensive in terms of P11D. The result is a higher tax bill for the employee and greater depreciation and running costs for the employer. That deprives it of a win in this comparison because the VW has lower depreciation, lower price and a better mpg figure.
The Mondeo's only advantage is that it's a more fun drive, even though the spacing of the five-speed manual gearbox leaves you lacking in power on occasions.
