RoadBlog: 10 things we learned about the Ford Mondeo Estate

Date: 07 December 2015 | Author: Alisdair Suttie

A Mondeo Estate with a diesel engine, auto 'box and all the extras should be the perfect mix. We find out.

Category:	Upper medium
Key rival:	Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer
Model tested:	Ford Mondeo Titanium 2.0 Duratorq TDCi PowerShift Auto
Price as tested:	£31,935

1 - PowerShift automatic gearbox is ideally mated to the 180PS 2.0-litre diesel. Strong, smooth and easy to live with. A bit like me, really.

2 - Ford claims 56.5mpg average economy, but we only managed 43mpg overall in a week of usual mixed driving.

3 - Mondeo wagon is enhanced by £500 optional 19-inch alloy wheels, but they come at the expense of a pitter-patter ride.

4 - Mondeo's automatic high/low beam headlights are among the few that work quickly enough not to annoy oncoming drivers.

5 - Titanium trim and X Pack bring a host of luxuries, but no powered tailgate, so it was mucky fingers when opening the boot.

6 - Once opened, the boot is big, broad and swallows everything you throw at it. Also a bit like me.

7 - Ford has long since cracked the formula for a superb driving environment and the Mondeo Estate is the acme of this class.

8 - Titanium X Pack costs £2000 and brings leather upholstery, but more importantly 10-way electric seat adjustment for peerless comfort.

9 - Charging cable in centre console cubby is handy, but lid doesn't close flush when it's out. Surely a small slot would have solved this.

10 - Inflatable rear seat belts cost £175 and are a real safety boon, but they look ungainly and prevent using non-Isofix child seats.