Car Test
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R0345 | |
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See also
R0130
July 2003 |
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| Brief Test | Ford Mondeo | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 2.0TDCi Zetec S | |
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Since it was introduced two years ago, the latest Mondeo has extended its powertrains to include offerings such as Durashift, Duratec, Duratorq and Duraglit. Well, no – not Duraglit. Seriously folks, they’re Ford-speak for the Blue Oval’s new 5-speed automatic transmission, direct-injection 1.8-litre petrol engine and a pair of 2.0-litre diesels, the more powerful of which is the subject of this test.
Using common-rail fuelling, a variable-nozzle turbocharger and intercooling, it produces 130bhp. More importantly, though, it punches out a hefty 243lb ft of torque and is coupled to an excellent new six-speed gearbox. The result is exhilarating acceleration from 2000 to 4500 revs and wonderfully long-legged cruising, with the engine turning over lazily (and economically) at under 2000rpm at the legal limit. In fact, sixth gear is so high that it’s used predominantly when cruising on main roads and motorways. But that’s fine by us. What isn’t, though, is first and second gear behaviour at crawling speed. If you try to use second too early, or are a little clumsy with the clutch, the engine is likely to stop stone dead – potentially hazardous if you’re in mid-turn, because you lose the steering’s power assistance. This TDCi has a couple of other less-endearing features, as well: there’s a distinct vibration period between 1500 and 2000rpm in the higher gears (though it’s smooth-revving thereafter), and we’re not keen on the way that the turbocharger/torque kicks in with such abrupt enthusiasm at 1900rpm in the lower gears; you have to back off the throttle a shade at this point to avoid giving passengers a neck-bending ride. Talking of which, by the way the Zetec S copes with bumps and potholes, you would be forgiven for thinking that it had beefed-up sports suspension. Not so; the stiff-limbed ride is due to the wide 40-Series, low-profile tyres on 18in alloys. At best (on a motorway) it’s firm and businesslike, at worst it’s hard and thumpy. The tyres also ‘tramline’ and there’s twitchy torque steer when you press firmly on the loud pedal. Not very nice. Mind you, they give terrific adhesion and corner with bags more dry-road grip in reserve. But, of course, you don’t have to put up with all this – LX, Zetec and Ghia models are more modestly (and sensibly) shod. Comfortable, supportive seats plus reach and rake adjustments to the wheel give a first-rate driving position, but rear quarter vision on the hatchback is marred by wide rear pillars. The spacious, well-crafted and safety conscious interior is much as described in our earlier Mondeo reports. Waiting in the wings, however, is a mildy facelifted model which, while mechanically unchanged from the current car, features some useful cabin changes. Among these are a revised centre console, automatic climate control, the option of a full-screen, satnav system, heated and ventilated driver’s seat and rain-sensing wipers. Sports suspension will become standard on the Zetec S. Thanks, but no thanks. |
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