|
|
Impressed with
Ford Luxury
By Don Booker MBE
 When one recalls medium-sized cars from Ford, thoughts turn to the Cortina, a name that was in the showroom for years after several facelifts.
The Cortina was a new car on offer for 20 years and was a straightforward car with simple engineering techniques, a look of an American car from the late 50s and a very big boot for the family. The body shell and trim had a feeling of cheapness, but people loved the car because it gave them what they wanted at a price they could afford – something Ford have always tried to do. Later we had the Sierra which in its early days was criticised because of its looks. To follow was the Mondeo, which is priced £300 below the outgoing similar models. The price range is £14,782 to £22,697.
The Mondeo badge first appeared on Ford’s list in year 2000 and since the first day has been its market leader. It is available as Edge, Zetec, Titanium and Ghia with an extensive option list, which, Ford told me, allows complete personalisation of the car. It seems like old times with the much-loved Ford Capri, “the car you always promised yourself,” by having just what you wanted.
|
The new Mondeo is one of the best-looking and quality cars to come from Ford. It has that family look, especially from the front with large headlamps and lower foglamps to give the appearance of speed. There is no better-looking car in this market sector with interior luxury that can match cars costing three times more. The ride around the Cotswolds was faultless with a well-turned suspension to meet everything the roads had in store. The ride and comfort have to be tried to be believed.
The range starts with the Edge, which has a 1.6-litre engine and, like all versions, has Ford Easyfuel, a clever feature that prevents drivers putting petrol into a diesel, or vice-versa, if the talking fuel pump does not give you an early warning. There is £700 worth of extra equipment across the range, and standard is electronic stability control, child seat fixings, driver’s knee bag and steering wheel controls. Edge also gets air conditioning, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, electric front windows, remote central locking and heated windows and mirrors. The Zetec which has petrol and diesel power on offer, gets 16-inch alloys, foglights, all-electric windows and lots of leather trim. The Ghia has automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, power-fold mirrors, which are handy for narrow garages, and special CD.
Top-of-the-range Titanium which starts at £21,250 has a 1.8-litre diesel rising to 2.5 petrol, and has full leather inside, a start button, which some prefer, adaptive front lighting when cornering, blue tinted glass and a special instrument cluster.
Ford have built a very civilised car that would be a delight to drive over long distances at home or abroad. Does one need to spend more for such luxury?
Published Autumn 2007. All information correct at time of print
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
