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By Karen W Lim
Ford Mondeo's latest update is a bigger, better and more confident drive due to more horsepower and torque compared to its previous edition.
Based on its exterior, the mid-sized sedan has not changed much but its engine has been given a power boost with a new engine head.
The Mondeo's 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine offers 240hp and also has 340Nm of torque, which is more than before.
The top speed has also risen to 246kmh. Stepping on the accelerator with moderate pressure brings the Mondeo to speeds of at least 70kmh in a blink of an eye. From zero to 100kmh, it takes about 7.5 seconds. This is down from the 7.9 seconds previously - qualifying for licence-losing speeds on Singapore roads.
The acceleration is smooth. Coupled with steady handling, the Mondeo does not put up any form of struggle when cutting sharp corners at high speed.
In fact, the car manages to make U-turns and corners quickly enough for you to pick up speed and join the traffic flow without much hindrance - also, you'll soon find yourself cruising at 80kmh effortlessly.
Its six-speed dual-clutch transmission is comfortable to shift manually due to it being ergnomically positioned and its knobs and gears are in the right places, allowing drivers to be easily adapt to.
However, the cabin lacks the sophistication of German cars. The leather seats are not as smooth but the spacious cabin makes up for this.
The Mondeo also doesn't have all the bells and whistles of its competitors, particularly an in-built global-positioning system.
What it has instead is a voice control activation system to make phone calls once you've synced it via Bluetooth.
| Ford Mondeo 2.0A EcoBoost Titanium |
Engine: 1,999cc turbocharged
Transmission:Gearbox 6-speed dual-clutch transmission
Max Power: 240 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 340 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
0-100kmh: 7.5 secs
Top speed: 246 kmh
Fuel consumption: 7.7 l/100 km (combined)
CO2 emissions: 186 g/km (combined)
Price: $185,888 (with COE)
Distributor: Distributor Regent Motors 6376 2233
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Its automatic dimming rear view mirror, rain and light sensors come in handy, making it one of the possible favourite features for drivers who forget to switch on lights or use their windshield wipers.
Foldable side mirrors are also a useful feature for drivers who prefer their mirrors closed while parking and the Mondeo does it for you automatically when you lock the car. It also shifts its right mirror to reflect the ground while you park.
The Mondeo is without a doubt a luxurious and easy drive. Judging by its exterior, one would not know that its power is capable of making you lose your licence. Its spacious interior gives a sense of grandeur and is comparable with other luxury family sedans in the market.
klim@sph.com.sg
 
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