Ford Mondeo EcoBoost – Class-leading dynamics
In Europe, the Ford Mondeo is a popular choice amongst D-segment buyers. A brilliant all-rounder blessed with impressive dynamics, the Mondeo has qualities that are desirable to both the enthusiast and the common buyer alike. The Mondeo’s popularity in the UK is to the point where the average D-segment buyer is named the ‘Mondeo man’.
Things are less positive for the big Ford here in a market long dominated by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. New entrants, namely the Nissan Teana and Hyundai Sonata have broken that duopoly somewhat, and with Peugeot and Volkswagen also making their entries, the Malaysian D-segment has suddenly become a very competitive arena. In that pool of choices, the Mondeo is very often the overlooked option.
In 2009, the Mondeo marked Ford’s return to Malaysia’s D-segment after a long hiatus. Despite its lengthy credentials, and genuinely impressive dynamics, it just did not sell. On an average day, you are more likely to see a Porsche Cayenne than a Ford Mondeo on the road. That the Ford badge lacks popularity in the Malaysian market is a given, but the Mondeo’s cause was also not helped by its uninspiring interior and lethargic powertrain.
Brand image will take sometime to build, but product weaknesses can be fixed a lot quicker, and there is now a facelifted version of the Mondeo complete with a new engine and transmission plus added levels of equipment.
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| The Mondeo was designed as a hatchback, so as a sedan, its proportions are slightly awkward. |
The EcoBoost engine
The central item of the facelifted Mondeo is undoubtedly its new EcoBoost engine, which simultaneously promises better power and fuel economy from the preceding Duratec motor. Featuring turbocharging and direct injection, the 1,999cc four pot produces 200hp @ 6,000rpm and 300Nm @ 1,750 – 4,500rpm to comfortably outgun its class rivals. Only Nissan offers more, but that is in the form of a quarter-million ringgit Teana 350XV.
This is currently the only engine option offered with the Mondeo here. Some markets overseas also get the added option of taking this engine in a 237hp state of tune, downsizing further to a 158hp 1.6-litre EcoBoost, or a raft of diesel engines which are products of a collaboration with the PSA Group. The 158hp version, if it comes, would make for an interesting comparison with the Peugeot 508, which quotes similar outputs from its BMW-developed 1.6-litre Prince engine.
Also updated is the transmission, where the Getrag-sourced 6-speed PowerShift dual clutch steps in to replace the 2.3’s standard auto. Ford currently has two versions of this gearbox, and the one used here is the wet clutch variant as used by the Focus TDCi. Hill start assist is standard, but it does not work in reverse, so be careful if you’re preparing to back up a steep slope.
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| 6-speed PowerShift transmission replaces conventional slushbox. |
Other Improvements
Considering a mere RM1,000 price increase, any updates beyond the new engine and transmission that Ford bundled into the package can be rightly treated as a bonus. Aided by a weakened Euro, SDAC is now able to offer the Mondeo with significantly improved specs without pricing it out of contention. From the 2.3, carry over items include ABS, seven airbags, electric-powered seats, cruise control, and level-adjusting headlights.
Notable additions to the kit count include keyless entry and start, daytime running lights, traction control, stability control, LED taillights and rear air-con blowers. Headlights have been upgraded to feature bi-xenons, auto-leveling, and spray washers. Leather trim on the seats are now of the Alcantara variety, and it is pleasing to note the EcoBoost’s cabin is not only better equipped than the 2.3’s, but also feels better-built as a whole.
Onboard entertainment has also been significantly uprated, with a 7″ LCD monitor embedded in the instrument panel. Interface with the system can be accomplished via the old-fashioned way of pressing buttons on the dashboard, steering-mounted controls, or the much-touted Voice Command. Take it from us, figuring the buttons out was a lot less painless.
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| Ford Convers LCD screen sits inside instrument panel. |
Driving Experience
As far as driving dynamics are concerned, the Mondeo is way ahead of the competition – to the point where it would have been unfair for its rivals to be compared against it. Its only problem was a weak engine that failed to fully exploit the talents of a wonderfully balanced chassis. Here, the EcoBoost engine addresses that shortcoming with a power and torque injection of 41hp and 92Nm over the 2.3.
Power delivery is typical of modern European engines with plenty of shove in the engine’s mid-range. Acceleration is properly fast, and with no turbo lag to speak of. Despite lacking the polish of VW’s DSG, the Ford PowerShift box works well with the engine to deliver rapid progress when pushed. Paddle shifters are absent, but Ford’s orientation of the ‘+/-‘ slots on the gear lever are well-suited for spirited driving. Where the Mondeo used to only have handling to stay ahead of its rivals, it now has the grunt to obliterate them on the straights.
It is said that absolute power corrupts absolutely, and while we are glad to report this has not been the case with the Mondeo, the chassis did not seem as naturally fluid as the 2.3’s. That unshakable confidence that characterized the 2.3’s handling was notably missing, and the car does not seem as comfortable dealing with undulations as its predecessor. Despite this slight deterioration, however, the Mondeo is still by far, the best driving car in this segment.
Verdict
With more power and more equipment, the Mondeo EcoBoost is every bit an improved product over the 2.3. The relatively small increase in price means that the new car offers significantly better value as well. Its problems revolves around its badge, neither as established as the Japanese, nor as chic as the other Europeans, namely VW and Peugeot.
Conservative Malaysian buyers will persevere with the Nissan Teana, Honda Accord, or Toyota Camry, and those seeking something glitzier may find the Mazda6, Peugeot 508 and Volkswagen Passat more alluring instead. However, for those of you who seek actual substance, performance, and driver satisfaction, the car you should look at is the Ford Mondeo.
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