Ford launched a class leader in 2000 with the second-generation Mondeo. Spacious and comfortable, the car was also enjoyable to drive. While the diesel engines were a big improvement over the ones in the old model, it wasn't until the introduction of the TDCi engines in November 2001 that they were truly competitive.
First major change to the Mondeo came in the summer of 2003 with improved quality and a greater level of equipment available, while it underwent further revisions in 2005. The high-performance ST220 was joined by a quick diesel ST TDCi in 2004. The estate has one of the best luggage capacities in its class. Loses value quickly because of the volumes sold to fleets that arrive on the used market, but an accomplished performer.
The most popular Mondeos will be diesels on 1.8 petrol models. Although the 2.0 turbodiesel model was a vast improvement over the 1.8 TD in the previous Mondeo, it still lost out to diesels from Peugeot, Citroen, Renault and Volkswagen in terms of efficiency and refinement. Late in 2001 Ford launched the 2.0 TDCi which adopted the latest diesel technology. It produces 130bhp and 243lb-ft, and offers an excellent combination of performance, fuel economy and refinement.
The original 115bhp 2.0TD ran until 2002 before being replaced by a 115bhp version of the 2.0 TDCi which is a far superior engine. In 2004, a high-performance 2.2-litre TDCi was introduced with 155bhp and 266lb-ft of torque, which powers sporty ST, and more luxury-oriented Ghia, Ghia X and Titanium versions of the car. In August 2005 Ford launched a 90bhp version of the 2.0 TDCi, aimed at fleet operators, which although lacking power compared with the 115bhp diesel, doesn't feel much slower on the road.
Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels, Radio/CD, Cruise Control, ABS, Front Armrest, Lumbar Support, Passenger Airbag, Rear Armrest, Roof Rails, Side Airbags, Audio Remote Control, Electric Door Mirrors, Heated Door Mirrors, Alarm, Body Coloured Bumpers.