We review the Ford Mondeo from price to economy and all its features
MONDEO Man is alive and well and now a big success in America.
Or at least the car he drives is a big hit in the States, although it has changed names to Fusion.
Stylish... New Ford Mondeo
Last year Ford sold nearly 300,000 Fusions across America.
But don't get too confused. Ford are only calling their new model Fusion in the States.
When it arrives here in Britain later this year it will still be badged Mondeo.
And that's good news for Mondeo Man because this is one impressive car. I know first-hand, having done nearly 1,000 miles in an exclusive drive across Texas.
So how come American drivers have been enjoying the new Mondeo for well over a year now, when the car was engineered and designed in the UK and Europe, where we are still waiting for it? Blame it on Belgium.
That's where the Mondeo was built until Ford decided to close the factory in Genk and move production to Spain.
Ford were involved in long negotiations with the Belgian government and trade unions to legally close Genk, before they could start production in Spain, which is now finally under way.
Executive feel...The mixture of leather and wood interior adds to the quality
Ironic that politics should be involved because, of course, it was ex-PM Tony Blair who coined the "Mondeo Man" tag to describe floating voters, when he said that drivers of Mondeos would hold a crucial vote in the 1997 election.
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But enough politics. What about the car? First off it looks the business — an Aston Martin for the masses with a super-cool, in-your-face chrome grille and sleek headlights.
The design is great from any angle, with an elegant coupé-like side profile and a fast sloping roof to the rear with LED tail-lights that sparkle like diamonds.
You'll enjoy the precise steering which results in pin-sharp handling for a large family car
All the executive toys It's impressive on the inside, too, with a premium executive car feel, mixing full leather beige seats — seriously comfortable on a long journey — with mock aluminium and wood trim.
And you get all the executive toys, too. The seats are ten-way electric and heated, there is dual zone climate air con. cruise control and Ford's full Sync infotainment system, including the latest sat nav that can be operated by voice control.
Optional extras include active park assist and reversing sensors plus rear view camera to make parking easier, along with driver aids such as lane keeping alert and a blind spot warning in your mirrors.
All Fords are good drivers' cars, it's in their DNA. That is important for Mondeo drivers, many of whom have company cars and spend long hours behind the wheel.
Side profile... Ford's latest offering looks great from any angle
The two days I spent driving across Texas was the perfect test, involving city roads with interstate freeway cruising.
It was more than enough to confirm the new Mondeo is an executive express that's both entertaining and relaxing to drive.
You'll enjoy the precise steering which results in pin-sharp handling for a large family car, but with a comfortable ride.
The Mondeo will get the full mix of Ford's latest Ecoboost diesel and petrol engines that deliver between 50 and 70mpg plus economy. And for the first time the Mondeo will get Ford's World Engine Of The Year 1-litre EcoBoost petrol, that delivers the power of a 1.6litre and the 50mpg-plus economy of a supermini.
The engine I tested was an American 2litre petrol/hybrid, which was quiet, smoothly refined and returned more than 43mpg, as well as being capable of running on pure electric for up to 15 miles.
It will have been a long wait by the time the new Mondeo finally goes on sale here at the end of the year.
But after my test drive in Texas, I can tell you it is well worth the wait.
No official prices yet, but expect only a small increase on the current one, which starts from £16,000.
What to look out for when buying a used Ford Mondeo Mk 4 (2007-2015)
The Mondeo is pretty tough, and the only recalls for this fourth-generation model have been for a brake pedal issue — in some diesels — and malfunctioning headlights and indicators.
There have been some reports of failures in the stop-start system, leaking boots and power-steering issues. But given the numbers sold, the number of faults is very small, and the Mondeo has scored well in reliability and satisfaction surveys. Servicing and repair costs are low, too — no wonder it is such a business favourite.