As the C segment became so good, the D segment is now less popular.
Lately, we just got updated D segment cars, nothing new. Until now.
Here are the new VW Passat and the new Ford Mondeo.
Two leading models in their class. But which is the best?
Both are spacious. How's the Mondeo in the rear?
Plenty of legroom, my feet and head can manage - so it's fine.
In the Passat, there's clearly more room. How about the boot?
A major lounge measuring 650 liters. Wow! The Ford loses here.
Sure, 525 liters is plenty, but still less.
We drive the 150 PS 2.0 diesel Wagon version. An automatic.
We couldn't drive the manual now, but that one's fine anyway.
This model is actually already 2 years old, but let's look further.
It has 30 PS over the Passat and is very supple. You can also get 180 PS.
The plant is a bit noisey around 100 kp, though the overall isolation is fine.
It drive like a Ford should: direct, light and instant. Very dynamic.
There is some unrest due to the quick response. A Mazda 3 does that better.
The interior is its weakpoint. The new infotainment screen still isn't the best.
A Kia Cee'd beats it. The materials are a bit hard and simple.
In this segment, it could do with more luxury.
Plenty of gadgets though: safety features, heated interior trim - the lot.
Ford offers a lot of that for little money.
Over to the Passat, with a 120 PS 1.6 diesel engine.
You can get a stronger one, but this one is priced like the Ford.
You do notice that difference. The Passat just lacks some punch.
Tough choice. Also: when stationary it's noisier, but not when driving.
It's the first Passat on the MQB platform. Thus it feels like a Golf.
It doesn't feel nose-heavy and it's comfortable, but not soft.
It's tight and you can carry speed into corners, understeer is far away.
With equal power, it may just match the Mondeo in dynamics.
Inside, there's lots of refinement and better materials.
It's more relaxed than the Ford, too.
The VW is more expensive and you can see why.
So, will you pay the premium for extra tranquility, or take less power?
It's hard to judge. You'll have to dig deep to find that out. It's close.
Let's compare some prices. First, this Passat with some extra's.
The Mondeo has even more goodies and costs a bit more.
The difference: the gearbox. A manual Mondeo costs 3000 less.
So 509 euros cheaper. What a small difference.
Same price, but 30 PS and more extras for the Ford.
The Passat offers more space, refinement and comfort.
It's really hard to choose. Give me a while longer for that...