We first met the new Ford Mondeo during the 2012 Paris Motor Show.
The American version called Fusion was around even earlier.
Yet we had to wait for it a bit longer, until now.
We know why the delay: credit crunch, closed factories, other priorities.
So it has aged a bit, technically. But the engines and safety systems are updated.
About the looks: take the Aston Martin-like grille. You love it or hate.
I like it, it looks impressive when it approaches you. Very cool.
It's quite big, which helps with the room in the back.
Great legroom, even better headroom. It's all good, like the Passat.
A Superb may be even better, but here the boot benefits, too.
It's like ballroom: 550 liters. The station has even more space.
With the rear seats down, you get 1450 liters.
Moving on to the biggest downside: the cockpit. This was outdated in 2012.
Plastic materials, big buttons - little refinement. Contrary to the S-Max.
That looks great and sets a new standard for Ford. Nothing of that here.
It's outdated in that sense. Don't care? Sure. But Ford still loses to others here.
Plenty of engines available. This is the 180 PS 2.0 diesel.
This and less potent diesels will be eligible for tax benefits in 2015.
Not the top-of-the-range 200 PS twin-turbo 2.0 diesel, though.
180 PS is plenty anyway. This has plenty of power, though it lacks a bit below 1700 rpm.
While the gears are quite tall. On a hill, with medium load, don't shift to 2nd before 3500 rpm.
Before that, it will drop too much revs and lose momentum.
It's more economic this way, but it will bug you, mostly with a manual 'box.
The Golf BlueMotion suffered from the same thing. Takes some getting used to.
What about the typical Ford driving dynamics? Just fine, on curvy roads.
It feels great and flowing, like some Volvo's. Instant response without delay.
Even at speed. Response is great and makes driving this a joy. Typical Ford.
The noise deadening is good. But you'd expect that from this segment.
A Passat does the same job. These TDCI engines are good, but not that quite.
Renault's diesels may be even better at that, though Ford is fairly on par.
This car is like its predecessors: it's big, drives well and a bit less refined.
But great value for money. The Titanium trims and various options are affordable.
You don't pay that much for various extra's. Makes it a nice lease car for the family man.
It operates the same way the Mondeo always used to do. Ford remains loyal to that.
Let's take a look at the station wagon. It's even larger of course.
Look at that. Amazing!
+ So much space!, Great handling like we're used to
- Centre console feels dated, Gearshifts could be smoother