Ford Mondeo Wagon Car Review

HerCar Rating: Model Reviewed Mondeo Zetec Wagon 2.3 litre 6 speed auto petrol $37,990* Other models priced from: Mondeo LX Wagon 2.3 litre 6 speed auto petrol $32,990* HerCar 3 word summary Style Meets Function

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The Ford Mondeo hatch has been the quiet achiever and the wagon has got all of the hallmarks to follow in its footsteps. The only difference is that Ford is going to put some effort into promoting the range to let people know that the cars exists and just how good it really is. The wagon is the ideal family car for those who don't want an SUV but want the space and functionality to cater for all of the families needs. One of the biggest advantages of the Mondeo wagon over an SUV is the ease of getting things in and out of the boot. There is no lip (like with some sedans) and the low boot level is a welcome relief for those who have to lug a heavy pram in and out.

The wagon is available in 2 spec levels (LX and Zetec) both with the 6 speed auto 2.3 litre engine. Unfortunately you don't get a choice of a diesel engine, like in the hatch. Unfortunately because the diesel has more get up and go when overtaking and is more fuel efficient. Nonetheless, the petrol is still good to drive.

Our review focuses on the Zetec model which comes with extra features including dual zone climate control, raining sensing wipers, auto headlights and a better sound system.

Driver Comfort & Visibility
The Mondeo wagon is a pretty big car, so I thought that the drive experience would feel like hanging off the back of a whale as it breached and wallowed around its wet playground. Not so. In fact, on our test drive, where we jumped into 5 different models in 5 hours, I couldn't tell the difference between the hatch and wagon in terms of handling and interior noise. The car is quiet, easy to maneuver, easy to see out of and has really smooth acceleration. Parking is a breeze with standard front and rear parking sensors. It's a bonus to have the front ones, as not many cars offer this feature as standard. No more excuses for touch parking!

To make the drive as easy as possible there are audio and cruise controls located on the steering wheel. The dash is modern and stylish looking with silver fascia throughout. I also liked the auto gear knob that looks more like a sporty manual shift than the traditional T-bone shape.

Safety
Ford is really getting their product line up sorted in terms of features, styling and pricing. They recognise that when it comes to a family car, safety is a top priority. Which is why all Mondeo models have as standard ABS, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control and 7 airbags. This impressive list of acronyms and technical jargon has earned the car the maximum 5 star safety rating from ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program). This is the main acronym that you need to look for when it comes to car safety. Just make sure that you see the 5 stars as well.

Storage
You've got some good storage options including a big glove box, 2 stage centre console box, 2 cup holders in the front centre, door pockets with bottle holders in the front doors, sunglasses holder in the roof and small door pockets in the rear doors with a bottle holder.

The rear seat is a great design if you need extra luggage space. The rear seat is 60/40 split fold, where the seat area folds up against the back of the front seats to provide even more room.

It has a very generous boot space that will fit a double pram as well as some shopping bags. A cargo cover comes as standard to hide all your goodies when you're out and about.

Rear Passenger Comfort
There is plenty of space in the rear. In fact, the Mondeo is one of the few cars in Australia where you can get 3 child restraints across the back seat! There's great head, side and leg room for 3 adults, which means plenty for the kids as well.

Green Factor
The wagon consumes 9.5 litres per 100kms combined cycle; and is pretty thirsty around the city consuming around 14 litres per 100kms. It scores 3.5 stars in the Green Vehicle Guide rating which is not brilliant, bit to put it in to perspective it is the same as the Toyota Corolla, which is the leading hatchback in Australia in terms of sales.

Voice Control System
This is worth a mention because it is standard across the entire Mondeo range and is the only car in its class to offer this technology. Put simply, when you say one of the defined commands, the voice recognition system coverts the command into a control signal. I had fun changing the temperature and radio station, but missed the turn off to the airport and nearly missed my flight! It's a pretty cool system that more expensive cars have had for some time. It's definitely the start of things to come. Click here to watch a funny US TV ad promoting voice activation technology. 

Overall View
The Mondeo wagon has the refinement and features similar to its European counterparts, without the price tag. Its easy load boot space, wide rear seat and 5 star safety rating could see this car as being one of the best selling family cars around, as long as they let us mums know it exists!

If you're considering buying this car you might also consider the Holden Sportwagen, Audi A4 Avant and Subaru Outback.

Features of Model Reviewed

Seats:	5
Airbags:	Driver and front passenger front & side airbags, curtain airbags, driver's knee bolster airbag
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	Yes
Dynamic Stability Control:	Yes
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	6
CD player:	6 disc in dash CD player with 8 speakers
Air conditioning:	Yes, dual zone climate control
Power windows:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	6 speed auto
Engine:	2.3 litre
Fuel type:	Petrol
Fuel consumption (combined cycle):	9.5 litres/100 kms
CO2 Emission:	227gms/km
Greenhouse rating#:	5.5/10 (10=best)
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
ANCAP rating:
Warranty:	3 year/100,000 kms with Roadside Assistance
Price:	$37,990*

* Manufacturer's List Price. Excludes dealer delivery, insurance and statutory government charges.

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Ford dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: August 2009

Reviewed By: Melissa Pye