Should you buy one?

The Mondeo is a good car, but with the more versatile, sharper handling and more affordable Skoda Superb also on offer, the Ford is difficult to recommend. It’s no longer the sharp, fun-to-drive large family hatchback it used to be, which may disappoint some buyers, but there are few better ways to travel hundreds of motorway miles. It comes with a generous list of standard equipment to keep you safe and entertained, too.

Engine choice is simple enough, because the 150hp EcoBlue only comes with the Zetec Edition model, while the 190hp engine powers the rest of the range. We’d avoid the all-wheel-drive model, since what benefit it gives in traction it takes away with poorer fuel economy. Aim for mid-range Titanium Edition for a well-equipped car, while the similarly-priced ST-Line Edition is better if you want a sportier look. Thinking of going for a Vignale? Don’t – this expensive trim level adds nothing that you wouldn’t enjoy by opting for a similarly-priced premium rival.

What we like

The amount of space and standard equipment on offer in the Mondeo is excellent, while the car’s refinement and comfort mean it’s a great long-distance cruiser. It should be pretty reliable, too, while Ford’s vast dealer network means it’ll be easy to maintain.

What we don’t like

There’s nothing inherently bad about the Mondeo, it’s just that a lot of rivals match it or perform better. The Mazda6 is sharper to drive, for example, while the Skoda Superb offers a better mix of practicality and performance, plus it’s available as a tax-busting plug-in hybrid. Poor residuals make the Mondeo even less appealing on finance, too.

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