Ford Mondeo 5-door 2.0 ECOnetic | Road Test Review

“The ‘cleanest and greenest Mondeo
yet’ is how Ford describes the
new 2.0-litre ECOnetic powerplant
now available in five-door and
estate Mondeos. David Miles gets
behind the wheel for a first drive...”

THE ADDITION OF A 2.0-LITRE TDCI DIESEL ENGINE in ECO tune to the Mondeo line-up appears strange when there is already a 1.8-litre unit which offers marginally more power and torque and costs Ł500 less.

However, the reality of life is that the fleet and business customers who take eighty per cent of Mondeo's UK sales wanted, for reasons of pride, a 2.0-litre engine with a six-speed gearbox — apparently that is what a company car in this class must have. Strange but true!

The 2.0-litre 'ECO' engine produces 113bhp/221lb ft against the 1.8-litre's 123bhp/236lb ft. Top speed is 121mph for the ECO saloon (compared to 126mph for the 1.8) and the 2.0-litre car's 0-62mph acceleration figure is marginally slower as well. However, the Combined Cycle fuel economy is fractionally better — by just 1mpg, to 54.3mpg. And the CO2 emissions are the same for both engines: 139g/km.

During a brief driving session over a variety of roads my 2.0-litre Mondeo ECOnetic returned a very impressive 48.3mpg and I have no doubt that more motorway cruising will improve that even further.

I have to say this 2.0-litre engine, even though it has less power and torque, just feels a 'stronger' unit in the Mondeo; and having a six-speed transmission meant that the driveability was better with more responsive driving in and around slower moving traffic.

Other emission-reducing ECOnetic features include low-rolling resistance tyres and an optimum gearchange indicator, plus aerodynamic-enhancing sports suspension, air deflectors and a rear spoiler.

Inside, the no-compromise Mondeo driving environment offers dual-zone automatic temperature control, Bluetooth connectivity with voice control, cruise control, seven airbags and a Quickclear heated front windscreen.

ESP with Traction Assist and Emergency Brake Assist complete a standard features list that ensures Mondeo ECOnetic is as safe as it is efficient and comfortable.

The arrival of this new Mondeo ECOnetic with its TDCi turbodiesel is good news, especially for company car drivers — the 2.0-litre engine gives access to a greater number of company car lists, while its low CO2 and competitive price ensure the lowest tax band in its class. This 2.0-litre unit proves that Eco engines are now starting to deliver acceptable real-life driving performance with good fuel economy. Against? Nothing. Overall, it's a very good package indeed. — David Miles

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