Model Tested: 2008 Ford Mondeo XR5

Model Range: $29,990 to $41,990

Recommended retail price (as tested): $41,990 ($42,790 incl. Bluetooth & Metallic Paint)

Options Fitted: Metallic Paint $350, Sunroof $1900, Bluetooth $450

Pros: Roomy, Looks great, Drivesgreat, Handles beautifully, Won Australia's Best Car at the 2007 Australia's Best Car Awards

Cons: Rearward vision issues

CarAdvice rating: 4.5/5

The Mondeois a good sized car, not too big, not too small and it drives as well or better than many of the more expensive same sized rivals. In fact, I'd go so far as to say the Belgian built Mondeo XR5 drives as well as a BMW 3 Series.

Interior

The feeling of quality is the first thing you notice; its finish is much better than other cars of this price. The sporty "Alcantara & Napoli" leather seats, the blend of materials throughout and the attention to detail combine to make a well-presented mass produced car.

A leather wrapped steering wheel with info and audio buttons at a thumb's reach, cruise sits just a little lower, and a full colour dash display with all manner of settings (Ford call this HMI - Human Machine Interface) complement the well laid out dash to make the car feel even more your own.

I did find the speedometer increments a little hard to spot at a glance, but otherwise, it's a flashy set-up which is easy to use and to live with day-to-day and illuminates in a classy soft blue-white hue at night.

The sweet little MP3 compatible six stack Sony stereo with i-Pod connection has just enough bassand can be fitted with Bluetooth interface for an additional charge.

Dual zone climate control, variable heated seats, one-touch power windows, and start/stop button, all add up to make you feel this is a good deal for your hard earned cash.

Space

The interior space is bigger than it looks. The rear leg space is generous, head room is great and although it's a little narrower than a Falcon, it shares a wide centre console to give the impression the car is a full-sized family hatch.

Your luggage is spoilt too. The low loading lip is ideal when you've got an armful of bags. The hatch opens wide to accommodate just about all manner of goods and you can flip the rear seats down flat and gain another few acres - great for those snowboarding trips!

Safety

Safety features on offer are seven air bags, standard ESP, five-star ANCAP rating, ISOFIX prepared rear seating, Traction Control, and ABS with Emergency Brake Assist.

The stopping is impressive. The braking is progressive, smooth and strong.The soft pads and rotors make for optimal braking performance which seems to always be ready.

Price

ADR tests claim a combined average fuel economy of 9.5l /100km which although is believable, may not be sustainable.

Features

Front and rear parking sensors, capless re-fuelling, rain sensing wipers, and auto headlights.

Drive

Reversing can be tricky because of the rearward vision. The raked rear window and rear spoiler create a limited line of sight which the parking sensors go some way to help overcome.

The Mondeo is good in traffic. It gives a decent ride over mid-corner lumps and bumps. The whole manual experience is rather pleasant and a lot nicer than you'd expect for a $40K car

Engine

At the heart of the beast is a Duratec 2.5 litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing a respectable 162kW and 320Nm.

Go and take one for a drive yourself. It's well worth your time and may even coerce you down from a larger car.

Photographs and review by Matt Brogan

CarAdvice ratings

Overall: 4.5
How does it drive: 5
How does it look: 4.5
How does it go: 3.5

2008 Ford Mondeo XR5 Specifications

Engine: 2.5 litre five-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 162kW @ 5000rpm
Torque: 320Nm @ 1500rpm
Top speed: 245km/h
0-100km/h: 7.3 seconds (claimed)
Drive: Front Wheel Drive
Transmission: 6sp Manual
Turning Circle: 11.45 metres
Emission rating: Euro IV
Fuel Type:98 Octane PULP
Fuel tank capacity:70L
Fuel consumption:9.5L/100km (combined)
Spare Wheel: Space Saver
Towing Capacity: 1600 kg (braked)
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000 kms

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