Road Test Written by Richard Gooding
Ford Mondeo Estate Vignale Hybrid Among a barrage of SUVs, the Ford Mondeo resolutely stands its family car ground. Ahead of big electrification plans, Richard Gooding discovers that the addition of an estate body style to the Mondeo’s hybrid range expands Ford’s electrified reach a little practically further What is it? The Ford Mondeo was launched amid great fanfare in 1993, and over the past 27 years has become a by-word for family saloons, the New Labour party even coining the phrase ‘Mondeo man’ in the 1990s. Over three subsequent generations, the market for family cars has shifted beyond all recognition, with SUVs now finding favour for ferrying passengers and luggage, but many believe that cars like the Mondeo still have a place, however small, for business users. The first Mondeo was first electrified in 2014, but only in saloon guise, the estate version not appearing until 2019. The body style might be a new addition to the Mondeo Hybrid range, but the powertrain technology is much as before, the enhanced refinement of the petrol engine being the only noticeable change. How does it drive? The Mondeo Estate Hybrid’s appearance in range-topping Vignale trim is certainly upmarket. The hexagonal-patterned grille and external chrome finishes lift it above less plush Mondeos, the no-cost Vignale Premium Chrome Blue paintwork lending it an understated but classy air. Inside, it’s a similar story, the quilted leather seats and glossy surfaces creating an impression of opulence. There’s also a leatherlike dashboard covering and more chrome finishes, and the 10-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats mean there’s little danger of not feeling comfortable.
26
The hybrid Mondeo’s powertrain consists of highest engine torque at the lowest speeds for a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle, four-cylinder petrol efficiency and performance. And on the whole, engine with independent variable camshaft it works. In urban environments, the all-electric timing, mated to a rear-mounted 88kW running is smooth, too, if not that long-lasting, electric motor and 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery. once the accelerator pedal is pressed. The electric motor is coupled to a generator A ‘self-charging’ hybrid – there is no plug-in in a transaxle which splits power between option – the Mondeo Hybrid’s battery is the petrol engine, the electric motor itself or charged from excess energy when braking or engages them both at once. The automatic cruising, and the regenerative braking has been CVT transmission uses a planetary gearset, improved since the original model of 2015, with in a similar set-up to that which Toyota uses up to 90 per cent of hitherto wasted energy in its hybrid range. Just like other Mondeos, recaptured. Ford’s ‘Brake Coach’ encourages the hybrid model is front-wheel drive, and gradual braking to harvest even more, and an enjoys the same positive dynamic ability that ‘L’ (low) gear mode maximises engine braking modern Fords are known for, even if at a slightly for short periods. An ‘EcoSelect’ driving mode muted level due to the car’s 1,716kg weight. promotes greater economy and electricallyTotal system power is 184bhp, which seems powered on-board systems – power steering, a fair amount for such a large car, but Ford as well as vacuum and water pumps – also has set up the Mondeo Hybrid predominantly help with energy efficiency. A for economy. And that’s perhaps to be host of graphical gauges The expected in a car which wears a and read-outs both is ‘hybrid’ badge, but the pace can be ahead of the driver y r e t t a b found wanting in some instances. and on the central m o fr At speed, though, the car is infotainment display charged gy when r e supremely refined, but press the monitor efficiency. n e excess or cruising, accelerator pedal and the petrol The loss of some engine becomes quite vocal. It’s of the Mondeo braking enerative better to get up to speed and Estate’s practicality and reg has been cruise, and that’s one thing the is one of the braking roved Mondeo Hybrid is very good at. In biggest drawbacks imp Vignale specification, the Mondeo of the transition to Hybrid is almost whisper quiet. The a hybrid. The battery revised hybrid powertrain adjusts the pack is mounted under the transmission ratios seamlessly and employs the boot floor, and there is a very
DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net
