Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 EcoBoost (240ps) Titanium

New engines, new styling and new technology have all been added to Ford's latest Mondeo to further its appeal. Now pitched as an affordable premium car, the workhorse estate offers the same level of refinement as its hatchback cousin.

With the premium manufacturers upping their game in response to the Mondeo's increasingly luxurious appeal and sub-premium rivals also unveiling stylish and well built models in the years since its launch, Ford has revised the Mondeo to keep it one step ahead.

Exterior revisions include LED lighting, a trapezoidal grille and increased chrome around the window-line. Inside, the instrument and control layout has been revised and there are new material and colour options available.

New technology is also a feature of the line-up. Lane departure warning, automatic high beam activation, driver weariness alert are available. Reversing cameras and a blind spot notification system also mean the revised Mondeo has a technically advanced feel to support the increasingly premium ambience inside.

Under the bonnet, a 2.0-litre DuraTorq diesels offer impressive performance combined with CO2 emissions that will benefit drivers in terms of taxation along with a eco-centric 1.6 diesel, while a new 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol unit combines with Ford's PowerShift twin-clutch transmission to provide a 19 per cent reduction in emissions over the old 2.3-litre petrol automatic combination with a 50 per cent increase in power.

Our verdict on the Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 EcoBoost (240ps) Titanium

This revised Mondeo looks, feels and goes even better than the well regarded previous generation. Both the car's styling and interior ambience is improved, while the new equipment available means the model remains at the cutting edge. The various engine options ensure that the Mondeo feels great

Costs

Models will need to be carefully chosen to ensure a decent return in residual value but the more efficient engine options will drive down the cost of ownership without having to sacrifice performance. With all cars boasting generous levels of standard equipment, there's no less need to spend so much on options.

Space and practicality

Space is not an issue with the Mondeo, with the estate version offering folding rear seats to further boost its carrying capacity. The flat load bay makes handling large or bulky items easy, and the low load lip is a further bonus. Storage options in the front are adequate with a very deep glovebox and room between the front seats for additional items.

Controls and display

The Mondeo's centre console design is neat and intuitive and the main switchgear all feels slickly engineered. The main instrument cluster is dominated by a colour display that offers a wide range of pictorial and text information in an easy to read manner.

Comfort

The combination of impressive ride quality and interior space does much to enhance the Mondeo's 'big car' feel. Head, shoulder and legroom are all generous and the seats are supportive and well bolstered. Road and engine noise remain at very low levels on the road.

Car security

From remote central locking to an advanced alarm system, all of the usual security features are in place. For added convenience, a 'keyless-go' system is available. The Mondeo also contains plenty of covered storage inside the cabin and the boot contents remains concealed thanks to the estate variant's sturdy retractable load cover.

Car safety

Along with a full array of airbags and ESP systems comes a raft of intelligent technology designed to make the Mondeo a safer car on the road. A lane departure warning system vibrates the wheel to alert drivers to a drifting situation, a Driver Alert system warns drivers when they are letting their attention slide by monitoring the vehicles behaviour and Blind Spot Assist effective at alerting to the presence of vehicles within the immediate vicinity. The Mondeo can even dim its own headlamps to prevent blinding oncoming traffic.

Driver appeal

The Mondeo is a rewarding car to drive; its excellent chassis is predictable and responsive, and there's a nimble feel to the steering. The new EcoBoost engines are powerful, responding quickly to throttle input with smooth delivery across the rev-range. The PowerShift transmission is equally competent in full auto or manual mode. And don't think that the estate variant is second best - it's no less agile despite the extra mass over the rear wheels.

Family car appeal

Although Ford offers an excellent range of MPV's, the Mondeo is perfectly capable of serving as a dual-purpose family and business car. The rear will easily accommodate three growing children and the estate variant is large enough for pushchairs and the like.

First car appeal

It's unlikely that the Mondeo will appeal to the first time driver. It's a big car, by novice standards, and will cost a fair bit to run even with the more economical engine options available.

Quality and image

The rapidly improving quality and upmarket appeal of Ford's products has not gone unnoticed by car buyers. The improvements to the Mondeo make it feel like an even more quality product and, although the badge remains less desirable than some of the German premium manufacturers, the Mondeo's overall quality easily rivals the competition.

Accessibility

A practical and versatile car, accessing the Mondeo's cabin is easy from both front and rear doors and the large rear tailgate requires minimal effort to operate. The flat, wide load bay also proves easy to access.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

The standard-fit unit will likely be good enough for most people, while the premium offering boasts excellent sound quality through a high output, multi channel ten-speaker configuration. For a car competing in the business sector, Bluetooth and sat-nav are available or present depending on trim level.

Colours and trim

The Mondeo looks good in more conservative silvers and dark colours. Inside, the black satin effect centre console is among the revisions - it's subjective whether it's an improved design but it certainly looks and feels upmarket. LED lighting adds a premium ambience and part Alcantara interiors are a welcome addition.

Parking

Although the Mondeo feels like a big car, speed dependent steering and decent visibility make it a reasonably easy vehicle to manoeuvre. A rear view camera is now available with a picture displayed on the central screen.

Spare wheel

Space saver fitted as standard.

Range information

Petrol engine options - 1.6-litre (120bhp); 1.6-litre EcoBoost (160bhp); 2.0-litre (145bhp); 2.0-litre EcoBoost (203bhp, 240bhp). Diesel engine options - 1.6-litre (115bhp); 1.8-litre (125bhp); 2.0-litre (140bhp, 163bhp). Transmission options: five-speed manual gearbox, six-speed manual gearbox, six-speed PowerShift twin-clutch automatic gearbox, conventional six-speed auto gearbox. Trim levels: Edge, Edge Plus, Zetec, Titanium, Titanium X.

Alternative cars

Vauxhall Insignia Vauxhall's fleet favourite has similarly upmarket appeal

Honda Accord Under-rated Japanese model also strong on tech and premium ambience

Mazda6 Great looking, good value practical estate variant

BMW 3 Series A strong range of tax-friendly engines and huge badge appeal