A significant addition to Ford's Mondeo range arrived as part of the MB series upgrades - a stylish European style wagon..
Available in both 'LX' and 'Zetec' model grades, the wagon is powered by Ford's 2.3-litre petrol engine and delivers a massive load space up to 1733 litres.
For families and commercial fleets, the Mondeo wagon provides comprehensive standard specifications, nice driving dynamics, excellent build quality and a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
What You Get
The team at Car Showroom are all fans of the Mondeo - we like its contemporary European styling, clever packaging and on-road performance. The wagon also ticks those boxes.
We tested both LX and Zetec models and were very impressed by the comprehensive list of standard features - including voice control for compatible mobile phones, audio and climate control systems (the only vehicle in the class with this feature) - and its value proposition ($32,990 for the LX and $37,990 for the Zetec).
Under The Hood
While Mondeo hatch offers an optional TDCi diesel engine, currently the wagon is only available with Ford's 2.3-litre Duratec 16-valve four cylinder petrol powerplant driving the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift.
Maximum power is 118kW at 6500 rpm and peak torque is 208Nm at 4200rpm.
Over a variety of urban and rural roads, the Mondeo Wagon was certainly responsive and refined.
The Interior
As part of the MB series upgrades, LX model Mondeos, including the wagon, gained a nice leather-wrapped steering wheel, Cruise Control and Bluetooth phone connectivity.
Zetec models get upgraded seat fabrics, a premium instrument cluster display and USB/MP3 integration.
LX models have a single CD player/eight speaker audio system while Zetec models boast an excellent Sony premium six-disc system plus rain-sensing wipers, climate control air, automatic headlights and front/rear parking sensors.
Seats are supportive, the steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach and the center console is a modern design with easy-to-use controls.
On the safety front there are seven airbags - including side curtain and drivers' knee airbag - Dynamic Stability Control and ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
But the big news is the load area - 1733 litres with the rear seats folded flat (a 60/40 split) or 542 litres upright. The tailgate offers a low loading lip.
For families and commercial customers who would otherwise look at full-size wagons or SUVs, the Mondeo wagon easily meets most needs.
Exterior & Styling
A product of Ford's European design studios, the Mondeo wagon (like its hatchback sibling) exudes modern, contemporary looks.
The LX rides on 16-inch wheels while the Zetec gains stylish 17-inch 'Y-Spoke' alloys.
Zetec models also get front fog lights, body-colour door handles, an enhanced grille and some chrome finishes.
On The Road
Mondeo rides on an independent McPherson strut front suspension and Ford's independent Control Blade multi-link rear. Ride is typically European - precise and a tad firmer than local products.
We were impressed with the wagon's dynamics over a variety of roads.
Tipping the scales at 1545kg (LX) or 1570kg (Zetec) the Mondeo wagon is no lightweight but the 2.3-litre Duratec engine has ample power and, mated to the six-speed transmission, it was nicely responsive.
Ford says the combined cycle fuel economy is 9.5l/100kms - that's a lot better than a Falcon or Commodore wagon
As you would expect from a European vehicle, refinement levels were high even when accelerating hard up steep hills.
Challenges
No diesel wagon at present but we reckon it will be a beauty when it arrives.
Verdict
Ford is looking for the wagon to deliver substantial sales growth for the Mondeo range and has already secured some major fleet sales ahead of its local launch.
It deserves to be a success because by any measure the Mondeo wagon is a great vehicle.
For wagon/SUV buyers the question is: do you really need all that space? For many private and commercial buyers, the answer is no and when you combine its huge luggage space, modern European styling, excellent build quality, nice driving dynamics, meager fuel consumption, impressive safety and standard features…well the Mondeo wagon certainly presents a strong argument.
It's sharply priced too.
The Competition
Visit any school at morning and afternoon peak hours and you'll see the Mondeo Wagon's rivals - Falcon and Commodore wagons, crossovers like the Mitsubishi Outlander and the SUV lineup like Toyota Kluger, Nissan X-TRAIL etc.
It's all about packaging and space efficiency.
Thumbs-up:
Styling; quality; load capacity; driving dynamics; safety; value
Thumbs-down:
No diesel at launch
