Ford Mondeo 2.3 AT

The current Ford Mondeo has already earned a lot of praise in the specialized press, so there is no particular point in describing its merits in detail once again. The latest modification of this model continues a good tradition: we have the same solid and spacious car with confident handling and a reasonable price. But it is the version with the new 2.3-liter Duratec-HE petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission that brings the car to that very ideal balance — a true "sweet spot."

The combination of a 161-horsepower engine and an intelligent automatic gearbox gives the car not only lively and temperamental dynamics in city traffic, but also keeps the car's appetite within very modest limits. The figures confirm this: acceleration to 100 km/h takes 10.5 seconds, the top speed reaches 207 km/h, and the average fuel consumption stays at 9.3 liters per 100 km. You feel this constantly behind the wheel — both when overtaking, which requires a powerful and quick "burst," and when you stop at a gas station only once a week. It seems the engineers managed to find that very successful compromise formula.

2004 Ford Mondeo 2.3
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Driving
The on-road behavior is comfortable and predictable for this class. The suspension has good energy intensity and handles bumps excellently.

Interior
Inside is spacious, ergonomics are thought out to the smallest detail. Sound insulation is top-notch — extraneous sounds barely penetrate the cabin.

Price
The cost of the car fully corresponds to its capabilities and characteristics.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Clear and predictable handling, suspension that is not afraid of bad roads, as well as a comfortable and quiet interior.
– During sharp lane changes, the car hints at understeer, and the quality of some interior trim elements could be higher.

Our opinion

Five points