Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Mondeo

We like the 2.0-litre diesel in Ford's Mondeo, but how does the 1.8 TDCi Zetec model compare?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Ford Mondeo
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

If you want a diesel Mondeo, you’re spoiled for choice. Ford offers four engines in total, and this 123bhp 1.8-litre TDCi is a great pick. It has plenty of performance, good refinement and returns excellent economy and emissions figures. Add in superb handling, build quality and a massive amount of cabin space, and you’ve got a fine family and business car. Only the high list price really counts against the 1.8 TDCi.

Advertisement - Article continues below

With a range-topping diesel in the shape of a 138bhp 2.0-litre TDCi unit, it’s easy to overlook the smaller 1.8 TDCi engine in the Ford Mondeo line-up.

However, with 123bhp and the same 320Nm of torque as its more expensive brother, the 1.8-litre looks good on paper. And the rest of the figures impress, with combined fuel economy of nearly 50mpg and CO2 emissions of 154g/km. So, how does it stack up on the road?

It’s certainly a strong performer. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, which makes it a capable motorway cruiser with decent response even at high speeds. Factor in excellent refinement and a comfortable driving position, and you have a brilliant long-distance companion.

The engine pulls hard once it gets past the 2,500rpm mark, and thanks to an overboost facility, which briefly increases the peak torque figure to 340Nm under full throttle, overtaking moves are dispatched with ease.

Fine steering, ride and handling also ensure the Mondeo is great fun to drive on the open road. In town, the engine can lab­our at low speeds in second gear. Still, it’s hard to argue with 48.7mpg combined economy and a company car tax band of 20 per cent. These figures manage to better those of the 2.0 TDCi – which returns 47.9mpg and sits in the 21 per cent band.

Our model was also fitted with a couple of highlights from the options list. The £1,600 DVD sat-nav system has a simple touchscreen display and includes a superb Sony stereo, while adaptive headlamps, which turn with the steered wheels, greatly improve night vision. The latter is perhaps a better-value option, too, at £350.

So which engine should you go for? Well, they’re both excellent. If you want a little more performance and are prepared to pay an extra £400, the 2.0-litre is ideal. However, the 1.8 TDCi certainly isn’t a poorer choice.

Rival: Renault Laguna
With its stylish looks and quality cabin, the new Laguna has real showroom appeal. Yet beneath the surface, it’s not much of a leap over its predecessor. The 2.0-litre diesel is frugal and refined, but the car is disappointing to drive.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,211
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025