Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi CAR review

A new Mondeo... isn't that supposed to be a snore-worthy non-event?

Definitely not. The very mention of Mondeo might not raise the heartbeat, but this is an important car for Ford. Not only does it sell in huge numbers (easily top 10 fodder in the UK, despite declining sales), but it defines the middle market. If Ford gets the Mondeo right, the Blue Oval is in good shape. It's the bedrock of its range. The Mondeo has even entered the national lexicon here in the UK. Although apparently misquoted (he was pointing at a Sierra, according to some reports), prime minister Tony Blair coined the phrase Mondeo Man when on the political campaign trail; the Mondeo is the very essence of transport for the masses. It's Everyman's favourite wheels and therefore A Very Important Car.

This new Mondeo looks pretty slick... for a Ford

Car companies love a good design label. BMW invented flame surfacing, Lexus came up with the crazily titled L-Finesse and Ford has been guilty of its own grandiose-sounding design catchphrases. New Edge was the brand's 1990s philosophy and heralded landmark models such as the Ka and Focus Mk1. But tastes have changed and Ford now talks of Kinetic Design, ushered in by its latest design overlord Martin Smith. Out go the bold, geometric shapes of the '90s, replaced by a more sober, classier lines. It works, too. In the metal, the new Mondeo looks slick, sophisticated, quite German even. And who'd have thought we'd ever write that about a humble Mondeo? There's wedge aplenty in the side profile, and the kicked-up rear window line helps provide a sporty stance. It ain't beautiful and it ain't head-turning, but it might be enough to persuade Jo Public out of their Passats and 3-series.