Ford Mondeo 2.2 TDCI Titanium X Estate (2008) CAR review

Is there anything actually wrong with the Ford Mondeo? Sure, a few people may grumble about drive being sent to the front wheels, or the fact that the badge on the front is a blue oval and not a blue and white propeller. But really, the latest Mondeo is quiet, comfortable and a damn good drive.

About the only criticism we could level at the Mondeo is that it lacks a bit of grunt, especially as it’s a hefty beast. Sure, there’s a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine but it’s not what you’d call economical. And the engines that you’d call economical just aren’t fast enough.

The solution comes in the shape of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel co-developed with PSA that also finds work in various big Peugeots and Citroens.

So this diesel solves all the Ford Mondeo’s problems?

Pretty much. The increase to 2197cc brings an extra 35bhp and 44lb ft, with only a 25kg penalty. But it does weigh 1615kg or nearly 100kg more than the equivalent Volkswagen Passat Estate.

On the road though you wouldn’t notice and there’s typical decent diesel shove from very low revs. If you want to drive it like a petrol it’ll rev past 4000rpm before any engine noise becomes too intrusive. Be sensible, stick below 3000rpm, use that 295lb ft slug of torque and you can make brisk, easy progress.