Ford Mondeo Hybrid Review

Ford Ireland has bitten the bullet and decided to import the Ford Mondeo HEV (Hybrid) into Ireland. The timing is perfect just as hybrid sales begin to show growth and the Irish start to come around to the idea that it’s time to start preparing for the all-electric future that lies on the horizon. The Ford Mondeo Hybrid is another car that will help motorists bridge the changing motoring landscape. The Ford Mondeo Hybrid is a petrol electric hybrid (no plugs) and claims to sip fuel with C02 emissions as low as 89g/km. Let’s see shall we? I recently checked out Ford’s first hybrid model for Ireland at none other than the Luas Depot in Dublin, the HQ of Dublin’s all-electric tram network.

Styling

There are no ‘odd’ bits to the Mondeo Hybrid, in fact it’s a rather handsome beast especially in Vignale trim with larger wheels and chrome detail. It helps that the Mondeo HEV is sold as a four door saloon only in Ireland. The Mondeo hatchback has pretty much taken over in Ireland, but the saloon has a lot of class and grandeur to it.

Interior

The interior of the Ford Mondeo is starting to look a little tired but the HEV does come well-equipped so there are plenty of creature comforts on board making it a great long distance cruiser. Infotainment is provided via the SYNC 3 system with 8” touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The instrument panel has a digital element with unique information displayed about the hybrid system. You can also view the power flow between the electric motor and the engine from the touchscreen.

Practicality

The Mondeo Hybrid will seat five and inside it’s still a large and comfortable space for driver and passengers. Unfortunately boot space is down to about 386 litres in the hybrid because of the battery on board. There’s also an awkward ‘step’ in the boot and the saloon opening is naturally not the most practical. But I am reliably informed that a set of golf clubs will fit in there!

Power

The Ford Mondeo Hybrid combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 187bhp. Power is fed to the road through a CVT automatic gearbox. 0 to 100kmh is 9.2 seconds.

On the road

The Ford Mondeo Hybrid is quiet on the move and slips between electric and petrol power in order to optimise efficiency. Hybrids are best when driven with a calm right foot; the Mondeo HEV is no different. The revs get raucous if you give the accelerator too much welly, typical of CVT driven powertrains. Yet there is power there when you need it, so overtaking and joining the motorway is not a problem. The Mondeo Hybrid is nice to drive, comfortable and agile with the well-weighted steering of its petrol and diesel counterparts. It’s properly efficient too: on a 40 minute run up and down the motorway, and a small bit of slower urban driving, I averaged 4.7l/100km.

Equipment

In Ireland the Ford Mondeo is offered in two trims: Titanium and an upscale Vignale model. Equipment on Titanium models includes 16” alloy wheels, SYNC 3 with 8” touchscreen, keyless start and entry, sports seats, rain sensing windscreen wipers, traffic sign recognition, ambient lighting, high series instrument cluster display and parking sensors front and rear. Vignale adds 18″ alloy wheels, metallic paint, rear view camera and adaptive LED daytime running lights.

Pricing

The Mondeo HEV Titanium is available from €32,745 (including a promotional launch discount and VRT rebate). The Vignale model is available from €35,280 making it quite the bargain over an equivalent Mondeo diesel.

Verdict

The Ford Mondeo HEV adds a flash of modernity to the Mondeo and indeed the whole Ford range in Ireland. The Mondeo itself is starting to age and is looking a bit tired inside, but it’s still a very popular choice in its segment. The Mondeo Hybrid will give fleet buyers and lovers of large saloons something to think about because it is well-specced and well-priced. But most pleasing it that the Mondeo Hybrid also has the potential to deliver some great economy figures.

Caroline Kidd