Ford Mondeo Estate (07 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 21 February 2011
The Ford Mondeo Estate's reputation as one of the best load-lugging cars continues with the 2007 model, only now it is even more capable. Elegant styling disguises even greater carrying capacity than before, while the quality feel of the interior has been improved substantially with top-grade materials and soft-touch plastics. Despite the increase in size and weight it's as impressive to drive as the hatchback version and looks just as good. The car’s ride and refinement deserve special mention since the Mondeo Estate is now arguably more comfortable than German rivals from BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. There’s an impressive engine line-up including some low-CO2 diesel offerings which mean low VED or company car tax, plus some more powerful petrol units for those who want to drive a little faster. It’s also worth noting that unlike many estate cars, you don’t get the boomy effect of having large amounts of space behind the rear seats. It’s a very composed and quiet affair. Perhaps the only problem is the confusion stemming from whether an Edge is better than a Zetec or a Ghia is better than a Titanium. In 2010 the Mondeo received a little cosmetic surgery. The most noticeable part of this refresh is the new nose-job. The front-end has had a complete overhaul, this includes an enlarged lower grille and a smaller upper grille, while the rear receives new LED tail-lights, an all-new bumper, a reshaped valance and an integrated rear spoiler. The interior has also had a little nip/tuck. There is now a one-piece central console, it is soft to touch and the plastics are of a higher quality. More kit is offered as standard including blind-spot alerts, lane-departure steering-wheel vibrators, an alertness assessor, a rear-view camera, automatic headlight dipping speed limiter and LED daytime running lights. Ford’s excellent Powershift gearbox was introduced as standard on the Mondeo in 2010 on the 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine while it was an optional extra for the 2.0-litre Duratorq diesel engine. Read on for our comprehensive Ford Mondeo Estate review and find out just why the car has its German rivals in its sights...
4.5 out of 5

Other Ford reviews

3 out of 5

Buying new

Prices have actually come down for this generation Mondeo but the downside to this is that discounts aren’t as generous. However, it's still possible to get a decent chunk off the asking price with some determined haggling. Car supermarkets are worth a look as they often have Mondeos at surprisingly low prices, but the choice can be limited in terms of the engines and trims. Key options to go for are sat nav and Bluetooth connectivity - they'll not only make life on board more comfortable, but should also make your car easier to sell on. However it's disappointing that even the (expensive) top of the range models don't come with sat nav as standard. Starting prices undercut its German rivals and with the added kit and the new looks the 2010 model year is sure to worry the German makers with this version of the Mondeo.

Buy a new Ford Mondeo Estate and save 24% on selected models

4 out of 5

Buying used

Despite improvements, the Mondeo estate will still depreciate pretty heavily, which is good news for second owners. Cars used by company car drivers will typically hit the road at three years old and will usually have covered 20,000 miles a year or more. However, Ford dealers should have a good stock of low mileage ex-demonstrators, ex-rental vehicles and Ford company cars, which should be well equipped and well maintained. Look for models with optional self-levelling suspension if you're going to be regularly towing a caravan or large trailer. The most popular model of the Mondeo is Zetec, it has lots of standard kit but make sure you get one in good condition, there are plenty around so you can take your time.

  • Boot/Load Space Ford Mondeo Estate (07 on)
  • Interior Ford Mondeo Estate (07 on)

View full gallery

See 262 used Ford Mondeo Estates for sale, starting at £4,900

3 out of 5

Selling

Price and condition are vital in this market, so make sure you’re asking the right amount by checking Parker’s Prices and keep the servicing schedule up-to-date.