• Simple dashboard layout
• Solid, high quality build
• Easy to find comfortable

How is the quality and layout?

Rather like the pleasing but evolutionary theme of the exterior, the Ford Mondeo’s interior breaks little new ground stylistically. Many panels are formed from soft-touch mouldings, reinforcing the premium feel as well as further helping deaden sound and reduce rattles. However, it’s undeniably feeling a little dated inside, and rivals such as the Skoda Superb offer slicker, yet equally premium-feeling cabins.

Opting for a top-end Vignale model brings plusher materials including a leather-covered dashboard and quilted seats, but these aren’t really necessary – the Mondeo’s a comfortable car regardless of trim level.

Infotainment and tech

The centre console is refreshing because it features plenty of buttons, rather than placing everything on the touchscreen. Switches are clearly labelled and easily understood once you’ve spent a little bit of time behind the wheel. The remaining physical controls work well, too, being precise in their actions and robust without feeling too workmanlike.

High on the centre console is an 8.0-inch touchscreen for the Sync3 infotainment system, which comes with crisp graphics, unambiguous text and coloured themes for each of its functions. Higher-spec models also have a combined analogue and digital instrument cluster displaying various details such as trip information, sat-nav instructions and traffic signs in a dynamic way.

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Comfort

• Generous interior space
• Comfortable seats throughout
• Rides well even on larger wheels 

With space to luxuriate in, high quality materials and a well-controlled ride quality, the Mondeo’s comfort levels are a particular area of strength. With minimal roll and fine body control, the Mondeo remains composed and doesn’t float over long undulations in road surfaces. Vignale models offer greater refinement still, with additional soundproofing making them near-silent at a motorway cruise.

Comfort remains strong at urban and motorway speeds, and while the standard suspension settings fitted in the UK cope admirably with bumps and ruts, you do feel the initial intrusion, albeit softened. It’s not severe enough to trouble passengers but it lends a sporty sensation to a car that otherwise doesn’t feel that way inclined. ST-Line cars feature lowered sports suspension that amplifies this behaviour.

Ergonomically the Mondeo is sound. There’s plenty of adjustment in the seats and steering column, while the light sensation of the steering further aids comfort. Dual-zone climate control effectively chills or warms the vast cabin remarkably quickly. Wind noise is minor, although there’s some low-level turbulence around the door mirrors. Some tyre noise also infiltrates the cabin when driving on coarser road surfaces, and this is more noticeable on cars fitted with larger alloy wheels.