Ford Executive has the edge

As soon as I finished test driving the Executive version of the Ford Mondeo I began to make a few unusual comparisons - with the Audi A4, for example. At eur 31,299 this Mondeo costs eur 127 less than the entry level A4 and that particular model has a 1.6 engine, as compared to the Mondeo's 2.0 litre unit.

Some might be surprised that a car with a somewhat anonymous reputation like the Mondeo would stand comparison with the likes of the A4. But whatever about the Mondeos that have gone before, the new Mondeo is not an anonymous car and the Executive version stands out on its own. Of course, the styling of the Executive version is essentially the same but extras like the 16 inch alloy wheels suggest something different in the performance department.

The Executive has a 2.0 litre engine, a new unit from Ford that is responsive, smooth and as fast as one would want. It delivers 145 horse power in a very balanced way across the range and has excellent acceleration and torque. Getting from 0 to 60mph in just under ten seconds or having a stop speed of 134mph are not figures one needs these days but they indicate the kind of acceleration the Mondeo is capable of if you should find yourself in a jam.

What gives the Mondeo the edge over other competitors and some cars with more prestigious names, however, is the kind of standard equipment you get with the car. Leather upholstery, electronic automatic air conditioning, a trip computer, a black wood dash finish, electric mirrors and windows throughout and a four speaker CD and radio are all standard.

More importantly, the safety package of the Mondeo range puts others to shame. Driver and passenger airbags, side airbags and inflatable air curtains are all standard. The front airbags are actually "smart" technology bags which inflate in accordance with the severity of an impact, as determined by sensors in the front of the car and seats.

The car also wins out on performance, ride and handling. The 2.0 litre unit gives a much better account of itself than other similar engines and the Mondeo benefits from the huge investment in engineering that went into the development of the new Mondeo range. Ford Ireland say the Executive will broaden the appeal of the car "into the middle and senior management bracket, where demand for the 2.0 litre powertrain is strong".

This most impressive car does wonders for the image of the Mondeo and is a genuine star in its own right. Slightly more expensive five-door and estate models are also available at eur 31,807 and eur 32,566 respectively. You can also have an automatic transmission on any model.

by Donal Byrne

January 2002