Test drive Ford Mondeo Turnier 2.0 TDCi: Good worker
Mondeo has long been one of the cornerstones of the European car lineup. Ford and the popular family model, as well as an essential tool for all those whose business requires frequent, fast and economical travel. Testing of an upgraded version of the model in a combi-variant Turnier with a diesel TDCi with a power of 163 hp. and a dual-clutch transmission.
Not so long ago, Michael Schumacher himself decided to publicly highlight the qualities of the Mondeo, highlighting its excellent road behavior and engine dynamics. Indeed, Michael was not yet a seven-time Formula 1 champion at the time, and the ad was just part of his sponsorship deal, but the praise was undoubtedly well deserved. In the same 1994, the model became the European "Car of the Year", and although the global plan did not materialize on the originally planned scale, Mondeo managed to establish itself as a significant figure on the Old Continent and become a favorite of both families and for the company's fleet managers, bringing solid profits to the European Blue Oval headquarters in Cologne.
Snack
In order to maintain the won positions, the third generation of the model has recently undergone major upgrades, including stylistic updates, technological optimization and the enrichment of equipment with the latest electronic driver assistance systems.
In addition to the significantly increased grille area, the front of the Mondeo impresses with the brightness of the LED daytime running lights, which are unavoidable in any new model lately, but much more important are the small and effective measures taken to improve the overall quality experience. , and to optimize individual details in the interior.
Everything here looks solid and thoughtful, decorative elements and upholstery create an unobtrusive feeling of luxury, and improved interior lighting is sure to be appreciated in family use. The classic fuel temperature and temperature gauges on the dash behind the steering wheel have given way to a modern color display, and the Titanium seats continue to maintain their familiar high levels of performance - with a large range of adjustment, firm and excellent lateral support, which inspires hope for the exceptional road experience familiar from the first generation Focus dynamics that fans expect with each new model of the brand.
Kind soul
The engine definitely has what it takes to live up to such expectations - after all, the two-litre TDCi's maximum output is 340 Nm at 2000 rpm. At the same time, its task is literally not easy, because the modernized version of the station wagon with a length of 4,84 meters, even empty, weighs much more than 1,6 tons. Cold starting under the hood results in quite noticeable diesel noise, despite improved noise reduction measures and a modern injection system that pressurizes fuel at 2000 bar in a common "ramp" before being delivered directly to each of the cylinders via eight microelements. . Fortunately, even after the first few meters, the noise level drops significantly and calm sets in. Literally because the four-valve engine is not subject to stress.
The throttle response receives a leisurely response with a slight drop in the small turbo orifice, after which the dynamics gradually increase until the 5000 rpm limit is reached. Smoothly and without unnecessary drama, this unit provides Turnier with exactly the manufacturer's promised time of 9,8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h. Dual-clutch transmission costing 3900 BGN. He is also not one of the most temperamental creatures and does not seem to want to compete with the speed of competitors at any cost. On the other hand, the gear changes are surprisingly smooth, which is typical of classic automatic transmissions with a torque converter.
Sounds disappointing? Not at all, it's just different from what most people expect when reading specs on paper. Once the spacious van reaches cruising speed on the highway, the generous torque speaks for itself and takes you to your destination discreetly and without undue stress. Perhaps Ford engineers should consider making sixth gear slightly longer to eliminate the 3000 rpm requirement for 160 km / h.For reference, we also note that S-mode transmission is a bit pointless due to the lack of manual replaceable plates. steering wheel and generally does not match the character of the vehicle.
Everything goes according to plan
On the other hand, the braking system leaves no desire unfulfilled. Even when fully loaded (and Turnier is able to swallow and transport an impressive 720 kilograms), the car stops only after 37 meters, and empty and with cold brakes, the Ford model is nailed to a decent sports car at 36,3 meters.
The suspension is also far from being a reason for criticism. Supplementary frame-mounted front suspension (MacPherson struts) and rear suspension with Ford's notorious longitudinal struts give the model exceptional stability on the road, no matter how cornered or how sharp they are - no doubt 16 years after the former pleasure of advertising Behind Schumacher's upgraded version of the Mondeo, the steering wheel will be incomparably larger than that of its predecessor. His only remark would probably have affected the pronounced tendency to understeer, which undoubtedly has its advantages in terms of safety, but somewhat softens the ambitions of more dynamic natures.
Harsh reactions and loss of traction when changing loads can only be expected with very serious errors on the driver's side, but even with ESP off, returning the rear to the correct course is not a test supported by a straight line, but not as responsive as previous Mondeo tests, with power steering.
In terms of comfort, the Mondeo is also not capable of miracles, but does a good job at absorbing shocks from most bumps. If desired, the well-tuned standard chassis can be supplemented with adaptive suspension.
And in the final
New fuel-saving measures come standard on the model and are moderately successful at meeting their targets. The fact is that Mondeo managed to register a rather low minimum consumption of 5,2 l / 100 km on the auto motor und sport test site, but the average test consumption was 7,7 l / 100 km - a value that some competing products have. in this class, they reach and leave without much savings.
But in 1994, savings and emissions were a topic that is not of key importance today. "Just a good car," Schumi concluded the ad in his typical Rhenish dialect. That statement still holds true to this day, even though I almost made it to the Mondeo to get the final fifth star in the rankings.
Text: Jens Drale
a photo: Hans-Dieter Zeufert
Flowerbed behind the wheel
To reduce fuel consumption, Ford offers the so-called. Eco mode is hidden in one of the submenus of the center display. Based on data on accelerator pedal position, rev level and speed, the displayed image pushes the driver towards a smarter and more restrained driving style, greening more and more animated flower petals in the correct behavior.
The cost reduction in the updated Mondeo generation is also supported by technological measures, such as movable bars in the front grille, which only open when necessary, improving aerodynamics, as well as a special alternator algorithm that turns on and supplies current to the battery as a priority. braking or inertial mode.
Evaluation
Ford Mondeo Tournament 2.0 TDCi Titanium
The Mondeo modernization has benefited primarily from the interior design and electronic security systems, which offer the latest developments in this area. The lack of the last fifth star in the rating is due to a somewhat cumbersome and mediocre power path in terms of economy.
technical details
| Ford Mondeo Tournament 2.0 TDCi Titanium | |
|---|---|
| Working volume | - |
| Power | 163 k.s. at 3750 rpm |
| Maximum torque | - |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 9,8 with |
| Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h | 37 m |
| full speed | 210 km / h |
| Average consumption fuel in the test | 7,7 l |
| Base Price | 60 300 levov |
