If you've been living on Pluto for the last few months, you may not know that Ford's new Mondeo has been welcomed to the new car market with open arms. Just about every motor journalist has been praising Ford's latest fleet car, but to simply agree with them would be wrong.
Well, that's our excuse anyway, and after a brief phone call, Ford supplied us with a new Mondeo 2.0 Ghia, fortunately at the same time as Volkswagen supplied our sister mag, PVW with a new Passat 2.0. Surely the Blue Oval beauty should be head and shoulders above its German Competitor?
Firstly, the Mondeo is difficult to fault - of that there is no question. However, by no means is it perfect either. The new edge lines give it a modern feel, and the interior is very well presented with just enough chrome to complement the sexy all-black leather inside. The two-litre 145 bhp Duratic engine can take a hell of a lot of revs, so while it may not be as quick as an RST, it's pretty entertaining, but, do you leave the Mondeo a satisfied and inspired human being? Well, it's not a sportscar so you don't get out tingling, but it's so comfy and smooth, you get out feeling like you've just been soaped down by a gaggle of page three stunnas. The traction control is faultless, so throwing it into corners gives a feeling of confidence, but braking does assist underpant soiling. While our Ghia stopped well enough, it dived a whole lot when the anchors were put on which made you feel like you were gonna fly through the windscreen. This could be down to journalistic abuse, however, so we'll keep our mouths shut about that one. Tch! Fappin' journos!
Put the Mondeo beside the Passat and see if you can spot the difference. Styling is similar, but neither are oil paintings. The Passat's new Gerard Depardieu-style nose loses points for looks. Nah, the Mondeo takes the styling honours with it's chunky 17's, red-tinted rear-lights and aggressive slanty front end.
Inside, the Passat again loses points for its slightly tackier, plastic grey interior. We're sure this could be sorted with a few VW options thrown in, though. The engine seems slightly torquier than the Mondeo's, with decent pick-up through the gears, and thankfully, braking is approached with more confidence. Once you're in the corner, though, you'd probably be rather sitting behind the Blue Oval. The Mondeo certainly felt flatter and firmer than the Passat in the turns.
Ultimately, both these cars would be welcome additions to any company's fleet. They serve their purpose as family orientated company cars, and these two will certainly be class leaders if past form is considered. The Mondeo will doubtless come out on top, however, due to slightly better styling and refinement. Not to mention all the accolades it is receiving from the press. You could almost look forward to middle age.

PERFORMANCE
Ford Mondeo 2.0 Ghia
Max. Power: 145bhp,
Max. Torque: 140 lb/ft
Max. Speed: 133mph
0-62 mph: 9.2 sec

Volkswagen Passat 2.0
Max. Power: 115bhp
Max. Torque: 127lb/ft
Max. Speed: 124mph
0-62 mph: 11.2 sec