Ford Mondeo Vignale 2.0 TDCi 210 Powershift

Taking on the BMW 3 Series is a brave move. Can this upmarket version of the Mondeo pull it off?
There’s no denying that the Vignale is a step up for the Mondeo
What Car|Sarah Bradley10 January 2016

The evergreen Mondeo may be a big-selling family saloon, but Ford can’t claim it’s ever been a serious rival to the likes of the BMW 3 Series. However, the blue oval hopes to change all that with the Vignale, an upmarket version of the model that’s aiming straight at the heart of the compact executive market.

On the surface, there are enough subtle visual changes to give the newcomer a little extra panache. Externally, a hexagonal grille and generous helping of chrome lift the styling to the next level, while the cabin features more luxurious appointments as standard than in the normal Mondeo range.

It comes with a range of engines, including a 237bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel teamed with all-wheel drive. Our test car was front-wheel drive, with a 207bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel and automatic gearbox. Performance, handling and ride were pretty good, if not exhilarating, although the transmission didn’t help. Its change patterns seem inappropriately matched to the diesel’s torque and power.

Our test car was front-wheel drive, with a 207bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel and automatic gearbox

Despite a little oil-burner clatter bypassing the extra sound deadening and sound-cancelling software to filter through into the cabin, the interior is a very pleasant environment. Plenty of hand-stitched leather on the dashboard and seats adds to the executive vibe, even if the use of some hard plastics reminds you this car is from the Ford stable, not that of one of the German exec marques. The upmarket feel is backed up by generous standard kit, such as heated seats, Bluetooth, sat-nav, DAB and a quality Sony stereo.

Plenty of hand-stitched leather on the dashboard and seats adds to the executive vibe

There’s no denying that the Vignale is a step up for the Mondeo, but it’s competing in a tough marketplace, and it simply can’t compete with the standards set by the likes of the excellent new Audi A4. At this price point, there’s plenty of choice from manufacturers that customers better identify with the brand cachet, quality and driving experience expected of a compact exec.

Ford Mondeo Vignale 2.0 TDCi 210 Powershift

Engine: 2.0-litre diesel

Price: from £31,595

Power: 207bhp

Torque: 332lb ft

0-62mph: 7.9 seconds

Top speed: 145mph

Fuel economy: 56.5mpg

CO2: 130g/km

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