Gone are the days when Henry Ford could magnanimously promise his customers a Model T or similar in any colour they wanted, provided, of course, that it was black. These days, the boot is most assuredly on the other foot, the customer being king all of that – and so his successors at the car company that he built have had to adapt to the changing parameters of the supplier-demander relationship; and admirably so, in most cases. But what of the latest Mondeo that they have rolled out – does it cater sufficiently to the whims and caprices to the 21st Century’s answer to the bloody dictators that proliferated in the one before – the terrible appetite of the emancipated consumer?

Well, look, I’m as foppish and indulged as the most depraved of Roman emperors, and I’m putting ticks in all the right boxes. With plenty of equipment, the Ford Mondeo Zetec has enough gadgets to please the techie fan. The standard cloth trim looks pretty and the seats are comfortable to sit in. They don’t feel like an old park bench after a couple of hours at the wheel, so they are very easy to live with. For those who like the leather appearance, the Ford Mondeo Zetec can be kitted with premium leather. The driver’s seat is height adjustable and comes with adjustable lumbar support so, as you can imagine, the Mondeo Zetec is supremely comfortable. Forget four speakers. You can even forget six speakers because the Ford Mondeo Zetec boasts a premium Sony sound system that has eight speakers. The sound is glorious, and it is an awesome way of shortening any long journey. An optional advanced Bluetooth Hands-Free and Voice Controlled system can run much of the cars functions. This is quite a feature that is sure to raise a few impressed eyebrows. Electric windows, dual-zone climate control and cup holders all add to the exceptional Mondeo experience.

From a less refined, more pragmatic point of view, the Mondeo is still making me thrill in all the right places – turbo-diesel engine, hatch-back, clever detailing, nice proportions and smooth and flowing bodywork. If you are frequently lumbered with bulky pieces of luggage or equipment, then the 1500 litres of boot room that the Mondeo comes equipped with ought to encompass all but the most expansive of dimensions.
For those of us who get a little neurotic about safety features, the Mondeo ought to have a range to put you troubled little mind mostly at ease. The ANCAP crash tests were passed with flying colours and barely a dent, to the chassis or its reputation for reinforced sturdiness, resulting in a string of 5-star ratings to all models. Not only does the car feel very safe on the road, the steering is accurate, the chassis balanced, and the grip and brakes are sensational. The headlights are awesome at night and the stability control ensures the car holds the road tenaciously. Should the Mondeo Zetec be involved in a high speed accident, the state-of-the-art safety features act to shield and protect the car’s occupants with the utmost care. ABS and seven airbags come as standard features.

Lifting the hood to take a quick squiz at the turbine driving the crankshaft is a revelation of smoothness and reactivity. Extra thrust is at the touch of a responsive button and is applied evenly and with discernment; meanwhile, the six-speed auto transmission swings into action to avert even a momentary loss of optimum grip. The 2.0-litre Duratorq four-cylinder turbo-diesel makes short work of passing, and the Mondeo never feels breathless. The DOHC Direct injection diesel has 320 Nm of torque from a low 1750 rpm. The 103 kW power output speaks for itself, and the average 7.0 litres/100 km fuel consumption means that running costs can be kept low. Out on the wide open road, open the Mondeo out and you’ll understand what the Triffids were so captivated by.
I don’t want to raise too many eyebrows, and my mother might read this one day, so I’ll restrain myself and merely add, as a final summation of what we have witnessed, that the well-heeled, sculpted externals and the pleasingly-stacked interior composition make for a Mondeo that gives you what you want and a car of which, while Henry might sniff, Ford ought to be justifiably proud.

Specifications:
• Engine: 2261cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
• Power: 118kW @ 6500rpm
• Torque: 208Nm @ 4200rpm
• Induction: Multi-point
• Transmission: Six-speed automatic
• Driven Wheels: Front
• Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
• Top Speed: 180km/h (Claimed)
• 0-100km/h: 11.1 seconds (As Tested)
• CO2 Emissions: 227g/km
• Fuel Consumption: 9.5L/100km (ADR)
• Fuel Consumption: 9.8L/100km (As Tested)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 70L
• Fuel Type: 91RON Unleaded
• ANCAP Rating: Five-star
• Airbags: Front, Side, Curtain & Driver’s Knee
• Safety: ESC with Traction Control
• Spare Wheel: Space Saver
• Suspension: Strut (F) / Multi-link (R)
• Cargo Capacity: 1005L / 2163L
• Tow Capacity: 1200kg (Braked)
• Turning Circle: 11.5m
• Warranty: Three Year / 100,000km
• Weight: 1545kg (Tare)
• Wheels: Steel 16 x 6.5-inch