THE INTRODUCTION OF an ST-Line model to the Ford Mondeo range offers buyers a sportier looking option without impacting on the running costs. A big part of the Mondeo ST-Line’s appeal is the image. This look is helped by a sports suspension setup that reduces ride height by 10mm compared with the standard model.
Other visual embellishments range from a new body kit with a unique grille design, rear privacy glass, LED daytime running lights and 18-inch alloy wheels. Subtle ST-Line badging on the front wings tell passers-by that this isn’t an ordinary Mondeo.
Inside there is loads of space, especially in the back. In the front, there are sports seats that do hug you a little more than the regular ones, but it’s not the kind of bucket seat you would find in something like a Focus RS.
My test car featured the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine, which produces 180hp. While it provides ample power, it doesn’t give you the same high-performance that the exterior look might lead you to assume. That’s where this car will click with some people – you get the looks, but it remains a reasonably economical car to run.
The six-speed manual transmission didn’t feel quite as smooth shifting as some of Ford’s rivals, but with plenty of torque available from the engine, it is happy to pull in a higher gear.
With CO2 emissions of 117g/km, the car falls into motor tax band A4 (€200 per year), and it should remain insurance-friendly. Other useful standard features include keyless entry and engine start, cruise control and Lane Keeping Aid with Traffic Sign Recognition. The heated front seats were also welcome during the recent cold weather. As was the electric front windscreen, which can clear a hard frost in well under a minute with no need for scraping involved.
Even though the ST-Line version gets a sports suspension, it doesn’t result in significantly harder ride quality. It is on the firm side, but the Mondeo remains a comfortable car and soaks up bumps well.
The chassis is well set up and Ford has a solid reputation for producing cars to suit the keener driver. To that end, you can hustle the Mondeo along on the right road without it showing signs of being overworked. It holds its line well through bends and generally feels surefooted despite being front-wheel drive.
If looks matter but you still need your car to be not only sensible but economical to run, too, then the Ford Mondeo ST-Line strikes a nice balance.
The Ford Mondeo ST-Line is priced from €34,295.
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