Ford Mondeo zetec 115 PS 2004 (04) Facelift Model 2.0 TDCi hatchback - used car review

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Replacing the Sierra in1993 with a $6bn new car programme (one of the most expensive ever), the Ford Mondeo has become one of the most popular mid-size vehicles in the UK market. It’s no coincidence that its reliability has made the Ford Mondeo the favoured car for fleet owners of any size. 

The current MkIII (mark 3) model Ford Mondeo was introduced in 2000 after the MkII (mark 2) ondeo was discontinued 3 years after its inception in 1997. The third generation Ford Monde was launched in 2000, and addressed the 2 main criticisms of its predecessor: the modest legroom and sluggish diesel engine. The legroom is noticeably bigger and the pull of the straight-four-cylinder, turbo-intercooled, 16-valve direct-injection TDCi engine is a marked improvement. The chain-driven camshafts also rectified a common problem in the earlier models. 

The security of the Ford Mondo MkIII is also an improvement on its predecessors, including the Intelligent Protection System (IPS), anti-lock brakes and electronic brake distribution. No wonder it frequently featured as the most popular car in its class at the turn of the new decade and ranked as high as 8th top selling car in the UK.

The review

We purchased this vehicle as a two-and-a-half year old, one owner vehicle, with 64,000 miles on the clock and full Ford service history.

To look at, the zetec facelift model is worth the extra money – the alloy wheels really set it off without giving it the ‘boy-racer’ look. And if you’re wondering “How can I tell the difference between a pre-facelift and facelift model?”, the facelift is most noticeable at the front of the car and takes the shape of a fuller metal grille as opposed to the grille of the pre-facelift model. This zetec facelift also comes with cruise control, trip computer and an enhanced centre console including electronic automatic temperature control added to the aircon and rapid heating and cooling. The combination of the striking colour-coded titanium grey (aka titanium silver) metallic paint and dark charcoal interior, finish off a very handsome car indeed.

Although slower than its 130 PS counterpart, the 115 zetec16v Duratec engine still provides for a responsive ride, without loosing the solid handling.

In summary, a good pedigree, good handling, solid build quality, generous equipment, roomy interiors and low cost servicing. And when you can get 200 to 300, 000 miles from a well serviced Ford Mondeo zetec 2.0 TDCi for only £6995, you should be picking up the phone to buy one today.