The wider track front and rear (67mm and 68mm wider respectively) over the previous Mondeo, improved body stiffness (up 130%), MacPherson strut front and multi-link control-blade rear, may explain some of the improved balance and cornering grip.

In many ways, as a sporting drive, the Mondeo XR5 feels better balanced, more sophisticated and certainly easier to live with than its smokin’, and slightly feral, little brother – even if a little slower.

With a six-speed Durashift M66 manual transmission (which features triple-cone synchromesh for lower gears), the shift placed nicely at hand and with good ‘feel’ at the clutch, rowing things along is a bit of hoot over the right stretch of road.

Not quite up to mark is the sound at higher revs. It’s a tad flat, more hiss than howl; there’s an opportunity there for the aftermarket piping sector. I’d have to throw away the factory kit and put some growl down under.

That said, shortcomings of the Mondeo XR5 Turbo are hard to find. You’re reduced to ticking off quibbles: it sounds ‘ratty’ – not at all like a sports saloon should – the dash has a few too many creases and angles, the polished metal trim looks as thin as foil and will probably date pretty quickly… but beyond these criticisms of (let’s face it) the superficial, you quickly run out of crosses.

There’s something really appealing about the way the XR5 goes about things. It’s the totality of the package that’s strong. Most get out of the car with the comment, “Gee, nice car…”   Ford would have to be happy with that.

As an effortlessly swift, refined sporting saloon, the Mondeo XR5 Turbo ticks the boxes that matter. Its biggest challenge in the showroom is not from the likes of the smaller WRX, Golf GTi, nor the vastly more expensive Liberty GT; no, it’s the FG XR6 Turbo that will likely have buyers tossing up.

Certainly, for style and dynamism, the Mondeo XR5 Turbo is more than capable of chesting-up to its German rivals. At $41,990 it represents good buying.

The Insider’s big statement

“It’s a little ironic that Ford Australia is facing its most challenging times when it has never had such a potent and competent vehicle line-up. As we noted above, there is not a dud anywhere in the range. But what’s going on? There is more than meets the eye to Bill Osborne’s departure, you can put your Granny on that one, and the big one from Dearborn himself, Ford President Alan Mullaly, is currently in Australia eyeballing things. So watch this space brothers and sisters; there is more to be told.”

•    Predictable, balanced handling
•    Swift, effortless and refined power
•    Nicely weighted clutch and gear throw
•    Quiet, well-isolated cabin (from road and wind roar)
•    Surprising interior space and practicality

•    Flatulent exhaust note
•    ‘Polished tin’ interior trims
•    Lacking in visual differentiation
•    Dashboard design overly ‘busy’

Gallery

GALLERY » ford-mondeo-xr5-turbo

Specs

Engine:	2.5L (2521cc) five cylinder all alloy
Type:	Duratec 20V turbo
Valve system:	DOHC 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel system:	Sequential electronic fuel injection
Output:	162kW @ 5000rpm Torque: 320Nm @ 1500-4800rpm
Performance:	7.3 second 0-100km/h (reported)
Bore and Stroke:	83.0mm X 93.2mm
Compression:	9.0:1
Transmission:	Ford M66 Six-speed manual
Fuel Consumption:	9.5 l/100km (claimed combined average)
Brakes:	4-wheel discs (DSC, ABS, EBA)
Suspension:	Front: MacPherson strut Rear: Control Blade independent multi link
Wheels and tyres:	18inch alloys, 235/40 R18
Price:	$41,990 RRP