2008 Ford Mondeo XR5 Turbo Road Test Review

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

•    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

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