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By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 65

The Ford Mondeo model line reached the end of the line with this updated version of the fourth generation model, which sold between 2019 and 2022. In this form. the Mondeo was still large, comfortable and accommodating in its estate and hatch versions and was significantly improved, especially in its frugal Hybrid form. Let's take a look at this last-of-the-line version as a used buy.

Modelsword count: 18

5dr hatch / 4dr Saloon / 5dr Estate (1.5, 2.0 petrol / 2.0 TDCi diesel) [Titanium, ST-Line, Vignale])

Historyword count: 345

Here's a car that deserved better, Ford's Mondeo. In every generation we've seen, it was markedly improved, yet its maker's efforts were rewarded with sales that progressively diminished over the decades as the traditional medium range family segment this car championed was plundered by trendy small SUVs and plush German compact saloons. At its launch in 2014, this fourth generation 'CD391'-series version claimed to be the best Mondeo yet and in early 2019, it was further enhanced to create the car we're going to look at here. This fourth generation model was designed first and foremost for the US market, hence its significant increase in dimensions over the previous 'CD345'-series version. It was launched in America badged as the 'Ford Fusion' back in 2012, but didn't make it here until the end of 2014, after delays associated with the switch of European production for this car from Genk in Belgium to Valencia in Spain. There, it ran down the same production lines as the Ford Galaxy and S-MAX MPVs that share their platforms, engines, technology features and front-of-cabin architecture with this model. Most cars designed primarily in the 21st century's first decade were up for complete replacement by the beginning of 2019, but those initial production delays meant that by that point, this generation Mondeo still needed a few more years in the showroom. Hence the package of updates that created the facelifted MK4 design that we're going to look at here, the improvements aimed at keeping the car fresh - and competitive with direct rivals like rejuvenated versions of the Volkswagen Passat, the Skoda Superb and the Mazda6. There were small styling changes to the hatch and estate-based range, along with the introduction of a new 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine and a bit of extra technology. Plus the hybrid model was further refined and was additionally available as an estate form. As update packages go, this was a fairly modest one and it wasn't enough to keep this Mondeo as a key segment player. The car was finally dropped from Ford's range in mid-2022.

What You Getword count: 507

If there's one thing that's defined Mondeo design over the years, it's that it's become bigger and more up-market with each passing generation. This fourth generation 'CD391'-series design is no exception to that rule of evolution, but needed an extra layer of polish to justify the sums being asked for plusher variants like this one. And that was been applied as part of the revisions made in 2019. As ever, the range was primarily built around two body styles - an estate or a five-door hatch. Opt for the hybrid engine and your choice is between the estate or a four-door saloon. On to the details of this Ford's exterior design, starting at the front, where four smart crease lines sweep down the power dome bonnet into a trapezoidal front grille that varies in style based on the trim level you've chosen. The design of the lower grille was also refreshed with this facelifted MK4 model and blends into redesigned fog lamp surrounds. These required a slightly more sculpted bumper design that incorporates a more pronounced lower lip spoiler. Behind the wheel, as part of the facelift, detail changes were made to trim and dashboard architecture. Plus automatic versions of conventional models gained a circular gear selector. Otherwise, things were much as they had been when this MK4 Mondeo was launched back in 2014. Ford struggled to differentiate European-spec examples of this model from the bargain basement trimmed versions of it that it sold in the US and these humbler origins are evident in places, even in the leather-lined top-spec 'Vignale' variant. But it's difficult to fault the exemplary cabin ergonomics; everything falls perfectly to hand and there's an ideal driving position with lots of seat and wheel adjustment. Various different instrument binnacle displays were offered - the Hybrid version features twin 4.2-inch screens either side of a central speedo. Anything else you need to know will be covered off by the 8-inch central 'SYNC 3' infotainment monitor, which delivers the usual audio, navigation and smartphone-mirroring options, plus it can deal with climate settings too. And in the back seat? Well three big adults across the back seat of an Audi A4 or a BMW 3 Series from this era is a squash that's only slightly improved if you opt for something mainstream like a Vauxhall Insignia or a Volkswagen Passat. Here, it's no problem at all, with superb space for shoulders thanks to the class-leading width of the cabin. Legs and knees are also well catered for thanks to a low centre transmission tunnel and relatively thin front seat backs. And the boot? Well, a conventional hatch version can take 541-litres, which rather curiously is significantly more than the 500-litre capacity you can fit in the boot of a conventional Mondeo estate. Those figures don't apply to the Hybrid model which has a huge corpse-like bulge in the floor concealing the HEV system's battery and electric motor, slashing cargo capacity to 403-litres in the estate and just 383-litres in the Hybrid variant's alternative saloon body style.

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