Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate

Review of the Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate

The new Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate is the highest spec, “posh” version of the Mondeo Estate. It looks better than the Hatchback variant, and Ford want it to challenge the likes of Mercedes and BMW for your money.

Ford expect the standard model to sell well in Europe, and with its cabin coming with luxurious touches like top-notch leather and chrome surrounds, the Vignale trim – which is reasonably priced – should sell well, too.

Read more about Ford’s long history in our brief review.

OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2018 Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate review.

Overview of the Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate

On the Road

The Mondeo was once the most fun car to drive in this sector – but that’s no longer the case. Ford have watered down it’s driving experience so that, while it’s still easy to drive, it’s no longer as entertaining as it used to be.

That said, the car’s newfound maturity suits the Vignale’s image. This is a comfortable, refined car that offers a smooth, relaxing driving experience.

This is surprising too when you consider that the car comes with 18” alloys as standard. Compared to the Audi A4, which has the same sized wheels, the Mondeo is able to smooth out rough surfaces with relative ease.[vc_single_image image=”81213″ img_size=”article-image”]The car is most at home out on the motorway, where its advanced systems prove their worth. The likes of active noise cancellation and noise-reducing glass are the reasons you’d spend extra on the Vignale trim, and they do a great job of cancelling out exterior noises. The Vignale Mondeo is one of the quietest cars of its type.

In terms of its engines, the 2.0-litre 180bhp diesel has an impressive 0-62 time of 8.3 seconds. However, it doesn’t feel as fast as those numbers suggest, and that’s a major disappointment. Still, it will probably feel fast enough for most buyers.

A bigger 208bhp is the one to go for if you want to get the most out of your range-topping Mondeo, while a 148bhp variant might have a lower power output but it can boast good running costs.

The 208bhp engine comes with four-wheel drive as standard, while the other two engines come with two-wheel drive but you can fit four-wheel drive if you wish. Four-wheel drive arms the car with more grip but it puts a hefty dent in its performance and raises fuel costs. If you need extra grip, a better option might be to specify the winter tyres.

Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate Interior, Design and Build

[vc_single_image image=”81212″ img_size=”article-image”]Inside, there isn’t much to fault about the standard Mondeo’s cabin, and the Vignale trim just builds on it.

That said, it doesn’t build on it enough to take the car into the premium territory that Ford are aiming for. To do that, Ford would have needed to give it a total makeover, which they haven’t done.

What you get here that you don’t get in the standard model is metal trim, high-quality leather and instruments that are surrounded by chrome. Troublingly, all this clashes with harder plastics and low rent air vents.That’s a real shame because this isn’t a bad interior per say – we’re just not sure it’s worth the extra cash. The steering wheel and driver’s seat offer lots of adjustability, insulation is very good, and an 8” touchscreen means that Ford have been able to eliminate lots of buttons from the dashboard.

Is the Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate practical? A slab-faced rear end makes it easy to park, the lack of a sloping roofline means that headroom is good all round, and the big windows boost visibility.

Two adults can sit comfortably in the rear, access is easy thanks to wide opening doors, and the glovebox and other storage spaces are of a reasonable – if not amazing – size.

The boot, meanwhile, measures 525-litres with all the seats up. This means it’s 12-litres smaller than last time and some way off the biggest boots in this class. Fold the rear seats and you can extend it to 1,630-litres.

Is the Ford reliable? Read our unbiased assessment of the Ford to find out more.

Equipment and Safety of the Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate

As well as chrome surrounds, a different styling to the standard models, quilted leather upholstery and a concierge service, the Vignale model gets a lot of the same standard kit as the lower spec models. This includes electrically adjustable heated front seats, LED headlights, automatic lights and wipers, sat-nav and all-round electric windows.

In terms of how safe it is, Euro NCAP awarded it 5/5 for its crash test performance. It scored especially well for child and adult occupant protection. The Vignale’s standard safety kit includes lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, and blind spot monitoring.

Costs of the Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate

Prices for the new car rise to £32,695 for this Vignale trim. For more information on our leasing deals, you can check out our page here.

In terms of its running costs, the 2.0-litre TDCi 148bhp diesel is available in three separate guises. The smaller of the trio develops 148bhp and is our top pick. It averages returns of 67.3mpg and has a BiK rating of just 25%.

The bigger 177bhp variant, meanwhile, manages 62.8mpg if you fit it with a manual transmission. Fitting it with four-wheel-drive and the automatic gearbox sees that number fall to 53.3mpg. At the same time, its CO₂ emissions climb from 117g/km to the mid-130’s.

Buyers can also add four-wheel-drive to the 148bhp variant. Doing so sees its economy drop to 57.7mpg.

Pros and Cons of the Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate

Pros:

Very safe

The Vignale model benefits from a wealth of advanced safety systems that will keep your family safe on the road.

Practical

Headroom is fantastic, the windows are nice and big and the driver’s seat and steering wheel offer lots of adjustability.

Refined and comfortable

Ford have diluted its driving dynamics, but at the same time they’ve turned it into one of the most upmarket Estate cars around.

Cons:

Iffy four-wheel drive

It puts the boot into performance and economy.

Not as premium as rivals

And this could ultimately be the deal breaker.

Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate vs BMW 3 Series Diesel Estate vs Mercedes C-Class Diesel Estate

Let’s see how the car fares against its rivals in the comparison section of our 2018 Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate review.

Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate vs BMW 3 Series Diesel Estate

The new BMW 3 Series Diesel Estate is a performative, very accommodating family car that’s looking to steal you away from the Ford.

It’s much bigger than the 3 Series Saloon, but you wouldn’t really notice the difference behind the wheel. It’s great to drive – the best in this class, in fact.

The precise steering isn’t too heavy, communication is good and the car is composed and easy to drive on the motorway. Like most BMWs, it comes with a rear-wheel-drive setup and this improves its agility and handling prowess.[vc_single_image image=”81211″ img_size=”article-image”]In terms of its engines, a 316d diesel sits at the bottom of the range. It has a 0-62 time of 11.4 seconds and might be too underpowered for most buyers. The 320d model is a better option; it’s pricey but you feel as though you’re getting your money’s worth. As well as being an excellent performer, it covers the 0-62 sprint in 8.2 seconds.

Topping the range is the expensive and powerful 335d xDrive model. It comes with four-wheel-drive as standard and has a 0-62 time of 4.9 seconds.

Running costs? The 335d xDrive model is the most expensive to run and manages 45mpg economy at best while emitting 166g/km of CO₂. The 316d model manages 60.1mpg on a good day, while the 320d model is good for the same number.

Inside, one of the best things about this car is how comfortable it is. The steering wheel and driver’s seat are plenty adjustable, and while smaller cars are more supple, the BMW does a good job of smoothing out lumps and bumps.

The dashboard is very user-friendly and gorgeously put together. The brands excellent iDrive infotainment system is standard on all models, and it’s one of the best systems of its type. All models also come with the brand’s remote services feature that lets you check on all kinds of aspects of the BMW’s status.

Is the BMW 3 Series Diesel Estate practical? Its 495-litre boot is smaller than the Ford’s, but when you fold the rear seats it increases to 1,500-litres. That still makes it one of the smallest in this class, though.

A split-opening powered boot lid will prove handy, and there are lots of practical touches in the boot, such as lashing hooks on the floor.

Other than that, space up front is decent but not class-leading, and there are plenty of storage spaces dotted around the place.

Price:

Ford – £32,695
BMW – £28,800 – £46,645

Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate vs Mercedes C-Class Diesel Estate

The new Mercedes C-Class Diesel Estate is a comfortable, luxurious large family car that can also boast a reasonably sized boot.

It’s also a fast car, but neither it nor the Ford can match the BMW when it comes to pure driver enjoyment. Air suspension is optional, and adding it primes the car for some easygoing motorway cruising, but in Comfort mode, the C-Class leans too much.[vc_single_image image=”81210″ img_size=”article-image”]In terms of its engines, the diesels are performative and economical. The C250 BlueTEC is the biggest diesel available. It develops 201bhp and completes the 0-62 dash in 6.9 seconds.

The C220 diesel is cheaper to buy and completes the same sprint in 7.6 seconds. Both share a 2.1-litre engine that’s fast but also a tad noisy at high speeds.

The C200 diesel is the smallest model in the range. It’s powered by a 1.6-litre engine that can get you from rest to 60mph in just over 10 seconds. That seems quite slow, but it’s the cheapest model in the range.

Running costs? The C220 model is the most frugal and can return 68.9mpg on a good day. It emits just 109g/km of CO₂. The bigger C250 model is good for returns of 62.8mpg at best, while the smaller C200 model actually costs more to run than both the C250 and C220 models.

Inside, the Mercedes’ cabin is as upmarket as you’d expect from a Mercedes. Even the entry-level models are treated to satin chrome highlights and high-quality gloss-black surfaces.

Most models are comfortable, but the entry-level model misses out on adjustable suspension.

The dashboard comes with a central colour screen, and there’s another one behind the steering wheel. A clever touchpad is standard too, and build quality is first rate.

Is the Mercedes C-Class Diesel Estate practical? Its 490-litre boot is reasonable for a car of this size, but it is smaller than the Mondeo. Fold the rear seats and it can extend to 1,510-litres. It’s a practical boot too that comes with a standard electronic tailgate.

Other than that, the Mercedes has grown in size since last time, and rear legroom has improved. The higher spec models get a reversing camera as standard, while all models come with ISOFIX child seat mounts.

Price:

Mercedes – £31,835 – £47,030

Verdict of our 2018 Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate Review

As the highest spec, really expensive version of the Mondeo, a lot is expected of the Vignale. Has it got enough to truly compete with a Mercedes? It hasn’t. Where it comes up short is the area it really didn’t want to – its cabin. There are some gorgeous touches here and there, but not enough. Moreover, the presence of harder plastics is off-putting.

The standard Mondeo is an excellent car otherwise, but this Ford Mondeo Vignale Diesel Estate seems superfluous.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