Ford Mondeo (2016) 1.0 Ecoboost Long Term Test Review

MONTH TWO: We’ve been running the Ford Mondeo 1.0 Ecoboost since December and in that time have put 2,300 miles on the clock and tested its ultra low fuel consumption claims.

The 1.0-litre petrol Ecoboost engine is undeniably an impressive piece of kit and Ford’s decision to place it into its fourth generation Mondeo, which weighs in at 1.5 tonnes, shows a certain confidence. Tuned for low emissions, low consumption and high power output, the turbo-charged three-cylinder petrol unit boasts a power output of 125PS, maximum torque of 170Nm, C02 emissions of just 119g/km and a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 55mpg. Furthermore it gives the Mondeo range a new entry price of just £20,495.

This all looks good on paper, but what’s it like on the road? The unit rewards a light left foot and low revs which we discovered is actually quite satisfying on long motorway runs where cruising between 60-70mph has so far delivered an all-time best of 48.5mpg. There is a compromise though as overtaking needs to be planned well in advance and often requires a downshift to muster sufficient power; rapid acceleration is not this car’s forte.

Around town the engine performs admirably. It never feels under-powered or over-worked but the downside is that any consumption benefits reaped from motorway cruising are swallowed up quickly. The average tank over the last two months has returned just 34.9mpg. The best we’ve achieved is 40.9mpg and the worst just 30.7mpg. But we’re determined to improve on this in its third and final month.

On a happier note Ford still leads the way in taking the pain out of frosty morning starts with a single button directing hot air where it is needed as well as activating the heated rear and, best of all, front windscreen, banishing memories of scraping down before setting off.

Click here for Month One report

Click here for video review