Test drive Ford Mondeo Sport: High-horsepower hybrid, more powerful than Toyota
At the Chongqing Auto Show a few days ago, Changan Ford officially launched the "Mondeo Sport Edition".
This model is not a derivative of the familiar Mondeo sedan—it is a crossover vehicle and has been equipped with a 2.0T hybrid powertrain.
To be more specific, this "Mondeo Sport Edition" is actually the "EVOS" that Ford China previously tailored for the Chinese market, but now, with the adjustment of the powertrain, the product name has been placed under the Mondeo umbrella.
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OriginAccording to Chang'an Ford, the Mondeo is now actually a "family series." The addition of the sport version has expanded the product line of the Mondeo, making it a mid-to-high-end car product line with four powertrains, including two gasoline powertrains of 1.5T and 2.0T for sedans, one 1.5T hybrid powertrain, and the 2.0T hybrid powertrain equipped in this sport version.
As for changing the EVOS to the "Mondeo Sport," I personally don't see any issue with it. It is a common practice for car manufacturers to continuously expand derivative models from a good and well-known product line; on the contrary, it is rather unusual to retain only one product line.
For example, the familiar Accord initially had a hatchback version, a sedan version, and a coupe sports product; and the latest car manufacturer to do so is Toyota—expanding the Crown from a single car brand to a product series that includes sedans, crossovers, and sports coupes.
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Therefore, as the best-selling and most recognized product of Chang'an Ford in the Chinese market, adding a previously "niche" model to the "Mondeo" series can be seen as "old bringing new," which might yield additional effects.
Moreover, considering that the Mondeo has not had many new car initiatives in the Chinese market this year, it is also very reasonable to continue driving the popularity of the Mondeo by adding a "Mondeo Sport" version.Power
So, how does the Mondeo Sport perform after switching to Ford's "high-power E hybrid"?
Firstly, the Mondeo Sport now only comes with the E hybrid 2.0T EcoBoost powertrain across the entire lineup, eliminating the 2.0T+8AT version. This also differentiates it from the power versions of the Mondeo sedan, boasting the strongest power output in the family, so it is quite reasonable to call it the "Sport" version.
The 2.0T hybrid system utilizes a power-split configuration E-CVT transmission, which, like most hybrid models from Toyota and Honda, can only be registered with a blue license plate.But the biggest difference between it and hybrid products like Toyota and Honda is that Ford, an American brand, is very persistent in its pursuit of performance.
Let's first report the parameters of the Mondeo Sport version:
The 2.0T high-power engine with 212kW and 403N·m is the most powerful engine in the hybrid powertrain. Compare this with the high thermal efficiency engines that hybrid models like to use now; most 2.0T hybrids are only about 150 to 160kW, and 1.5T high thermal efficiency is around 110kW. Even for 2.0T engines used in pure fuel vehicles, those that achieve more than 200kW of power are actually quite limited - and torque is mostly below 400N·m.
Not only that, but the Mondeo Sport version also has a high-power electric motor with 140kW and 320N·m, which is much stronger than the 83kW output of the similarly configured Toyota THS motor, a bit more than Honda's iMMD with 135kW, and even stronger than many P3 motors in DHT architecture.
Of course, the transmission of the Mondeo Sport version is still a power-split configuration, so the output power cannot be directly superimposed. The comprehensive power output of this E-hybrid 2.0T is 227kW, which is at the output level of a 3.5L V6 engine in terms of performance. Although it is still a bit less than Ford's 2.7T V6 of that time, the torque output is estimated to be comparable.Changan Ford states that with the assistance of an electric motor, the Mondeo Sport version can achieve a 0-100 km/h acceleration within 6 seconds, and its mid-range acceleration from 40-80 kph can reach a 2-second level. Therefore, at least in terms of power, the Mondeo Sport version truly lives up to the "sporty" moniker.
In actual driving, the Mondeo Sport version still retains three driving modes: standard, economy, and sport, with an additional L gear, which is equivalent to strong regenerative braking. However, there is no option for pure electric mode, which may be a difference between the Mondeo Sport version and Japanese hybrid vehicles.
In standard mode, the output of the Mondeo Sport version is already very abundant. Basically, with about 10% to 20% throttle opening, the output is more enjoyable compared to traditional fuel vehicles, making the driving experience more satisfying. Moreover, when you floor the accelerator, the speed can be smoothly pulled up, and the power output is very direct, without the gear-shifting sensation of a traditional transmission.
Compared to the standard mode, the sport mode mainly provides more aggressive output during the initial 5% of throttle opening, giving a feeling of being thrust forward. The entire mid-range acceleration is also more sharp, especially when you apply more throttle after exiting a curve, the release of power feels faster. It is speculated that the 2.0T engine stays more in the high-revolution range. This also indicates that the power-split configuration is closer to the driving feel of a fuel car, with the electric motor primarily participating in low to mid-speed driving conditions.Energy-saving mode can be elaborated on further. To begin with, the initial acceleration is smoother, and the power delivery is somewhat restrained, which is suitable for gentle throttle openings. It's very soothing, and under energy-saving mode, even when you press down on 30%-50% of the throttle, the acceleration feeling won't be too strong; it's just a normal rate of acceleration, which gives a gasoline car-like sensation rather than the surging output of an electric motor. When you fully press the throttle, there is a noticeable delay in power delivery, as if it's confirming whether the driver truly needs the power, and it takes about two seconds before there's a significant release of power.
Additionally, there is an issue with energy-saving mode, which is that when following a car at a speed of thirty to forty kilometers per hour, you can distinctly perceive the state of the electromechanical coupling, which results in some slight jerkiness.
As for fuel consumption performance, it should be considered an advantage of the Ford Mondeo Sport. With an average speed of about 40 kilometers per hour, the entire journey with the air conditioning set at 22 degrees and the fan on the third setting, the average fuel consumption is 5L per 100 kilometers. This figure is somewhat higher compared to other media sources, with some even achieving 3.9L per 100 kilometers without air conditioning, while most media report around 4.7L. Upon reflection, the reason my car achieved 5L could be due to consistently using the L gear, which results in less coasting (the L gear is primarily more suitable for downhill driving conditions).Control
The power of the Ford Mondeo Sport Edition is sufficiently sporty, but in terms of chassis control, this car is not as "sport-oriented" as one might imagine. Instead, it leans more towards the comfort that Chinese consumers prefer. This is also consistent with the current Mondeo sedan, as the chassis architecture of both models is the same.
From the driving experience perspective, the Mondeo Sport Edition, due to its 20-inch wheel size and the matching Continental EC6 tires that offer low rolling resistance and some sportiness, will initially feel a bit stiff when encountering road seams and small potholes. There is still a considerable amount of vibration transmission. However, thanks to the soft cushioning, the issue of a stiff contact sensation can be well mitigated.
But when you drive for an hour on continuous curves and national roads, you will find that the Mondeo Sport Edition's chassis still follows a comfort-oriented route. When encountering large potholes, the suspension compression is still significant, trying to make the impact softer, and the body's side-to-side movement is quite noticeable.Moreover, in the turns, as long as you make a sharp turn with a bit more speed, the body roll of the entire vehicle is relatively noticeable. Fortunately, the rate of roll is relatively slow, and it won't suddenly collapse. If you encounter a speed bump while accelerating in a turn, and you're still accelerating, then the rear axle will slip more, which is very similar to the Ford Mondeo sedan.
Due to my long-term experience driving the Ford Mustang Mach-E, I personally find that the Ford Mondeo Sport version does not have the same "solid" feel in the chassis as the Mach-E. The whole body's lateral sway is relatively larger, which may also be related to the difference in body rigidity, and also the entire suspension is indeed softer.
However, the comfort-oriented tuning also has its advantages. When driving on a smooth national road, the vehicle has a nice sense of suspension, and the bushings can control the road undulations very decently, which is a very classic feeling of an American large car.
Additionally, during this test drive in Dali, there was a section of road with a large number of dense speed bumps and road patches. Such high-frequency vibrations can actually bring a very uncomfortable driving feeling for sports cars. For example, I have driven a BMW i3 on the same section, and it can only be described as barely satisfactory.However, this time when it comes to the Ford Mondeo Sport, although one can distinctly feel the high-frequency vibrations caused by driving over dense speed bumps, the transmission to the driver is sufficiently soft. The suspension can quickly dissipate multiple impacts in a short time, avoiding the feeling of the rear end bouncing around that some cars have, and it is more comfortable than the Ford Mach-E.
In terms of steering, Ford's tuning for the Mondeo Sport also aligns well with the "taste" of Chinese consumers. The overall steering feel is relatively light, with a noticeable electronic touch. Especially at low speeds, it is very easy to turn the steering wheel, and the play is slightly larger, which is a significant difference from the global model, the Ford Mach-E.
Perhaps Ford China's thinking is that when driving a large car in China, the steering wheel should not be adjusted to be too heavy, after all, it is inconvenient for navigating through narrow streets, alleys, and reversing into parking spaces. Fortunately, as the speed increases, the speed-sensitive steering becomes heavier, and the centering feel is also good, making it suitable for long-distance driving.
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Static AspectsHaving discussed the dynamics of the new Mondeo Sport, let's briefly review the static performance of this "not-so-new" car.
Firstly, the vehicle is called the "Mondeo Sport," which implies that Changan Ford does not consider it an SUV but rather a hatchback. Changan Ford also specifically emphasizes that the Sport version has a body height of 1.6 meters, right on the cusp between SUVs and sedans, thus maintaining its positioning as a hatchback coupe.
However, if you argue that it's not an SUV, its ground clearance when fully loaded actually reaches 168mm, giving it an advantage in terms of passability over many urban SUVs.
Apart from the powertrain, another main selling point of the Mondeo Sport is its space. In terms of dimensions, it has a length of approximately 4.92 meters, a width of about 1.92 meters, and a wheelbase of 2945mm.Upon actual measurement, the rear legroom of this car is quite spacious, with knee space approaching one meter. With the second row upright, it offers a trunk space of 527L, and the floor is quite flat. When the second row is folded down, it transforms into a large space of 1550L, which is also quite practical.
In terms of appearance, the new car mainly adds a "Xiao Ri Orange" body color, and also comes standard with 20-inch wheels. The regular version and the ST-Line version differ in design: including the external bright black trim, bright black window frames, ST-Line badges, etc., while the interior of the ST-Line version features bright red trim, sports seats, ST-Line embroidery, and so on.The remaining configurations are not much different from the previous EVOS, retaining features such as a 27-inch 4K large screen, SYNC+ 2.0 system, and the "Awakening of the Dragon" welcome sensing system, among others.
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Driving Summary
In terms of pricing, the Mondeo Sport version is not expensive either—starting at 209,800 yuan, while the ST-Line version is priced at 229,800 yuan.
The additional 20,000 yuan is mainly due to the ST-Line version having a unique exterior kit. In terms of seating configuration, it has reduced features such as heating, ventilation, and memory, and B&O audio, while in safety configuration, it has added front radar, knee airbags, panoramic imaging, and lane-keeping assist functions. It is quite evident that Changan Ford probably thinks that young consumers do not mind the extra 20,000 yuan and aims to sell as much as possible.In summary, Chang'an Ford has expanded its Mondeo family with a sporty version, introducing the most powerful powertrain within the entire Mondeo family, as well as a more dynamic and personalized appearance. I believe this can be considered an innovation by Chang'an Ford in the mid-to-high-end car market, further amplifying the visibility and product options of the Mondeo.
For some young consumers who desire a larger vehicle with enhanced sports performance, and if they find the Edge L too formal, then the Mondeo Sport version would be a suitable choice.
Moreover, the Mondeo Sport version is not lagging in terms of powertrain. Its high-horsepower hybrid system has an advantage when compared to any competitor in the 200,000 yuan price range, ensuring it does not lose face.
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