Like cats’ eyes in the dark, the smooth, slanted styling of the Ford Mondeo sparkled curb-side. Brought to life, the remote locking unit chirped and the doors of the Ford Mondeo LX clicked open. I was looking forward to the run in Ford’s highly acclaimed Mondeo.

This model was the Mondeo LX Hatch – a very well priced medium sized Hatch that has class-leading interior space. Part of me had hoped for the wagon, as I wondered if I might be able to smuggle the two Alsatians to the vet whilst taking the Mondeo for a drive.

How practical is the hatch? The luggage space was fun to try out. Ready and waiting were a range of items to pop in and out of the hatches. Dearest to the heart were the golf bags, which the Mondeo LX Hatch swallowed with ease. And the Kayaking paddle and life jacket followed next with no problems. The 60/40 split fold rear seat provided flexible passenger and cargo carrying options. With the seats down, I still found oodles of space for other bags that existed in all sorts of odd shapes and sizes. It turned out that chucking in clothes bags, suitcases, kayaking equipment and golfing clubs with a chilly bin still left me some space for Larry the long-coated Alsatian – though I didn’t appreciate the fishy breath in my ear as I snuck off to Dr Steve, our vet.

Popping the nice quality sounds on offered some relief to Larry’s squeaks and snorts! There are plenty of handy storage compartments throughout the cabin, making the Ford Mondeo LX Hatch a fabulous family car. And it’s safe too; five-star safe in fact. ANCAP rate this as a very safe mid-sized machine. And with the amount of loose nuts on the road that I came across as I raced off too the vet’s practise, it’s a nice comfort to know that the Mondeo LX has, as standard, Dynamic Stability Control with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and a state-of-the-art airbag system.

Ford has ensured that the Ford Mondeo LX has plenty of goodies to keep the buyers happy. I was impressed with the way the Human Machine Interface (HMI) system, with standard cluster display, worked. Cabin ambience was serene (except for Larry’s occasional wet nose in the back of the head), and the temperature was kept pleasantly level through the air conditioning system. Communication with the vet on the road was a breeze, as Ford’s Bluetooth Hands free with Voice Control system is a gem. It was soon evident that Larry had a few too many leftovers the night before, and so, at the touch of a button, the electric front windows were hastily descended, allowing the pong to escape.

A quick nine holes, a visit to the school and then home again. The Ford Mondeo LX Hatch was a joy to drive and, with a petrol powered 2.3 litre Duratec 16 valve four-cylinder engine, progress was swift in places. Smooth and efficient operation was controlled by a superior six-speed automatic that boasted a Sequential Sports Shift. Ride quality was impressive, thanks mainly to the Control Blade independent rear suspension. Grip levels were good, and the power steering nicely weighted. The Mondeo LX was even equipped with cruise control.

For a vehicle that looks good, performs impeccably and is superbly safe, you need to take a look at the stunning new Ford Mondeo LX Hatch.

The current model series includes the:

• Ford Mondeo LX Hatch
• Ford Mondeo LX Wagon

For any more information on the Ford Mondeo LX variants, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!) we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Ford dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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