2013 Ford Mondeo Hatch

Mid-Size - Hatch

    In a world obsessed with hatchbacks and sport models, it’s no wonder as to why so many companies are now embracing the saloon look.  For 2013 Ford of Europe has decided to release an all new saloon style to its Mondeo lineup.  With a market which is demanding more and more hatchbacks, it was a no brainer

on Ford’s part that it’s bread and butter sedan still come with a hatch option.  Yes it would be nice if this option was available in every market, but just remember that its Mazda cousin used to have a hatch option in North America.

        When you move onto the rear of the car you start to notice some major changes.  Yes we all know this is a new design, but we are talking about the dynamics of the car.  Up front the emphasis is on being angry and having hard edges.  Out back the emphasis seems to be on finishing everything off and air flow.  We know that you need to be aerodynamic, but do you have to give the car a fat rear.  The rear bumper seems to protrude from the back end, making the rear of this car seem like your staring at a watermelon.  Best thing for Ford to do here is add a few more hard edges to the side of the rear and flatten out the bottom.  I think if they did this, it might give the car a more sporting appeal.

         Taking a look around the Mondeo we start to see some of the changes which have been made.  Up front they have made a drastic change to the lower front end.  With this they have changed the design language of the grille, fog light fixtures and front spoiler.  Most of these changes have been for the better.  Well better intentions you might say.  The new front grille is bigger than the last, but it does use a bit too much chrome in all the wrong ways.  Ford should have just left the bee-hive grille style and added a chrome ring around it.  Next when you take a look at the hood you start to notice that maybe they could have left some of those lines out.  Taking a page from the Chrysler 200/Sebring book, simple is better.  When the lines on that cars hood disappeared, the design got better.  Maybe Ford should think more about simple and less about attitude.

       Running down the side of this car is a plain and simple bodyline.  Yes we did say that simple might help the hood, but along the side of this car, they might need a bit more attitude.  A rounded out side made for a more aerodynamic body, helps keep gas costs down, but does nothing for the appearance of being a rounded out angry person.  They have done a great job at the door handles though.  Even with a tiny bodyline, they tend to stand their ground.

     Overall it seems that the new Mondeo will give Peugeot, Toyota and Volkswagen a run for their money.  With a great design and 3 different models to choose from, it should have a fighting chance against its competition.

Everett J.
@Autolooks, #AutoLooks

Overall Grade - C+

Front End = B-
        Good – Headlight Design, Foglights
        Bad – Grille, Front Spoiler, Hood

Rear End = B-
        Good – Exhaust Design, Tailight Setup
        Bad – Curvy, Tailight Design

Side = C
        Good – Wheel Size, Door Handles, Side Window Design
        Bad – Big Mirrors, Rear Wheel Wells, Plain

Overall Appeal = B-
        Good – Fast, Somewhat Sexy, Aggressive Look
        Bad – Curvy in some areas, Outline very Aston Martin Rapide

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Competition:

Vauxhall/Opel Insignia Hatch
Mazda 6 Hatch
Renault Laguna GT
MG 6 GT
Volkswagen CC
Youngman L5