In 2015, Ford announced a new fifth generation of the Mondeo mid-size sedan. Is there any chance for this car with new technical characteristics, design, comfort and advanced technology to move the leaders of the business class? The famous Toyota Camry will help answer this question.
Pricing policy
The new Mondeo is really very attractive. In a light suit the flagship Ford looks solid, in a dark variant - strict and elegant. Yes, the base version Ambiente does not offer fabulous riches. It is possible to get the car with a 2.5-liter engine, automatic transmission, but with a polyurethane steering wheel and stamped disks for $19900. It is hard to acknowledge such a complete set as optimum. However, there is no special sense to overpay for the densely stuffed Titanium and Titanium Plus, and also more powerful, but also more fastidious modifications of the turbo engine EcoBoost.
The complete set Trend is the golden mean. It has a climate control, alloy wheels, an excellent multimedia system with Bluetooth and USB. All this costs $23900. If you want, you can choose xenon headlights and parking sensors from the list of options.
The basic Camry with a 2.0-liter engine offers buyers more than the most affordable Mondeo. The "Standard" configuration for $23500 includes parking sensors and light alloy wheels by default. And the version "Standard Plus", $1000 more expensive, even has a rain sensor, self-dimming mirror, cruise control and rearview camera. True, to get a regular navigator, one should pay at least $30300 for the version "Prestige". In general, the richer the equipment, the prices for Mondeo and Camry are closer, although other things being equal, Toyota, as a rule, will be more expensive.
Car Advantages
Looking at the Japanese car, it is hard to believe that the many buyers of the Camry were fascinated by its appearance. It seems that the main criteria by which Toyota chooses its clothes are their comfort and neatness. And the slight restyling that happened at the end of last summer is not even a tribute to fashion, but a planned reminder of itself. And the interior is like a parent's favorite from childhood, familiar to the smallest details. A modern multimedia system appeared in it; instead of simple devices there was a showy optitronic panel. But these electronic clocks on the foredome, wide overlays like wood, soft upholstered leather armchairs - it all seems to be from the old times.
But it is convenient, spacious and full order with ergonomics. There is no need to strain your brain trying to find a common language with a climate control and a digital tape recorder. The control of them is constructed logically and understandably. There is a wide sofa in Camry for rear passengers. It can easily accommodate three adults. It won't be cramped, and there's plenty of leg room, no less than in Mondeo, which has a 7.5 cm bigger wheelbase. And the trunk in Camry is simply huge. If you could add a cargo net and niches for small items, it would be just great.
For those people who can't live without electronic gadgets, the Mondeo has a great offer. The SYNC 2 multimedia system has an 8-inch high-resolution color touchscreen and an advanced voice control system for even easier access to audio, navigation and climate control. As for the settings of the driver's seat and steering wheel adjustment, everything is very simple. The visibility and convenience of boarding do not cause any censure. Drivers who prefer an active drive will surely appreciate perfectly profiled armchairs with good side support.
Driving performance
And the Ford rides fascinatingly. The force on a steering wheel is small, but very informative. The car moves on an expressway confidently and precisely, and at the same time skilfully and without noticeable rolls goes through turns. Rumble from the tires though is heard in the cabin, but particularly not bothersome. Your ears do not get tired from the sound of the engine. However, the base 2,5-liter "four" has to work hard. For more or less brisk acceleration it is necessary to twist the engine up to high revolutions. It is impossible without it. Though the sport mode of automatic transmission cheers up Mondeo, but not strongly. More powerful EcoBoost unit solves a problem of dynamics deficiency, but does not make suspension omnivorous. Potholes with sharp edges and "lying policemen" Ford passes mercilessly hard.
For roads the Camry is adapted better. Yes, its softer suspension is not ready to support a sports driver's mood, but on a high-speed straight-line Toyota goes reliably, not straining a bit, successfully "smoothing out" potholes and potholes. As to its sprint qualities, they are not worse, than at the young competitor. Base 150 "horses", certainly, are not fire and they demand frequent encouragement, but the engine capacity of 181 h.p. is enough for all occasions. Generally, you don't need more for the car, sharpened for comfort.
Conclusion
The Mondeo is a bright, beautiful device, capable of pleasing both aesthetes and fans of fascinating drive. But unfortunately, for an ambitious newcomer these qualities are not enough to seriously scare the Camry. Let Toyota looks simpler and costs a little bit more, but in terms of equipment, comfort of the interior, load-carrying capacity and dynamics it is not inferior at all. At the same time, the Japanese sedan differs in smooth running and omnivorousness of a suspension, which is not accessible on Mondeo. At last, the atmospheric motors, of which there are three in Camry's arsenal, are more trustworthy in regions. No matter how you look at it, but it turns out that Toyota is more universal car.
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