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By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 77

Between 2014 and 2022, Ford hoped its petrol/electric Hybrid Mondeo could convert enviro-conscious buyers in the medium range segment. This wasn't a Hybrid of the fashionable Plug-in sort, but it was a Prius-like full-Hybrid, could return over 50 to the gallon in regular use and offered a tax-busting CO2 rating. Plus, by the end of production, it could be had in either saloon or estate guises. Does it make sense as a used buy? Let's find out.

Modelsword count: 7

4dr Saloon / 5dr Estate [Titanium, Vignale])

Historyword count: 160

Today, Ford offers all kinds of electrified powerplants in its cars, but the first such engine dates back to 2014 and it was the self-charging full-Hybrid unit fitted to the fourth generation Mondeo. It was based around one of the brand's older petrol engines - a 2.0-litre TiVCT unit - and combined it with two electric motors, one to drive the wheels and another to supply regenerative charging, these being powered by a 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery. To start with, because this confection was primarily targeted at American buyers, it was only available with a four-door body style that few in our market wanted. But in 2019, as part of a package of updates made to this car, Ford widened the hybrid engine's availability to include the estate body shape. And at the same time made the powertrain smoother and improved its regenerative braking capability. The Mondeo Hybrid sold until the MK4 design was deleted from the price lists in mid-2022.

What You Getword count: 470

If there's one thing that's defined Mondeo design over the years, it's that it's become bigger and more up-market with each passing generation. This fourth generation 'CD391'-series design is no exception to that rule of evolution, but needed an extra layer of polish to justify the sums being asked for plusher variants. And that was applied as part of the revisions made in 2019. As ever, the range was primarily built around two body styles - an estate or a five-door hatch. But opt for the hybrid engine and your choice is between the estate or a four-door saloon. On to the details of this Ford's exterior design, starting at the front, where four smart crease lines sweep down the power dome bonnet into a trapezoidal front grille that varies in style based on the trim level you've chosen. The design of the lower grille was also refreshed with this facelifted MK4 model and blends into redesigned fog lamp surrounds. These required a slightly more sculpted bumper design that incorporates a more pronounced lower lip spoiler. Behind the wheel, as part of the facelift, detail changes were made to trim and dashboard architecture. Plus automatic versions of conventional models gained a circular gear selector. Otherwise, things were much as they had been when this MK4 Mondeo was launched back in 2014. Ford struggled to differentiate European-spec examples of this model from the bargain basement trimmed versions of it that it sold in the US and these humbler origins are evident in places, even in the leather-lined top-spec 'Vignale' variant. But it's difficult to fault the exemplary cabin ergonomics; everything falls perfectly to hand and there's an ideal driving position with lots of seat and wheel adjustment. Various different instrument binnacle displays were offered - the Hybrid version features twin 4.2-inch screens either side of a central speedo. Anything else you need to know will be covered off by the 8-inch central 'SYNC 3' infotainment monitor, which delivers the usual audio, navigation and smartphone-mirroring options, plus it can deal with climate settings too. And in the back seat? Well three big adults across the back seat of an Audi A4 or a BMW 3 Series from this era is a squash that's only slightly improved if you opt for something mainstream like a Vauxhall Insignia or a Volkswagen Passat. Here, it's no problem at all, with superb space for shoulders thanks to the class-leading width of the cabin. Legs and knees are also well catered for thanks to a low centre transmission tunnel and relatively thin front seat backs. And the boot? Well, the Hybrid model has a huge corpse-like bulge in the floor concealing the HEV system's battery and electric motor, slashing cargo capacity to 403-litres in the estate and just 383-litres in the Hybrid variant's alternative saloon body style.

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