2001 Ford Mondeo Zetec review from UK and Ireland

Only two problems of note presented.

The first was a hesitancy when accelerating between 1500 and 2500 rpm. The dealer indicated that this was a known fault on new model diesel Mondeo and required the "chip" in the engine management system to be reprogrammed. It took some time for the dealer to get the correct chip so that the work could be undertaken.

The other fault concerned the very poor handbrake. The car rolled into another one when parked on a slight gradient. This was corrected by the dealer who advised that a clip was missing from the original assembly.

Otherwise nothing has gone wrong and the dealer service has been pretty good.

The Mondeo is a good looking, well built car.

In Zetec trim it comes with lovely alloy wheels, spot lights and very supportive sports seats with silver trim in the interior.

The heated front windscreen (not even available on my new BMW 320d) and mirrors are invaluable in frosty weather.

It is a great car to drive: good handling, great steering feel and very little roll in corners.

There is very good passenger and rear boot compartment space. Sadly the same can't be said of my replacement car, a BMW 320d.