Ford Mondeo hatchback (2006-2014) - MPG, running costs & CO2

For the best mix of performance and economy, you’re better off doing what most Mondeo buyers do: choosing one of the wide range of diesel engines, which have better mpg and lower CO2 emissions than the petrols.

MPG and CO2

The 138bhp 2.0-litre TDCi diesel is a solid and popular choice, returning 63mpg and emitting 119g/km of CO2, yet still managing 0-62mph in less than 10 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. This engine is also available with more power (161bhp), and although this doesn’t improve the performance dramatically, it does reduce the claimed fuel economy by 5mpg and increase CO2 emissions by 10g/km.

Both of these engines can be specified with either Ford’s slick six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic that Ford calls Powershift. It’s fairly smooth, but has an adverse impact on economy and emissions. The auto gearbox also makes the car slower to respond and less fun to drive. For fleet buyers, the 138bhp engine is in a low 18 per cent BiK (Benefit in Kind) tax band.

If economy is your absolute priority, the 1.6-litre TDCI diesel ECOnetic model, fitted with a stop-start system, is the most fuel- efficient, returning a competitive 67mpg and emitting only 109g/km of CO2. That means a BiK rate of just 16 per cent. However, unlike the Vauxhall Insignia, none of the Mondeo's engines fall below the magic 100g/km mark to qualify for free road tax.

The most powerful diesel engine is the 2.2-litre TDCI. Jaguar also uses this engine in the XF executive saloon, and in the Mondeo it’s only offered in the top-spec Titanium X Sport model. It’s a strong engine, but isn’t especially competitive with rivals in terms of either power or economy. The higher-powered diesel engines attract BiK rates in the low to mid-20 per cents.

The entry point to the Ford Mondeo range is the Mondeo Graphite, which is powered by Ford’s 118bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine. It promises to return over 40mpg, but it’s a relatively small engine in a big car, so this particular Mondeo doesn’t feel very responsive to drive and you’ll struggle to match the official figure. It attracts a 23 per cent BiK rate.

Ford also offers some Mondeos with a turbocharged 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Making 158bhp, it’s significantly more powerful than the standard 118bhp 1.6, and it reduces the 0-62mph time considerably. But thanks to its more modern design, fuel economy and CO2 emissions are actually better than in the entry-level car. If you’re after a petrol-powered Mondeo, the 1.6-litre EcoBoost is the one to opt for.

The fastest model in the Mondeo range is powered by the same 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine used by the sporty Ford Focus ST hatchback. It’s more efficient than you might think for a 237bhp engine; although the harder you drive, the more your running costs increase. This engine is also only available with Ford’s six-speed Powershift dual-clutch gearbox – there’s no manual option.

Insurance

The Mondeo’s popularity, affordable spare parts and Ford’s extensive dealer network all combine to make this car fairly cheap to insure. For instance, the entry-level Edge 1.6-litre TDCi falls into group 15, while the best-selling Zetec Business Edition 2.0-litre TDCi 140 is in group 21. Highest of the lot is the top-of-the-range Titanium X Sport powered by the 237bhp 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol, which falls into group 28.

The used-car market is flooded with examples of the Ford Mondeo, so it’s no surprise that predicted residual values are unremarkable. Our experts have calculated that most models will be worth around 40 per cent of their new value after three years and 30,000 miles. The worst performer is the Titanium X Sport 2.0 EcoBoost 240 Powershift, which is expected to retain just 36.7 per cent of its value. The strongest performer, with residuals of 41 per cent, is the 2.0-litre TDCi 140 Titanium X Business Edition.

Warranty

All Ford cars come with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty as standard, which includes a single year of breakdown recovery. However, it’s possible to extend the guarantee to four or five years at a cost of £160 or £300 respectively. Both the standard and extended warranties are transferrable to a new owner, should you decide to sell your car.

Servicing

Ford offers flexible servicing for the Mondeo, based on time or mileage, and the car will alert you when attention is required. Ford offers fixed-price services at its main dealers for cars less than four years old, with incentives such as Nectar points and cut-price MOT tests included. You can also take advantage of Ford’s Premium Plan servicing pack, which covers two years’ worth of maintenance for £390, or three years for £690.