The question in the title is straightforward enough, but we’ll elaborate it more: should you be in the market for a European family sedan from the new generation, which one would you choose?
The new Ford Mondeo, the new VW Passat or neither and you’d go for something that’s been around for longer?
Yes, yes, the Mondeo is only offered as a hatchback in Europe (we’re not talking about wagons here), but were it to not have the third wiper, you’d be hard pressed to tell. Besides, you can get the sedan too, just only if you opt for the hybrid variant. It features the excellent styling of the already familiar Fusion, with minimal changes and an interior that’s much more upscale than before.
Obviously, its inside is no match for that of the Passat, which looks even more modern and premium, but it is a notable improvement over the outgoing car.
The range of engines available for either is pretty comprehensive, and both get a high-powered 2.0-liter diesel – the Passat’s is more powerful and comes with all-wheel drive traction, but the Mondeo’s 210 PS unit should prove nearly as brisk.
Both of these cars have other serious rivals, though, like the excellent (and reportedly better to drive than either) Mazda6, the talented all-rounder that is the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, the swoopy Hyundai i40 and the Kia Optima, to name but a few. You can even have a Peugeot 508, which was recently facelifted, but somehow feels devoid of soul and passion.
Poll: Which new non-premium euro sedan would you like to own, the Mondeo or the Passat?
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