Mondeo Wagon Road Test Latest RACQ Magazine

csv8 · 17-02-2010, 06:57 PM

The latest RACQ magazine has a road test between Mondeo(petrol), Mazda, Skoda and Subaru wagons..
Conclusion : " On performance alone, Octavia would win this encounter handsomely. Then would follow Liberty, Mazda 6 and Mondeo. If space and size counted for everything, it would be Ford, Subaru, Mazda and Skoda in that order.
But we suspect most station wagon buyers might be looking for something with a good serving of both commodities-a "labrador lugger" with a user friendly personality that they could live with every day. The Mazda 6 fits the bill perfectly."
First road test I have read where the Mondeo isn't favourably reported on.

NZ XR6 · 17-02-2010, 07:25 PM

What engine did the Octavia have? The petrol Octavia is just as slow as a Mondeo and the auto is not as good. The Mazda 6 is certainly quicker than the Mondeo, but not as refined.

I drove all of the above except the new Subaru, and the Mondeo was a simple choice.

csv8 · 17-02-2010, 08:45 PM

The Ocatvia RS had the 2.0-litre turbo. 147kw @ 5100 to 6000rpm.
Torque 280 Nm@1800-5000rpm

paulie0735 · 17-02-2010, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NZ XR6

. The Mazda 6 is certainly quicker than the Mondeo, but not as refined..

The current M6 has leap-froged the Mondeo, which isn't surprising as they are not aligned with updates. The next Mondeo is likely to leap frog the Mazda again. The latest M6 Diesel Wagon is by far the best thing in its class IMO, being manual only in Aus will put some people off but will attract just as many 'drivers' to the brand in time.

NZ XR6 · 18-02-2010, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulie0735

The current M6 has leap-froged the Mondeo, which isn't surprising as they are not aligned with updates. The next Mondeo is likely to leap frog the Mazda again. The latest M6 Diesel Wagon is by far the best thing in its class IMO, being manual only in Aus will put some people off but will attract just as many 'drivers' to the brand in time.

I haven't seen the road test, but did they compare the petrol Mondeo to 3 diesels?

I haven't driven the diesel Mazda 6 (not available in NZ), but would not describe the petrol wagon as "by far the best thing in its class." IMO the choice in NZ would be between the Accord tourer, Mazda 6, Mondeo and Commodore - all about $40-50k. (Only the Mondeo is available as a diesel here.) They all have their strengths and weaknesses - I'd say it's a personal choice depending on whether you're looking for load space, refinement, fuel economy, performance or rear wheel drive.

csv8 · 18-02-2010, 01:41 AM

No, all are petrol models.

naddis01 · 18-02-2010, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NZ XR6

I haven't driven the diesel Mazda 6 (not available in NZ), but would not describe the petrol wagon as "by far the best thing in its class." IMO the choice in NZ would be between the Accord tourer, Mazda 6, Mondeo and Commodore - all about $40-50k. (Only the Mondeo is available as a diesel here.) They all have their strengths and weaknesses - I'd say it's a personal choice depending on whether you're looking for load space, refinement, fuel economy, performance or rear wheel drive.

I have to agree with Paulie regarding the Mazda 6 having it over the Mondeo but I also agree with you regarding it being a personal choice.

For comparison the Mazda 6 diesel has 135kw and 400Nm as opposed to Mondeos 96kw and 320Nm. All this while using almost 20% less fuel than the Mondeo. But like you say it is a personal choice and if space is more important than performance the Mondeo would be the go. However the Mazda 6 is almost the same size as a VS Commodore so it is not exactly small. It is also receiving a facelift in the next few months which will be also adding more features and another model called the Touring for the wagon.

Hopefully when the updated Mondeo comes out it will have the 2.2L diesel instead of the 2L.

NZ XR6 · 18-02-2010, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naddis01

Hopefully when the updated Mondeo comes out it will have the 2.2L diesel instead of the 2L.

Agreed, would also be great to see a manual option or at least the new dual clutch box on the diesel, whichever engine we get.

naddis01 · 18-02-2010, 09:24 PM

IIRC the 2.2L only comes with a manual at this stage? Unless they have/are going to have a DSG box for it?

NZ XR6 · 18-02-2010, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naddis01

IIRC the 2.2L only comes with a manual at this stage? Unless they have/are going to have a DSG box for it?

The new dual clutch (DSG) box will handle the torque, unlike the current 6 speed auto.

Now that they've dropped the 2.5 petrol turbo, the 2.2 diesel with the manual box is the performance option in Europe!