Strap yourselves in! It’s Wednesday and that means another installment of Car Wars to break up your week. Today, the Volkswagen Passat takes on the 2015 Ford Mondeo. They share more than a few similarities, so it won’t be easy to call! Passat vs. Mondeo: which one will come out on top in this battle of reliable roadsters? Let’s find out.
Want to skip the review and go find out about our car loans? Head to our car loan calculator to see what we can do for you.
Design
The eagerly anticipated 2015 Ford Mondeo comes with a sleek new look. As far as company cars go, however, it faces stiff competition from the premium badged VW. With new headlights and panelling, the Volkswagen Passat has upped its game when it comes to design. While alterations to the bonnet make the car appear wider, the length remains the same. In the design stakes, points go to the Passat.
Features
The new VW Passat entry level comes with an impressive 6.5 inch infotainment system, air con and digital radio as standard. Opt for the SE version and you’ll also get automatic lights and front and rear parking sensors. The high-end R versions offer a sportier look, but also come with a bigger price tag. In terms of dashboard appearance, the 2015 Ford Mondeo has a slight edge over the VW Passat, thanks to its 8.0 inch colour touch-screen infotainment system. However, the menu is a little busy and could definitely be simpler. VW wins this round too.
Performance
When it comes to engines, neither car is a game-changer. The 1.6 litre diesel is ideal if slow and steady progress is the aim of your game – but we think it’s a bit on the disappointing side for the VW Passat. Similarly, the entry level 1.6 diesel for the Ford Mondeo, while the most efficient, doesn’t promise a lot of power. The Mondeo scoops this one, but it’s a close call.
Handling
The VW Passat is unique in that it manages to maintain an enjoyable ride whether driving through the city or at motorway speeds. Control is maintained at all times, making for a more relaxed driving experience. For such a large car, the new Ford Mondeo is excitingly agile. Although it handles tight corners with ease, the Mondeo is most at home at motorway speeds, experiencing very little wind and road noise. For an all round driving experience, we’re going with the VW this time.
Price
It’s time to take a look at the price tags. When it comes to cost, these two rivals couldn’t be much closer. The VW Passat comes in at £22,215, while the 2015 Ford Mondeo just pips it to the pricing post at £22,045.
The verdict: this one really is tough to call – but for a car that’s just as fun in the city as it is on the motorway, our winner has got to be the VW Passat.
Do you need help financing your winner? At the Car Loan Warehouse, we offer flexible lending to suit any budget. If you’re looking for VW Passat finance or 2015 Ford Mondeo finance, use our loan calculator to get an instant quote.
