Ford Mondeo 2010 road test
Ford has lightly revised the exterior of its fleet and family favourite Mondeo to give it an appearance more in line with the latest S-Max and Galaxy. There’s also a refreshed cabin and some new tech, such as a blind spot recognition system. However, the most important changes are under the bonnet with the arrival of a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine that Ford claims has comparable running costs to a 2.0-litre turbodiesel.
With the Auris Hybrid, Toyota has challenged itself to produce a vehicle that has outstanding environmental and economic abilities, but which also offers a rewarding and involving experience for the driver. The Auris Hybrid comes with three potential engine settings including Eco, Power and EV (using electric power only). Most drivers will probably have the Eco mode as the default setting, as it offers fine performance for day to day journeys and makes the most sense for the wallet. In Eco mode, the engine when pushed, revs willingly and accelerates keenly up to a point before settling down. EV only mode is usable at very low speeds and when the battery is absolutely fully charged. It is in Power mode when the Auris Hybrid comes into it’s own with regards to performance as the rev band is lengthened and the car becomes a warm hatch capable of more spritely performance. The drive is such that your heart might urge you to stay in this mode much longer than the head would advise. However Toyota’s new little hybrid model does not expect you to completely sacrifice performance and ride for economy and the planet, whichever mode you drive it in.
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