1st Apr 2003, 10:10
Having owned (and enjoyed) both the C280 and the Mondeo, I feel I am more than qualified to make that comment regarding quality. If you have owned equivalent examples of both marques and found otherwise, please say so. Have you driven a new Mondeo, or even sat in one? I suspect not. I suggest you try it. It also says a lot when a Ford is rarer on British roads than a Mercedes or particularly a BMW.
As for the Accord, I haven't driven one so cannot comment. That said, I have yet to see any press comments which say it is as good as the Mondeo, let alone "10 times better". I will keep an open mind until I've tried it for myself, however.
6th Feb 2004, 08:51
The 3.0 liter X-type engine is the same engine as the ST220. The only difference, I believe, is the top, air intake and chip. There are now sport chips out that will extend the 220 to the exact same spec as the Jag.
21st Mar 2004, 14:02
I am waiting delivery of a 220 estate, having not driven one and only compared with other manufacturers by reading and asking questions I Can't WAIT 2weeks and counting.
29th Apr 2004, 03:05
I think it's foolish to compare the Pug 406 Coupe to the ST220.
One is a 2-door Italian designed coupe designed (forgive the stereotyping) probably for middle aged person who has children living away from home and a high disposable income.
Sure it's got some shove, but I would expect most to cruise around gently on Motorways and A-roads cutting a dash with those Pininfarina good looks.
The ST220 to my minds seems to be an all-rounder - practical enough for an everyday car and taking it down to Asda for the monthly shop, taking the kids to the Zoo etc...
Or as a precisely honed tool for the keen driver to throw around on twisty B-roads. It's aimed at enthusiast drivers with a family. A recent ad for it summed it up "For tigers with cubs to protect'
I am seriously looking at a ST220 saloon as the next car after my current car - a BMW 323 Coupe. While the supreme balance and build quality of the BMW is not in doubt. When starting a family the practicality of a 4-door takes priority.
That's said, I want something with a bit of shove and that looks good. You cannot mistake the ST220 for a regular Mondeo with the muscular bodykit, twin tailpipes, 18inch alloys and front spoiler. I personally think there is little to upstage the ST220 in the looks dept, even against a monster like the BMW M5.
It is something you look forward to driving at the end of the work day, something with resonable running and service costs. I would expect the ST220 to have half the service costs every interval compared to the equivalent BMW or Mercedes. What Car? magazine shows the service cost at interval to be 911 UKP.
And I think that's Not Bad for a performance saloon with a 3L V6 and sports suspension, uprated brakes, and the rest.
21st Jun 2004, 03:46
I have owned BMW/Mercedes cars for the past 10 years. My current car being a 328-sport coupe. I have never given Ford cars a thought due to it’s ‘rep’ image until I had test driven the ST220 which was lent to me whilst on a lunch break.
An outstanding car!! capable of embarrassing drivers of more established sports saloons.
I would even say that it is slightly better than my BMW.
My new ST220 in panther black arrives in 3 weeks!
1st Jul 2004, 11:38
I currently have a Mondeo ST24, which I'm looking to change. I am looking at either a Seat Leon Cuprua R or the ST220. Whilst the Seat is slightly cheaper the ST220 really appeals to me due to the levels of equipment. The comments here are encouraging as I'm still to find a decent road test on the Ford. If people could put the badge prejudices to one side they would see that Ford do have a good product here.
Are there any 'gotchas' to look out for in the Ford?
24th Jul 2004, 16:52
Last September I bought a nine month old ST220 estate. I have had many many cars, but this is amazing. Speed, road holding, extras, finish, good looks and a very comfortable ride. A wolf in sheep's clothing. Well done Ford.
27th Aug 2004, 16:16
I own a 2001 Saab 93 Aero and recently aquired a 2004 Mondeo ST220. The ST200 outruns the Saab by far as well as my mate's 2003 BMW 330i. Living in South Africa with wide open highways, I have pushed the Mondeo past the 260 kph mark with a standard engine and a free flow exhaust system. In the upper-end of the market, no comparison can be made with any other make regarding performance & quality versus pricing. WAY TO GO FORD!!
3rd Sep 2004, 06:58
Which exhaust have you fitted? I'm trying to find some tuning mods for the ST, but I can't find any. 260kph is very impressive! I had no idea that the ST could do 160mph! what is it like at that speed?
28th Sep 2004, 13:52
The ST220 is indeed a great motor, better value per pound than most "sporty" models. I have recently driven the new Mondeo ST TDCI, 400NM of torque (a 330d BMW only has 410).At £22000 it is a seriously quick well balanced car and probably quicker in real terms than the ST220. On sight they are the same cars, petrol heads will note that the oil burner has only one exhaust. Mines due in 2 weeks, performance blue. I'll keep you up to date.
10th Oct 2004, 22:30
I've had my moon-dust silver ST220 three months now. A ten minute test drive and I was hooked. Two things I had to get use to: Doors don't lock automatically when you pull away, and its difficult to read the time off the clock in the car.
She goes easily to 220kph (I live in South Africa), with still a lot of power available.
2nd Nov 2004, 10:23
Looking at the comments above, I am pleased that people generally think that the high end Fords are getting on for matching some of there German competitors.
I certainly think that this is the case, and, I am changing from an 04 plate Audi TDi Sport to a new Mondeo ST TDCI in November.
I have been waiting for the diesel, and, having driven both the ST TDCI and the ST 220, I am pleased with the choice.
The ST220 V6 sounds great and the Recaro leather seats are nice, but when all said and done, 46 mpg is a massive bonus. All that torque (295 lbs/ft) is a match for most executive saloons in real world driving conditions.
Also, residual values should hold up well for the first 18 months to 2 years.
Andy from Bolton.
26th Feb 2003, 04:21
Had one for half a day from the local Pug dealer. I like Peugeots a lot - my wife's had two 306's which were great to drive.
The 406 V6 is a very nice car don't get me wrong - it's fairly quick, smooth, comfortable and has decent handling. It's quite significantly slower than the ST220 though, and the build quality is not as good.