Ford Mondeo Ecoboost driven

Ecoboost. Youre going to be hearing a lot of that word because its Fords name for a family of direct-injection turbocharged petrol engines that will be used globally as models are updated or replaced. As well as this 2.0-litre therell be a couple of 1.6s and at least two three-cylinder 1.0-litre units.

The 2.0 is already in the Galaxy and S-Max, and now its found a home in the Mondeo, replacing the old 2.3 and 2.5 turbo units. The name of the game, with corporate average fuel economy a hot topic and CO2-based taxation a factor in many countries, is efficiency. Compared with the 2.3, it has the potential to give you another 6mpg while cutting CO2 emissions by 44g/km, or eight tax bands in company car speak.

In the UK its mated to a six-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission that Ford calls Powershift. If youre looking for a comparison, think of Volkswagens TFSI engine and DSG gearbox.

Its an even better combination than the VW set-up, though: gorgeously smooth and progressive, and pretty much inaudible unless the throttle is wide open, when theres just a distant rasp. Theres 200bhp to call upon when you need it, but its the 221lb ft or torque from 1750rpm to 4500rpm that impresses most, giving the car wonderful driveability. Its not quite as lusty as Fords 2.0-litre TDCi diesels, but not far behind. The gearbox is every bit as silky as the engine, and much smoother than VWs DSG in full automatic mode. Maybe thats why Ford doesnt fit steering column-mounted paddles that would make it easier to drive as a manual.

The pity is, so few people in the UK will ever experience it. The TDCi engines still have an advantage in terms of pricing and company car tax scales, which will in turn affect resale values and monthly leasing rates.

What Car? says

Only the company car tax system counts against it