Kit Car Magazine

Mid-size sedans have always occupied a relatively high share of domestic automotive market, which also intensified competition among automakers. In layman's terms, "involution" is becoming more and more serious. In order to win recognition of consumers, many manufacturers have purposefully developed models for domestic consumers in order to best meet needs of domestic consumers. And among them, there are many old-fashioned and powerful models, for example, Mondeo and Passat that we compared this time are two models with deep “qualification” in China.

Changan Ford Mondeo was introduced in China back in 2003. Thanks to its excellent overall strength, especially handling characteristics, which at time were leading among models of same level, it laid a good mass foundation. Needless to say, Volkswagen Passat, as first batch of models lengthened to meet needs of domestic consumers, has a long history of understanding needs of domestic consumers. The new generation of Changan Ford Mondeo can be considered an innovative product of Mondeo cars, it is mainly built by Chinese designers and sold only in domestic market, it is quite sincere to domestic consumer. But in face of Volkswagen Passat, which is still strong and has always been well versed in preferences of Chinese, can new generation of Mondeo compete?

Exterior: new generation Mondeo more spiritual, Passat more willing to follow tradition

The new generation of Mondeo adopts a completely new style of exterior design that emphasizes combination of technology and sportiness, especially ST-Line version we tested, whose appearance is more in line with aesthetic standards of youth. Split headlights are installed on front panel, and shape of LED daytime running lights is also very distinctive. The lighting effect is even superior to conventional headlights of some models. Real headlights are located on both sides of bumper, giving the front face a stronger look. three dimensional meaning.

The unique 3D parametric grating also has a special function. When owner approaches car, it will have a special breathing effect, which makes new generation of Mondeo playable to a certain extent and actually experience strong interaction. . In terms of visual effects, 3D parametric scale grille has a strong visual impact. In addition to using scale to increase sense of strength, piano black color scheme also makes front panel more upscale.

The new generation Mondeo ST-Line also features an exclusive sporty appearance package. Compared to other versions, shape of front bumper has a more aggressive taste.

The side lines are quite elongated, and 2945 mm wheelbase creates a slender and elegant waistline. The compact rear design, which matches the look of a hatchback, is not without dynamism.

The design of tail section is also done in a completely new style. The thru-type rear light has a sportier transparent lamp body design, and internal parts of lamp group also have a strong three-dimensional effect. The ST-Line model also blacked out car's logo and added a small ducktail spoiler that looks more taut.

SAIC Volkswagen Passat is also actively working on rejuvenation. Our test drive is a premium version of starry sky with a matrix grille. degree weakens the businesslike atmosphere of past Passat models.

The characteristics of Pasat family are quite obvious. The lamps have an insightful design concept with chrome trim strips for a piercing design and are seamlessly paired with LED daytime running lights to match lighting effect of daytime running lights. obvious impact on improving sense of technology.

The side profile returns to executive sedan style. Longer front and rear overhangs make overall look more stable and mature. It can be said that waist line passing through body is highlight of side profile.

The rear light features currently popular see-through design. While main body of taillight retains its existing shape, penetrating portion widens at both ends, which looks more impressive, and layering is also evident. The design of rear bumper also echoes front: a simple design and a hidden exhaust with chrome surrounds make rear of car look fuller.

Comments: They both use currently popular design elements in appearance, and it can be said that they have their own characteristics in terms of appearance. Changan Ford's new generation Mondeo can be recognized by editor in terms of design: whether it's a playful "Wake Up" sensory hello system or a more tech-inspired exterior design, new generation Mondeo is more lively. SAIC Volkswagen Passat also added more fashion elements, especially Xingkong Internet equipped with our test drive car, which makes original more traditional Passat also show a fashion side, and light effect of pass-through taillights is also quite good.

Interior design: New-generation Mondeo's 1.1-meter "giant screen" is attractive enough, Passat's performance is mainstream

Compared to previous generation, interior of new generation Mondeo has undoubtedly undergone a complete change, especially 1.1 meter long "giant screen", which emphasizes a stronger technological atmosphere. In terms of layout, a symmetrical method is adopted, combined with a simple interior style, it looks clean and at same time has a strong texture.

The ST-Line model we tested also features red undertones. The connection of air conditioner air outlet creates appearance of a spacecraft pipe, which complements overall technological style. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel also enhances sporty ambiance in cabin, while sporty suede and leather-style seats also feature red stitching to add dynamism to interior.

Apart from stunning looks, what is new generation of Mondeo in terms of intelligence? Equipped with SYNC®+2.0 Zhixing interconnection system, size of central control screen has reached 27 inches and has a 4K screen resolution, which has a good hardware base. The main driver has a full LCD instrument panel, driver can select different display interface styles, and has more intuitive real-time augmented reality navigation so that driver can estimate route more accurately.

The actual work can also experience its powerful performance. When working with a 27-inch screen, screen's dynamic effect is full of strong visual impact, and its sensitivity is also worthy of recognition. The clear display effect also allows driver to focus on desired function. In terms of multimedia software, it also continues performance of Changan Ford models by providing a variety of third-party entertainment software to meet diverse audiovisual entertainment needs of car owners.

At same time, Ford Blue Basin Friend partner VPA Zhixing also brought many surprises. As Ford's first AI-enabled virtual smart assistant, it can recognize voice input with high accuracy and even intentionally use non-standard tangerine. .. valid until recognition. While driving, I prefer “friend of blue basin” to wake up various functions for me, without being “distracted” by multimedia control.

The SAIC Volkswagen Passat still retains traditional Volkswagen style of interior, and same design can be seen on other Volkswagen models. The center console has a driver-oriented layout, and control-related functions are more intuitive, and distribution of various functions is relatively regular, and can be effectively controlled with little adaptation.

The new Passat features a new steering wheel design that gives interior a sporty feel. Interior materials have also been optimized. On basis of maintaining original piano paint, some digital styles have been added to match style of front panel. Younger consumers will undoubtedly make a better impression.

The Volkswagen "car" system is familiar to everyone. The screen size of 9.2 inches is relatively popular. The latest Volkswagen MOS 4.0 system was not used in Passat, it has relatively fewer features and no user interface. So rich. However, some commonly used features are still available, such as widely used mobile phone maps, navigation and third-party media software, and car network features.

Comments: The interior demonstrates two traditional car companies' understanding of intelligence. The new generation Changan Ford Mondeo is amazing in terms of vehicle performance, whether it's a display effect or a function. A whole new height, even compared to those pure electric vehicles of new forces that advertise intelligence, it also has certain advantages, and by "inertial thinking" it is no longer possible to judge level of intelligence of a car. The SAIC Volkswagen Passat retains existing relatively regular design style, adding some sporty and tech touches to details to give interior an 'aged' feel. The performance of car part of machine is in line with expectations, and functions have reached current mainstream level. There is also a good experience in actual use, but there is still room for a wealth of functions.

Data Comparison: New Generation Mondeo Has Impressive Power Data, Passat More Apt to Reflect Business Attributes

The model participating in comparison this time is new generation Changan Ford Mondeo 2022 EcoBoost 245 ST-Line, official guide price: 216,800 yuan. SAIC Volkswagen Passat 2023 330TSI Starry Sky Premium Edition, official estimated price: 233,900 yuan.

In terms of location, both have good space performance and benefits in data can also be reflected in actual trip. In contrast, Mondeo's rear row has more advantages when it's full: its almost flat platform allows passengers in middle to have more legroom, while Passat's bulge is more obvious here, it can be used in an emergency. , and many years of riding experience is not very good.

Next generation Mondeo space display:

Passat Space display:

In terms of configuration, difference in configuration between two is much less obvious than in price. Because top models of each have a high level of configuration, but focus is not same. The new generation Mondeo is ahead of Passat in technology configuration, while Passat performs better in business configuration.

In terms of power, biggest gap between them. The new generation Mondeo is equipped with a powerful EcoBoost® 2.0T engine, more impressive in terms of maximum power and peak torque. price, you can choose a powerful 2.0t motor, which is also more attractive to consumers.

Comments: Both cars have first-class space and configuration performance among current class B cars. The new generation Changan Ford Mondeo has a more outstanding safety configuration, and knee airbag is a rare configuration in same class. The SAIC Volkswagen Passat has more comfortable configurations, such as front and rear massage seats, that business users are more likely to enjoy.

Dynamic driving: overall performance of new generation Mondeo is all-encompassing, while Passat chassis pays more attention to comfort

In real world, actual performance of new generation Mondeo also matches benefits presented in data. The engine has sufficient power reserve at initial stage, and driving in rhythm of daily use can give you a relaxed and fun driving experience. The performance of Ford 8AT transmission is also commendable, especially in terms of ride comfort, and it can accurately detect driver's intentions and shift into appropriate gear.

Of course, since powertrain is currently led by Ford, there's no need to worry about absolute power numbers. enter into a combat state, with a maximum power of 238 horsepower, and a peak torque of 376 Nm will be fully unleashed. At this time, new generation of Mondeo has a more sensitive throttle response and more aggressive shift logic, and also has complete confidence whether it accelerates or overtakes.

As for chassis, new generation Mondeo has added more comfort elements while retaining driveability essence of its predecessors. The handling continues European style of past, steering wheel is well directional, damping feedback is relatively firm, and it has good steering effort. The overall adjustment of suspension also shows good stiffness, it handles small road surface details relatively well, in conditions of large center of gravity offset, it can stabilize body well and show a good basis of control.

Note that BlueCruise Active Driving Assistance System makes driving more relaxed. At first, I was skeptical about "quasi-automatic driving" that maintains a certain section of road 0-130 km / h, but in real conditions, this set of assisted driving shows a strong assisting ability. you only need to hold your hands properly on steering wheel, system will move according to set distance to car. It can also accurately detect lane change of vehicle in front and react to it in time, such as slowing down, which greatly reduces intensity of driver's actions.

SAIC Volkswagen Passat is also equipped with its own main power plant. It can be said that 2.0T engine and 7-speed dual clutch transmission are old friends, and they also show a high degree of tacit understanding in cooperation. In state of daily driving, performance is still relatively strong, and power is still guaranteed in medium and low speed driving condition. The rear end acceleration ability is relatively weak, which is not suitable for heavy driving. The gearbox better captures driver's intentions and can perform gear changes accurately, while the dual clutch gearbox also ensures efficient and fast shifting.

Passat puts more emphasis on comfort in chassis adjustment, so it even loses a lot of feel of German cars of past, and overall feel becomes lazier. When driving on bumpy roads, intention of engineers is felt, and sharp vibrations are not transmitted to car, and comfort is guaranteed to a certain extent. Although extreme handling is not its forte, Passat still retains steering feel of German cars.

Commentary: In an environment where B-class comfort reigns supreme, new generation of Changan Ford Mondeo has become more friendly to people, while maintaining same driving advantages, and overall chassis strength is noteworthy. praise. The Passat has gone further in terms of comfort, and golden power of Volkswagen is still worthy of recognition, but sporty driving is not its forte.

Overview

Being quite powerful joint venture models, these two models have shown their strengths. After a detailed comparison of two models, it is not difficult to see that new generation Changan Ford Mondeo has a more comprehensive performance. At same time, essence of handling of past has not been lost. The SAIC Volkswagen Passat also showed its due strength, and its performance in all aspects met expectations placed on it at beginning, and it did not lose its strength as a veteran model. Changan Ford's new generation Mondeo is more suitable for those young consumers who have high demands on vehicles. As a brand new product, new generation Mondeo has shown its brand new side in every aspect, whether it's new design style or superior intelligence performance and deep mechanical adjustment made a deep impression on editor Compared with models of same price, power is higher, car's functions are more numerous, and cost of performance is higher. The Volkswagen Passat is more in line with preferences of traditional consumers, positioning of IKEA and IKEA makes it suitable for most use cases, and overall performance does not have obvious disadvantages.