Used Ford models impress What Car
Ford has received three used car awards from What Car? recently, highlighting the manufacturer's popularity in the UK's used car market.
The three awards went to Ford's Fiesta, S-Max and Mondeo models in the small car, people carrier and family car categories respectively.
With the Mondeo stealing the used family car segment award, cars such as the Vauxhall Insignia would definitely have been up there when it comes to competition.
The insignia, as well as the Mondeo comes in saloon and estate body styles but both remain fundamentally family cars with qualities like spacious interiors, competitive prices and good economic emissions.
But which car should have won?
First off, the award winning Mondeo is available with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is available with its Eco-signature model the Econetic. The Insignia is also available with a 2.0-litre diesel engine engine.
When it comes to emissions with these engines the Mondeo is capable of 54.3mpg and has C02 emissions of just 139g/km. The Insignia achieves 51.4mpg and has emissions of 115g/km. So the Mondeo is better when it comes to mileage, but the Insignia takes the lead when it comes to emissions.
It also means that the Insignia is free from the first year's road tax, which ticks another box when it comes to affordability.
Now, when it comes down to things like boot space and general interior space neither of the models stand out from one-another and both pretty much have the same space.
With over 1000-litres of space with the seats folded down, both cars 'suffice' when it comes to handling family life with things like bikes and luggage.
Price wise, the Ford Mondeo models start from £17,795, whereas the Vauxhall Insignia model prices start from £17,600. Again, hardly worth commenting on.
To call the Ford Mondeo the best family car and therefore 'better than other family car models' would be a bit hasty. The Vauxhall Insignia is just as good.
Tellingly, the Vauxhall Insignia regularly outsells the Mondeo in the UK. In 2011, it has been a regular in the top ten best-sellers, while the Ford Mondeo has failed to appear so far.
If you were going to compare the Mondeo to other family cars, you will not find a closer contender than the Vauxhall Insignia, which in our eyes just takes the title of best family car - if only for the lower emissions and superb interior.