It is a great tribute to Skodas that people have posted here comparing the merits of an Octavia with those of a BMW 3-series or (from the same parent group as Skoda) various VWs and Audis.

But I don't recall seeing any comparison with a Ford Mondeo - surely a close competitor in terms of good value (purchase cost and running costs), large interior space, comfort, driving pleasure and wide choice of both petrol and diesel engines.

If I just wanted a good-value diesel estate, I would be looking at a S/H Mondeo.  The only reason I am looking at Skodas and even BMWs (now that they offer xDrive) is because I want a 4WD estate (and NOT any kind of great ugly, clumsy SUV).

If Ford offered 4WD on the Mondeo estate, I can't help feeling it might give Skoda some serious competition.

Er, it's a Ford.

I'm the same as you. I'd seriously consider a 4wd Mondeo estate, but as they don't offer them, no interest to me.

Er, it's a Ford.

 

Yes, an alternative make of car that also do some decent ones.

Yes, an alternative make of car that also do some decent ones.

 

Amazin!

Er, it's a Ford.

"Er, it's a Skoda"

Both equally outdated prejudices.  Ford (like, as we know, Skoda) make some damn good cars.  Even Jeremy Clarkson - as much a brand snob as anyone else - has said of the newer Mondeos "With cars as good as this, why buy a BMW?"

Ford's are good cars which certainly lick VW group in terms of ride and handling. The current Mondeo is now very old and is due for replacement this year. As such it depreciates like crazy, and feels slightly outdated inside the cabin. Overall interior space is pretty similar.
 

The new Mondeo will no doubt be a much tougher rival.

I'm the same as you. I'd seriously consider a 4wd Mondeo estate, but as they don't offer them, no interest to me.

Just so.

But what about all the people who don't want 4WD?  Why no mention in these forums of the comparative merits of Modeo v. Octavia, whether the diesels or petrols, hatch or estate, everyday or go-faster versions as the case may be?

Amazin!

 

I just struggle to understand anyone that is negative about a rival brand/manufacter because of the badge.

 

In case you didn't notice, we drive Skodas.

The budget version of the VAG empire that is restricted in it's quality/spec and options by the higher up brands.

Like the VRS Octy not being allowed the diff the Golf GTI can have.

 

But of course, I understand Skodas are the best!

 

Fords generally outhandle thier VAG counterparts too.

Not that I want a Ford, but to make silly statements about them because "it's a Ford" is a bit pointless and shows a lack of car knowledge.

I've had a few Foci and Mondeos as company cars and because of that I have chosen the Skoda.  At the moment I drive a 2009 Passat Estate, which I really like but it's getting too old for my comapny car (allowance) scheme.  I bought the Passat second hand around a year old, this time I have gone for new (first one ever in 22 years of driving!) because of the deals Skoda were doing.  I always swore I wouldn't buy new!!

I just struggle to understand anyone that is negative about a rival brand/manufacter because of the badge.

 

because "it's a Ford" is a bit pointless and shows a lack of car knowledge.

 

It's nothing do with the cars or the brand, I know they make some very good cars.  It's the people who buy them, I work with alot of people who drive fords, and I'm yet to see an mondeo that isn't driven by a ****.  It was only last night I had some *** in a C-Max undertaking me on the M56 and trying to force his way inbetween me and the car infront in very busy trafffic.

Ford's are good cars which certainly lick VW group in terms of ride and handling. The current Mondeo is now very old and is due for replacement this year. As such it depreciates like crazy, and feels slightly outdated inside the cabin. Overall interior space is pretty similar.

 

The new Mondeo will no doubt be a much tougher rival.

 

This.

 

Nothing wrong with a Mondeo but it's a relatively old design now and would have been replaced at least a year ago if they hadn't had problems with the factory.

if you can get a bargain on a run-out model it's worth considering but will depreciate badly when the next one eventually arrives.

It's nothing do with the cars or the brand, I know they make some very good cars.  It's the people who buy them, I work with alot of people who drive fords, and I'm yet to see an mondeo that isn't driven by a ****.  It was only last night I had some *** in a C-Max undertaking me on the M56 and trying to force his way inbetween me and the car infront in very busy trafffic.

So what if some people drive them badly? It's not mandatory for you to act like a ****. I've seen cars of all brands driven horrendously but that won't affect my buying decisions at all.

It's nothing do with the cars or the brand, I know they make some very good cars.  It's the people who buy them, I work with alot of people who drive fords, and I'm yet to see an mondeo that isn't driven by a ****.  It was only last night I had some *** in a C-Max undertaking me on the M56 and trying to force his way inbetween me and the car infront in very busy trafffic.

 

Well, that's a bit more info than...

 

 

Er, it's a Ford.

Had 2 Octavias and currently have the latest Focus. Just coming to end of lease and I'm starting to look around now. Will certainly consider both brands again and its just a shame that I will choose before the NEW Mondeo comes out later this year. That could be one to watch...........

I used to own a 59 plate titanium Mondeo, it was a great car for long distance trips, however I found it to be not that great for smaller trips, granted I had mine chipped (which kept up with the mk2 vrs) but I had no end of issues with the DPF.

I also felt the interior was very dated.

For me the vrs is head and shoulders above the Mondeo.

It's nothing do with the cars or the brand, I know they make some very good cars.  It's the people who buy them, I work with alot of people who drive fords, and I'm yet to see an mondeo that isn't driven by a ****.  It was only last night I had some *** in a C-Max undertaking me on the M56 and trying to force his way inbetween me and the car infront in very busy trafffic.

 

 

So what if some people drive them badly? It's not mandatory for you to act like a ****. I've seen cars of all brands driven horrendously but that won't affect my buying decisions at all.

 

And hands up everyone who hasn't driven their car (or, more likely a hire car) like a **** at least once, irrespective of what make it is?

 

Late for a meeting or to get home, annoyed by another motorists behaviour, bad day at work, argument with the other half, dying for p*** or a s***, time of the month . . . . and those are just some of my excuses 

Many people seem to be anti BMW, anti Ford and even anti Audi within this forum. Strange how all 3 brands outsell Skoda significantly within the UK. Obviously Skoda owners know something that most others fail to grasp.

When I was trying to arrive at a decision as to which make to buy, I too considered Fords Mondeo having owned three already.

If you don't need 4x4, it does level the playing field somewhat as Ford too have their estate in a number of engine / gearbox / trim options.

I went and looked at both, probably spending more time looking at the Ford than the Skoda.

As you know I am now the proud owner of a Octavia Combi, the final call came down to three things, size, the Ford is a little too large for the good lady to drive comfortably, I reasoned that the Ford would probably depreciate a little faster than the Skoda but the clincher for me was quality, it just didn't seem as well put together and the materials looked / felt a little cheaper unless you hit the very top of their range.

As I say, I've owned three Mondys and all have given sterling service (did about 220,000 miles between them) but the new ones just don't give me that feel good factor.

The all-new Mondeo will likely become the class leader, as the current/old Mondeo was 8 years ago. It set new standards in terms of handling, refinement space and practicality, and even looked pretty good at the time. Comparing the new Octavia to the old Mondeo is not really a fair fight, and it is no surprise that the Octy wins within most areas.

So what if some people drive them badly? It's not mandatory for you to act like a ****. I've seen cars of all brands driven horrendously but that won't affect my buying decisions at all.

 

Seems mandatory for ford drivers.  IMO BMW and Audi drivers haven't got anything on Ford drivers for poor driving.

Er, it's a Ford.

  And you drive a ... Skoda?!   Thats the priceless comment of 2014 so far imo!

 

Id seriously consider a Mondeo estate - very nice drive (nicer than the equivalent Skoda imo), pretty reliable, well equipped, solid build, decent engines (the 200ps 2.2 TDCi is fairly swift)  and available with decent discounts, especially as its replacement has been announced. (6k off a decent spec one as an example). An awd model is a very appealing thing imo but it'd have to wait for the new model that comes along next year. Just a shame that the interiors lack outright quality and the dealers are pretty bad overall from experience.  

is

... Comparing the new Octavia to the old Mondeo is not really a fair fight, and it is no surprise that the Octy wins within most areas.

I quite agree.  And if buying second-hand, the alleged swifter depreciaiton of the Mondeo makes it even better value for money.

As for owners, I've encountered a vastly greater number of arrogant t0ssers driving BMWs (and Audis) than driving Fords, but this hasn't stopped people giving a good opinion of BMWs (and Audis) in this  forum.

 

Edited 15 January, 201412 yr by Stuarted

I think the Octavia vRS is the best, hence why I bought one.....?

 

I've no brand snobbery, but I do like a car that is unusual.  My only reticence in buying a Skoda is it's popularity.  The Mondeo has lessened in popularity due to this very factor.  It is b0ll0x about owners of different brands displaying various driving characteristics.  Some might argue it's akin to racism, sexism etc....!  I did have a Nissan X-Trail on hire and I did find people were a bit keen to get out of the way, but then it was a bit of a monster.

 

For me, the clincher was that the diesel vRS has the necessary go faster bits and sporty feel without the compromises that an out-and-out sporty car presents.

 

It's all about personal preference.  I currently own an Alfa Romeo, and I've had largely trouble-free motoring* and think it is a wonderful car.  Sadly, the fuel bill is not quite as wonderful on an 80-mile a day commute. 

 

 

 

 

 

*Discounting the heater switch not glued on by the manufacturer; leaking cylinder head; leaking rear shocks; persistent blown headlamp/foglamps.

Edited 15 January, 201412 yr by fiisch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI71-hKpyZ8 This test by whatcar covered the octavia , Mondeo and Golf in hatch form.