Ford Mondeo Wagon 2.0 TDCi [PowerShift] Swift Challenger 645
Performance
Weight
The Ford Mondeo Wagon 2.0 TDCi [PowerShift] with a Swift Challenger 645 with an actual weight of 1644 kg is a match just suitable for most journeys but also with some limitations.
The motor preformance of the Ford is in general fairly good. But the weight of the Swift with a User Payload (165 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is heavy. Try to move luggage from the caravan to the car and drive not too fast. Remember to load your caravan correctly, insuring that the noseweight of the caravan is sufficient and the weight is distributed properly!
Flat roads
Towing Performance
218
214
Mountains
Risk of snaking
238
100
Weight ratio: 92% (104% of kerbweight)
1644 kg
1792 kg
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Ford Mondeo Wagon 2.0 TDCi [PowerShift] Swift Challenger 645
Actual Weights
Swift Challenger 645: 1644 kg.
Ford Mondeo Wagon 2.0 TDCi [PowerShift]: 1792 kg.
Noseweight: 90 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 92%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 218 points).
Speeds of 73 mph (118 km/h) to 79 mph (127 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is more than enough power at low engine speeds (score to compare 214 points).
Slightly higher revs (1700 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 20.7 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally good (score to compare 238 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 17%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (2700 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 63 mph (101 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Ford is more than sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you will need a B+E (or B96) driving license.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 92%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 104%.
The risk of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving exist. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are so great that it could be dangerous. Only if the driver has knowledge of and experience in driving a caravan it should be safe to drive. Proper and careful loading is essential! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is recommended.
Recommended noseweight is 80 - 90 kg.
Towball limit is 75 kg (Check this on the type plate of your towbar!)
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 100 points.
If the caravan starts to snake you should reduce your speed and slow down directly! Lift your feet off the accelerator and brake gradually. Hold the steering wheel into a fixed position.
Conclusion
Performance is fairly good.
Proper and careful loading is still important!
It's a fairly good match, only for experienced (caravan) drivers and with some limitations.
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.