Skoda Superb vs Ford Mondeo vs Volvo S60

Volvo S60 D3 Business Edition

An attractive proposition for both business and private buyers, with an economical engine and classy cabin.

Driving

In theory they all ought to be similar, since all three have 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines putting out the same claimed 148bhp. In reality they feel markedly different. The Volvo’s short gearing means it can accelerate well from low revs in the higher gears and it’s also the quietest when you’re just cruising along.

The Ford pulls hardest of the three from low down but the higher gearing makes it the slowest of the three to get up to speed. The Skoda does the 0-60mph dash quicker than the other two and feels the crispest when it comes to acceleration. There is a small amount of suspension noise in the Superb as well as a slight engine drone on the motorway, rather like the Ford, but in the Volvo the quieter engine is negated by more road noise intruding.

The S60 handles well though, soaking up the bumps and thumps and remaining settled on motorways. For a standard handling package that’s pretty good. However it does lean in the turns and it’s actually the first of the three to run out of grip in the corners.

The benchmark for handling has long been the Mondeo and, unlike in the Volvo, the steering is sharp and responsive. We like this best in Zetec trim, but in the standard Titanium trim, the larger wheels does let more bumps intrude.

The Skoda, by contrast, was not standard but fitted with the option of DCC adaptive suspension, which costs £750.

It also had 18in alloys instead of the standard 17in. The handling and steering were impressive.

It was composed and fluid through tight bends, but it was most comfortable when in Comfort mode.

That trades off a bit of body control, but if you put it in Normal or Sport modes the Superb gets unsettled over rough or bumpy surfaces.

The cabins

You get plenty of space in all of these cars, as well as adjustment for steering wheels and seats. However the Skoka wins on rear seat space, offering more than many big executive vehicles. It also wins on boot space, with a massive 625 litres available. You can fold the rear seats to add even more volume, although there is a resulting step in the floor if you do so.

The Mondeo follows up with good interior space and a voluminous cargo area with good access and a flatter floor when the rear seats are folded. The Volvo has a decent amount of space although, being a saloon, getting to that space is more awkward in the boot. Its interior though feels as well made as the Skoda’s, while the Ford trails in third for perceived cabin quality.

Costs

If you’re a cash buyer, then surprisingly the S60 works out the most expensive after discounts. In broad terms this would equal £1000 over the Mondeo and £1500 over the Superb.

For company car buyers the Volvo works out cheaper because of its tax bands but that only equals around £100 cheaper over three years compared to the Skoda, which doesn’t seem much compared to the disadvantages overall.

The most expensive is the Ford because of higher list price and higher emissions. Compared to the Skoda, over three years you’d be around £1000 worse off.

Our True MPG tests gave 45.1mpg for the Ford and 51.3mpg for the Volvo, but we haven’t been able to test the Skoda yet. However it is likely to similar to the other two, which would make it the cheapest here for private buyers, while the Ford would be the most expensive, due to high depreciation among other factors.

Naturally the Skoda and Ford get more equipment as they’re newer than the Volvo, but all three come with decent amounts of kit, including sat-nav, climate control and cruise control. The Skoda gains adaptive cruise control as standard, while the Ford gains traffic sign recognition.

Verdict

The Volvo S60 trails in third. It’s a nice car, but against superior opposition it falls short, on things like price, practicality and even the rather fiddly infotainment system.

The other two are much closer. The Ford Mondeo is a large, well-equipped car that drives famously well. But it’s expensive to buy and to run and the discounts on purchase are balanced by high depreciation.

The Skoda Superb is much cheaper for business drivers and has a large and practical cabin with high levels of equipment. It’s comfortable and spacious and easy to live with. It’s also cheaper to buy and run for private buyers, making it an unbeatable overall package here.

1st

Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 150 SE Business

For Huge interior space; well equipped; cheapest to buy

Against Ride comfort on standard suspension; step in boot floor

Verdict A phenomenal amount of car for the money

2nd

Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium

For Great to drive; safety credentials; spacious

Against CO2 emissions; depreciation; infotainment

Verdict Impressive but expensive to run

3rd

Volvo S60 D3 Business Editior

For Lowest CO2; real-world economy; quiet engine

Against Media system; practicality; vague steering

Verdict Comfortable, but feeling its age