In the Mondeo, the 2.0-liter unit puts out 237 horsepower and a broad torque curve that delivers its peak 250 lb-ft. from just 1,750 rpm all the way through 4,500 rpm. It emits 170 g/km of CO2 in Europe’s strict testing, which would equate to somewhere around 35-37 mpg on the highway in North America.

That makes it less powerful but probably a little more efficient than the 274-horse, 269 lb-ft. of torque 2.0-liter you’ll find under the hood of chief rival Hyundai’s Sonata 2.0T.

The difference is in the Mondeo’s totally refined package. Ford has carefully engineered the motor to deliver smooth and quiet response that makes drivers wonder if they’re behind the wheel of a torquey V6 rather than a turbo four. Throw memories of that old 1980s Saab 900 Turbo out the window because this high compression engine utilizes a low intertia turbocharger that spins at 195,000 rpm to produce 16 psi of boost. If you’re keeping track, the Mondeo’s 2.0-liter is a higher compression unit that doesn’t need quite as much boost.

The result is an impeccable feel on the road that certainly gives the faster Sonata a run for the money simply for the way it delivers its power.

In the Mondeo, the 2.0-liter unit puts out 237 horsepower and a broad torque curve that delivers its peak 250 lb-ft. from just 1,750 rpm all the way through 4,500 rpm. It emits 170 g/km of CO2 in Europe’s strict testing, which would equate to somewhere around 35-37 mpg on the highway in North America.