Buying & Owning

Traditional family cars usually suffer from heavy depreciation, but Ford has kept Mondeo prices low to deter massive discounting, and promised to reduce sales to rental fleets to push up secondhand values. Leasing rates and running costs are competitive for the class.

Safety & Security

The days when you could get into a Ford with a bent coat hanger are long gone, and the Mondeo is one of the most secure cars you can buy. Safety, too, is right up with the best, with crash and pedestrian safety very much a driving force in the Mondeo's overall design. All cars come with electronic stability control and seven airbags, including one for the driver's knees.

Behind the wheel

The first thing that strikes you on sliding behind the wheel is just how big this car is. The high window-line forces you to sit with the seat cranked up, and even then it's not easy to judge the extremities of the car. Still, there's masses of adjustment for the seats and steering wheel and if you choose Ford's Converse + instrument cluster, you'll be able to flick through layered menus using a simple rocker switch on the steering wheel.

Space & Practicality

Getting in and out of the Mondeo is a doddle, thanks to wide-opening doors and minimal wheelarch intrusion, and once ensconced, there's oceans of leg and shoulder room. Additionally, there's a boot you could get lost in, as well as split-fold rear seats which may make you think twice before placing your order for that MPV.

Equipment

The Mondeo is attractively priced, with the entry 1.6-litre Edge costing just £15k, but Ford hasn't skimped on equipment. All models come with air-conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, powered front windows, a heated quick-clear windscreen and a CD player with MP3 connectivity.