The current generation of Mondeo is widely respected among the motoring press. It is a worthy competitor to the Mercedes C-Class or BMW 3 series, but at a far more attractive price. The diesel Mondeo is comparable in performance to its German rivals, while the interior is much better than in previous generations of Fords, with plenty of up to date touches and a contemporary feel. All of which makes the interior feel perfectly comfortable and look attractive. It may not be on par with the Mercedes, but it doesn't feel like you are sitting in a wheelie bin with wheels.

On the road it is smooth and quiet, the seats are comfortable and legroom is good in the back. Where the Mondeo beats the competition is in the boot. The hatchback edition has an absolutely massive boot, with room for whatever you need.

The one area that makes the Ford worth more than its price tag is the driving experience. Ford have earned their reputation for getting the drive right recently, the Mondeo is no exception. It strikes that perfect balance between comfortable composure and lightning fast handling. All this in a car which is large enough to be practical in almost every circumstance. Once again Ford have made a car which is so much more fun than it deserves to be.

The 'Edge' model has all of the basic options, but it still has all of the features you'd expect in an executive car, including bags and bags of space. Everything in the car operates as you would expect, with a feel of quality which was conspicuously absent in earlier generations of the Mondeo. While you might be more tempted by the 2.0l, the smaller 1.8l still puts out 125bhp and keeps the running costs amazingly low. Insurance group 7 instead of 8. An extra 2.5 mpg (50.4 combined) and band F for the 1.8 as opposed to the band G.

So all in all, if you are looking for an executive car or a slightly more prestigious family car which represents excellent value for money, then you would be foolish to not consider a Mondeo.