Ford Mondeo

	It's clear to see how Ford's designers have brought their family car into the 21st century

Auto Express has got the lot! The all-new Ford Mondeo has finally arrived, allowing us to deliver the definitive verdict on the most important versions of the biggest new model of the year.

We have gone over Ford's new family car range with a fine-tooth comb, examining every detail from bumper to bumper.

Ford will offer its new family car in three bodystyles - saloon, hatchback and estate. But as there's so much to deal with, we've split our test into two parts to find out exactly what sporty variants and practical estate models have to offer.

The five-door and estate we have here are two of the first to roll off the production line. Flying the flag for the traditional five-door bodyshape, this hatchback is the fastest performer in the new Mondeo line-up.

With the same five-cylinder petrol powerplant as the Focus ST hot hatch, the range-topper will be able to keep up with racy competition, but it's the estate that reveals the Mondeo's true practicality. The load-lugger we tried is powered by what Ford expects to be the top-selling engine - the 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDCi diesel unit.

On public roads and away from the glare of motor show lights for the first time, it's clear to see how Ford's designers have brought their family car into the 21st century. Even without the benefit of lining the Mondeo up next to its rivals, the first impression is that the new Ford is much bigger. The wheelbase has grown by 96mm, the overall length has stretched by 47mm and it's 120mm wider.

The sheer scale is masked by bold styling cues which are especially evident in the estate model. It's the load-lugger that has the sharpest looks from the rear as well. While the angular rising waistline has an odd kick up behind the rear door, the estate model is much more distinctive than its predecessor.

From the driver's seat, the first change you'll notice is that you no longer need to turn the key to get started. Keyless entry and starting are welcome additions to the standard equipment list of top-of-the-range Titanium X models, but aren't available elsewhere in the line-up. Taking the wheel of the sporty five-cylinder hatchback version, the engine thrums into life with impressive refinement.

It doesn't take long to realise that the turbo unit suits the Mondeo. While its high-performance potential is always to the fore in the Focus ST, in the larger model, the powerplant assumes a more mature role. There's rarely a shortage of acceleration, but the driver feels less inclined to rev through to the red line in every gear, thanks to the unit's impressive mid-range thrust.

Making a car perform well in a straight line is relatively easy, though. It's when the road gets twisty that the Mondeo must prove itself. Unlike its predecessor, the new model is available with a sophisticated suspension set-up called Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) and Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD). Used in conjunction with an updated version of the old Mondeo's front suspension and an all-new rear set-up, the technology adapts the way the car rides and handles depending on conditions.

Entry-level models come as standard with a more basic set-up, but our test cars were fitted with the £650 IVDC system. This gives the driver the choice of three manually selectable modes. Starting off in Normal, initial impressions are that the Ford has lost none of its nimble handling traits. Mid-corner stability is first class, while the ride quality will be tough for rivals to match.

However, CCD allows you to make your own decisions about how you want the Mondeo to ride and drive. Select Comfort mode, and the Ford takes on a Citroen C5-style persona. It will still out-handle its French rival, but the soft set-up is great for soaking up bumps. At higher speeds it has a tendency to wallow and float, so Comfort mode is better suited to town traffic rather than motorway driving.

Hit the Sport button, and the Ford's chassis shows its true colours. While the switch doesn't affect the steering, it tightens up the suspension to give optimum control. The Mondeo tackles all kinds of corners with total confidence and minimum body roll.

The steering is perfectly weighted, and the Ford can tackle bends with the responses of a hot hatch. What's even more impressive is that the ride quality remains impressively smooth - many drivers will be happy to leave Sport mode activated all the time.

And there's no compromise in handling for those buyers choosing the load-lugger, either. The estate is certainly a big, heavy car, but it's still surprisingly nimble.

While enjoying the new Mondeo's dynamic abilities, you will be sitting in a cabin that is a radical departure from the old-shape model's. Most importantly, there is bags of room front and rear. Even the tallest drivers and passengers will easily find a comfortable position, and the driver has plenty of elbow room, thanks to the deeply sculpted doors. The dashboard is dominated by a large silver centre console, but many features can be accessed via the Convers+ cabin control system.

One complaint is that some of the switchgear is poorly positioned. The CCD controls are placed at the bottom of the centre console, while the less frequently used traction control switch has pride of place at the top.

Even so, the designers have made sure that no buyers will be left wanting more boot space. All variants have enormous luggage areas. It's the estate model, though, which offers the most versatility. Even though it has the same wheelbase as the five-door, its boot is vast, offering 45 litres more capacity than the old model. The seats also fold with ease, but they don't match the slick one-movement system found in the Honda Accord.

Whether you are considering a four-door, five-door or estate, pricing will be a top priority. The cheapest Mondeo models cost £14,995. But even these Edge-badged variants come with a comprehensive list of equipment, including air-con, cruise control and electronic stability protection, with traction control and brake assist. However, the 108bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine under the bonnet of the cheapest Mondeos is unlikely to offer the kind of punch required to shift the car's hefty kerbweight.

The rest of the engine range is made up of 2.0, 2.3 and 2.5-litre petrol engines along with 1.8 and 2.0-litre diesel units and a choice of Zetec, Ghia and Titanium X trim.

For buyers wanting to minimise running costs, the cheapest diesels start at £16,495, but the 138bhp Titanium X TDCi estate shown here will set you back £22,895. The 2.5-litre petrol five-door variant is priced at £22,945. Crunch the numbers and analyse the equipment lists, and it's clear that Ford has done its homework, pitching the Mondeo directly at the heart of the family car class.

It's been a long time coming, but there's no doubt the new Mondeo has been well worth the wait.

Mondeo control system