Driving
Whichever version of Mondeo estate you opt for, you’ve guaranteed a memorable driving experience. No family car can match its ride quality, with the estate shrugging off poor road surfaces with ease. Road manners are in a different league to rivals, too. The immensely stiff body is free from noise and vibration, the controls are light and accurate, and it responds precisely to inputs, making it easy to place on the road. The popular, best-selling TDCi engines are smooth and progressive too, though they do become rough towards the top end of their rev range. Petrol units seem a bit gutless, though the 2.5-litre turbo is more effervescent.

Marketplace
The Mondeo is large – bigger than many executive cars. The estate, though, does a better job of disguising this than the hatch; it’s handsome and well-integrated, a striking car that’s more desirable than the hatch. All variants offered in the five-door carry over to the estate, so buyers can choose from 1.8-litre, 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol engines, plus 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre TDCi turbodiesels. Trims include Edge, Zetec, Ghia, Titanium and Titanium X – and sharp prices mean you can get a top-spec Mondeo for the price of an entry-level BMW 3-Series Touring. Other rivals include the Mazda 6, Renault Laguna Sport Tourer and Honda Accord Tourer.

Owning
The Mondeo’s 554-litre boot is huge, but it could be more practical. The clever features seen in rivals are lacking. Still, well-designed rear suspension means it’s very wide, while passengers also enjoy colossal rear legroom. The designers have done a great job with the cabin, too, which is well laid out and comfortable. Seats are big and figure-hugging, the driving position commanding, while the thin-rimmed steering wheel is pleasing to hold. All controls are very easy to get on with, and top-notch assembly is also to Ford’s credit. All variants could be better-equipped though; spec levels are lacking compared to ‘mainstream’ rivals such as the Renault and Peugeot 407 SW. Retained values are only average too, and servicing every 12,500 miles is also an anomaly, though the diesel engine is economical.