WORLDS APART It's probably fair to say that Ford don't have quite as much as they would have liked riding on this current Mondeo. Had the market sector where the Mondeo campaigns been in the rudest of health, Ford probably wouldn't need to be hawking parts of its business around to the highest bidders but the Blue Oval is dealing with some tough trading conditions the best way it knows how - through bold and innovative product development. Certainly, the latest Mondeo clearly demonstrates that Ford hasn't bottled it when it comes to putting its money where its mouth is. When I first saw this Mondeo, I was struck with an intense feeling of déjà vu. The reason was quite simple. I'd driven to work that day in a Ford S-MAX MPV and the Mondeo's interior, its detailing, its exterior proportioning and most of its mechanicals are shared with that vehicle. Anybody who's driven an S-MAX will attest to the fact that this is no bad thing. Getting down to Mondeo specifics, prices start at £14,995 for the entry-level Edge 1.6-litre 110PS five-door and rise to £24,195 for the 2.5T 220PS Titanium X estate. On average the latest Mondeo is priced £300 below the outgoing equivalent models. That's despite the fact that it benefits from £700 worth of added equipment across the range including things like Ford's Electronic Stability Program (ESP), a Thatcham Category 1 Alarm, ISOFIX child-seat fixings, steering wheel controls for the key vehicles technologies, a driver's knee airbag, 'follow me home' lighting and a feature unique to Ford - Easyfuel. This prevents drivers putting petrol into a diesel powered car or vice-versa. It is estimated this accidental mis-fueling affects over 150,000 UK drivers every year. As you'd expect, all the usual features are in place. Even the basic Edge variant gets air-conditioning, cruise control, a leather steering wheel, a CD stereo with an MP3 connection socket, seven air-bags, ABS with Electronic Brake Assist (EBA), power front windows, remote central locking, a quick clear heated front windscreen, plus power and heated door mirrors. Zetec trim is what most buyers will opt for, recognizable by 16-inch alloys and front foglights. Prices range from £16,695 for the 1.6-litre 125PS saloon and hatchback variants to £20,745 for the 2.0-litre TDCi 130PS estate. The most popular derivative is expected to be a Zetec five-door 140PS TDCi diesel which will be priced at £18,395. Next up are Ghia and Titanium trims, both priced from £18,445 for the 2.0-litre 145PS saloon to £22,195 for the 2.5 220PS estate. With the Ghia, you get larger alloys, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, power fold door mirrors, a Sony stereo with six CD in-dash auto-changer. The Titanium gives you a more luxurious feel with brushed metal interior trim, a different wheel design and sports front seats. At the top of the range, the Titanium X series aims to emphasise modern technology with a 'contemporary' interior further and costs from £21,245 for the 1.8-litre TDCi 125PS five-door to £24,195 for the 2.5 220PS estate. The Mondeo has a very tough target to aim at, with all manner of different vehicles now nipping in to grab a mouthful of the medium range pie. As a result, Ford had to step out and take some risks with the design of this car. They have - and it's paid off.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Ford Mondeo range PRICES: £14,995-£24,195 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 7-14 CO2 EMISSIONS: 156-222g/km PERFORMANCE: [TDCi130] 0-60mph 10.9s / Max Speed 124mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [TDCi130] (urban) 34mpg / (extra urban) 55mpg / (combined) 46mpg [est] STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, twin airbag curtains, ABS [est] WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [5dr] Length/Width/Heightmm 4778/2078/1500mm WHO TO SEE: September 20th 2007