The fourth-generation Ford Mondeo is the biggest and most expensive version of Ford's family car there has ever been, but it's also more upmarket, more refined and considerably more high-tech. These are all key attributes in a very tough sector that includes rivals such as the Skoda Superb, Mazda 6 and VW Passat.

Its dimensions make it a very practical family car with both hatchback or estate guises offering plenty of room for passengers and luggage. And while none of the engines are particularly energetic, the diesels at least offer reasonable performance and efficiency, and they're pretty smooth.

The Mondeo's problem, however, is that it's lost some of the handling sparkle that made previous versions the stand-out dynamic benchmark in their class. It's not hopeless, but agility and fun has made way for softness and motorway cruising ability. That will put some buyers off, yet the Mondeo is still a good family car regardless.

The Ford Mondeo hatchback and Ford Mondeo Estate have been for sale for more than 25 years now. While the Mondeo used to be a staple of the company car park, a move to upmarket brands has seen its popularity wane, but the current Mondeo Mk4 is a comfortable and well-equipped family car that offers some upmarket touches.