Ford celebrates an important 21st birthday as the fifth generation all-new Ford Mondeo goes on sale in the UK.

The new Mondeo is a more sophisticated design - thanks to a distinctive chrome grille and creases running along the flanks - while offering increased comfort and refinement over the previous model. New technological features include Ford’s adaptive LED headlamps, Inflatable Rear Seatbelts and Multi-Contour Seats.

Available in four-door and five-door body styles, and as an estate – developed specifically for Europe – the all new Mondeo is powered by a mix of powertrains, including diesel, petrol and hybrid.

The diesel options include a 115 PS 1.6-litre (94 g/km of CO2) and a twin turbo 2.0-litre, available in 150PS or 180PS guises. Petrol power is made up from a pair of EcoBoost units: a 125 PS 1.0 litre and 160 PS 1.5-litre.

The Mondeo Hybrid combines a specially-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery to provide optimised fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km.

Tested here is the 150 PS 2.0-litre diesel. It’s a strong engine, offering plenty of punch and flexibility, accelerating smoothly from low down the rev range.

All incarnations of the Mondeo have been praised for their sharp handling and responsive controls and it’s much the same story for the new car: it turns precisely into corners and remains stable and composed along twisty B-roads, while the gear change is crisp and direct. What has changed a bit is the steering, which now feels more assisted than before, although it remains accurate.

Comfort and refinement however, sees a marked improvement on the previous Mondeo, with bumps and lumps in the road now being more convincingly smoothed out. This 2.0 litre diesel rarely raises its voice either, remaining firmly in the background. Road and wind noise are also well insulated from the cabin.

There’s no getting away from the fact that the Mondeo is a large car, so parking can be a bit tricky at times. However, the driving position is spot on, offering plenty of adjustment and affording a good view of the road. The large dimensions also mean Mondeo has plenty of room for its occupants – especially leg and shoulder room. However, rather surprisingly, taller rear passengers may find themselves a bit short on headroom – no doubt due to the car’s steeply raked roof line. As you’d expect, the boot is very large and provides 550 litres (seats up) and 1,446 litres (seats down). Estate models boast an even more impressive 1,630 litres of boot space (with seats lowered).

The Ford Mondeo’s cabin has taken a big step-up in quality and comfort, showcasing considerably greater quality of materials. There’s now also much more technology on offer, including a comprehensive touch-screen infotainment system, with voice activated functionality on selected models.

Five different trim levels make up the new Mondeo range: Style, Zetec, Titanium, Titanium X and Vignale. Equipment on base-spec Style models is surprisingly generous and includes: LED tail lights, alloy wheels, 8” full-colour touch-screen, dual-zone climate control, cruise control and DAB radio. Zetec adds height-adjustment on the passenger seat, rear electric windows, heated quick-clear windscreen and electric folding door mirrors. High spec Titanium also benefits from bigger alloys, auto wipers and lights, sports seats, push button engine start and satellite navigation.

At the very top of the range sits the high-spec Vignale, which includes luxury details such as a bespoke leather covered dashboard, different alloy wheels and additional exterior chrome trim.

Verdict:

The new Ford Mondeo isn’t quite as sharp to drive as its predecessor, but makes up for it with new technological features, classier looks and greater comfort and refinement.

Tech spec:

Ford Mondeo Zetec 2.0 Duratorq TDCi 150PS ECOnetic
5 door hatchback
Price OTR: £22,845
Engine: 1997 cc, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power: 150 PS
Torque: 350 Nm 0-62 mph: 9.4 seconds
Top speed: 134 mph Economy: 68.9 mpg (combined)
CO2 Emissions: 107 g/km