Mondeos have traditionally been derided for being dull and commonplace - but the reason there's one on every street corner is because they combine practicality, safety and reliability with an exceptional drive. The new model carries on those same traditions, whilst setting new benchmarks for quality - and complementing that with a far more dynamic design.

The drive is engaging, although not at the expense of comfort; refinement levels are superb; the engines, meanwhile, are tried and tested - the 2.0 TDCi and 2.5 petrol being the pick of the bunch. It will still depreciate, but Ford claim the hit won't be quite as hard as for previous models. And that's where AutoeBid can help: discounts are massive thanks to the reverse auction model that forces suppliers to compete against one another to supply the car at the cheapest price.