Mondeo Man has real reason to smile. Despite tough opposition from the likes of the Vauxhall Vectra, Citroen C5, and Renault Laguna, to say nothing of Peugeot's new offering, the fearsome 407, the Mondeo is in the best shape ever to face 2004.

New engines and more models featuring the six-speed manual transmission combine with much-improved interior fabrics and fittings, and neat little design touches to fly Ford's flag in the vanguard of the fleet market.

The Mondeo name has been around a long time, but the latest model is a true leap forward. If you have not been near one for a while, their is a genuine surprise waiting at the improvements in the latest line-up.

The 2004 versions have no less than 1,500 new parts, and the overall finish is easily of German quality, so Ford can look forward to attracting a few more customers from rivals -- except for Peugeot, whose sensational update on the 406, the new 407, should prove an instant success when it arrives in the spring.

The test model, in Zetec S, trim was powered by a 2.0-litre version of Ford's simply brilliant TDCi turbo-diesel engine, which delivers a delightful blend of 130 horsepower performance and excellent fuel economy. It also meets the world's toughest exhaust gas emissions standard -- Euro Stage IV -- which comes into effect on January 1, 2005.

But it is the drive, not the engine, that speaks most for Ford's underlying engineering excellence.

The whole evolution of Ford's middle market car, right back to the Cortina, has culminated in the market's best-driving family car.

The whole package is one to savour out on the open road. Rock-solid chassis responses, superbly-tuned suspension, and steering that responds reliably to input are what make the Mondeo stand out.

You are behind the wheel of a big car, but the experience is that of driving a much smaller model.

The hatchback version, which can lay honest claim to being a full five-seater, has added versatility, and the rear seat splits 70-30, or fold completely, for loads large or small.

Equipment ranges from onboard computer and automatic climate control to a steering wheel bristling with buttons and stalks controlling everything from cruise control to the operation of the standard CD player. A much-appreciated touch for winter driving is the low temperature warning 'snowflake' alert on the dashboard and the heated windscreen.

The new Mondeo Zetec Nav is the first Ford to include satellite navigation with live traffic reports as standard. Based on a Mondeo Zetec, it features the new Ford Travel Pilot Navigation system, which includes the RDS-TMC traffic information service. It is priced at £375 over a standard Mondeo Zetec, and is available with manual transmissions in both five-door and estate bodystyles, from £16,865 on-the-road.