The Mondeo received a four-star (out of five) rating for occupant protection in official European crash tests which is behind many alternatives, but its still respectable – when it was launched, no car had achieved the maximum star rating. All models come with twin front, side and curtain airbags, while electronic stability control is fitted as standard on high-specification models, while it’s optional elsewhere in the range.

A minimum of 500 litres boot space is good by today’s standards and excellent for a car launched in 2000, while the hatchback can expand to a total of 1,370 litres with the rear seats folded. The Mondeo also has generous door bins and a good sized glove compartment.