The interior looks good and is easy to use. Some of the functions – especially on the top models – are controlled by buttons on the steering wheel and you scroll through menus in the same way you would on a mobile phone. Ford calls this the HMI system – or Human Machine Interface and it’s fairly intuitive to use.

The seat adjusts every which way, so it’s easy to get a good supportive driving positing while forward visibility is good.

On the 2010 refesh, the Mondeo has had a little nip/tuck on the interior. The most striking design tweak is that the central console is now one piece while the plastics feel softer and are of a higher quality.

Ford Mondeo hatchback comfort is one of its great strengths. The car has grown in both width and length and as a result there’s lots of room for two in the back.

Legroom is impressive and the middle seat is adequate for short trips. The seats are supportive and a good shape, although the sloping shape of the roof restricts headroom, however on the move – and especially on the motorway – it’s very quiet.

Wind and road noise are well suppressed and engine noise is only noticeable under hard acceleration. It means that the Mondeo is well equipped for long distance driving.