Ford Mondeo Titanium

Placed at the higher end of the trim spectrum, the Ford Mondeo Titanium has decent levels of kit and the widest choice of engines in the Mondeo range.

Ford's SYNC 2 infotainment system with sat nav comes included, along with automatic two-zone climate control and sports seats. DAB digital radio makes the cut and the door mirrors are fully electric. All Mondeo models also feature cruise control, all-round electric windows and alloy wheels.

However, compared to the similarly priced Vauxhall Insignia Elite, the Titanium starts to look a little spartan, as the Vauxhall includes front and rear parking sensors and fully adaptive bi-xenon headlights, which are options on the Mondeo. The Volkswagen Passat SE Business is more expensive than the Mondeo, but left without climate control.

In terms of engines, the Titanium has around 10 different variants. The most economical is the manual 1.6-litre diesel ECOnetic, capable of almost 80mpg. Even the hybrid can't top that, only managing 67mpg. The 0-62mph sprint really separates them, as the ECOnetic diesel takes more than 12 seconds, while the hybrid (thanks to its electric motor) does it in 9.2 seconds. If speed really is your thing, though, the 2.0-litre turbocharged Ecoboost petrol does the sprint in 7.9 seconds - just don't expect it to be cheap to run.

Good points

The vast choice of engines means there's plenty of opportunities to pick the right one for you; a super-economical diesel, a hybrid and a fast petrol are all available, plus loads in between.The Mondeo is definitely a looker. Considering saloons of this type and price are conservatively styled, the Mondeo stands out thanks to its muscular stance and sharp front end.Inside, the cabin is spacious and comfortable. It's quiet too, so long motorway cruises should breeze by.

Bad points

Overall, the Mondeo is a more expensive prospect than its predecessor, and in the face of some of its rivals, not as well equipped either. Despite having luxuries like satellite navigation and climate control as standard, the Mondeo doesn't even come with any parking sensors, which are now finding their way into the standard equipment lists of superminis.Even though the interior is a comfortable place to be, it falls behind rivals like the Volkswagen Passat on overall build quality given their similar price tags.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Folding rear seats
• Electric folding wing mirrors
• Alarm
• Tyre pressure sensors
• Passenger & Driver airbag
• Front side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Front fog lights
• Auto climate control
• Leather steering wheel
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Front electric windows
• Single CD player
• AUX stereo input
• DAB Radio
• Cruise control
• Sat nav
• Stop/Start
• Automatic wipers
• Sports seats
• Rear electric windows
• Bluetooth

Recommended optional extras

• Parking sensors
• Adaptive headlights
• Quickclear windscreen

Our choice

The 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel is your best bet - it offers a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds so overtaking and speedy launches are assured, while the 64mpg fuel economy figure is still strong. Paying just £30 per year in road tax is a plus too.