Revamped Ford Mondeo is better than ever

It's been one of the country's most popular cars for the best part of two decades - and now the Ford Mondeo has been given a facelift.

More than 1.3 million have been sold in the UK since it was launched in 1993 and the welcome news for Mondeo Man is that Ford's big repmobile is about to get even better.

• See the history of the Ford Mondeo in our gallery

Ford is taking the Mondeo up-market. The new model, which arrives in showrooms at the end of the month, features a more sculpted design with a reworked front end and trendy LED running lights.

There's a more luxurious and refined cabin, new flagship engines, along with a host of premium technologies which were previously available only on luxury cars. And, as if to emphasize the premium nature of its new car, Ford cheekily held the launch of the facelifted model in Munich - in BMW's back yard.

The Mondeo has always been good to drive and the latest car is no exception. It makes a good job of disguising its bulk through bends and is a serene and refined cruiser on the motorway.

Two new engines are at the top of the range, one diesel, the other petrol. Each is capable of taking the Mondeo to 60 in under eight seconds.

The 2.2 litre Duratorq TDCi is the most powerful diesel yet produced by Ford. It is smooth, capable and pulls effortlessly. The new 2.0 litre EcoBoost is as powerful but more refined, and far more economical than its predecessor, with up to 36mpg possible.

New features include a lane departure warning system, driver alertness sensor, and lights which dip themselves automatically when they sense oncoming cars.

While it's more polished than its predecessor, prices have remained similar. The new car starts at £17,295 but flagship models could nudge £30,000.

This looks expensive but it's an excellent car: Mondeo Man has never had it so good.