Ford's fourth generation Mondeo has been gaining some creditable reviews of late as a hugely practical everyday car for the masses. Now with improved looks, greater levels of build quality allied to a dynamic drive, this car has raised its standing amongst its peers. The 145PS 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engine is the one many customers will choose and, though the comparable diesel is a compelling choice, still makes a powerful argument for itself.

Ever since the introduction to the UK market of the Mondeo, Ford has attempted to put a smile on their customers' faces. The USP of this car has always been that it's great to drive. It still is. With the latest generation model however, the engineers tried also to match some of the sector leaders in terms of ride comfort and day to day usability. Largely, they've succeeded and no variants show off their efforts better than those fitted with the 145PS 2.0-litre Duratec petrol unit.

Rest to sixty takes 9.7s on the way to 130mph - which ought to be fast enough for anyone. As you drive the car, you really notice the difference over the entry-level 1.6-litre model. There is plenty of pace here and the feedback through the wheel is excellent; the driver is engaged, feeling at the centre of the experience. This generation Mondeo certainly seems roomier inside and consequently feels bigger on the road. This isn't a problem though as the lustful engine carries the Mondeo's considerable bulk along swiftly.

You have to remind yourself just what you're driving. The torque comes low down punching you through the gears as you press on. Pleasingly though, it has a sedate side too, happily cruising along a decent A road. The ride is comfortable yet taught, and only over the worst road surfaces is it ever unsettled. There's a little wind noise at motorway cruising speeds, but any faults are minor as the whole package serves up something with more prestige than you may understand or associate with a Mondeo.

"In either estate, saloon or hatch form, the Mondeo offers exactly what the family wants."

Sitting in this model is a pleasure; the seats are roomy and comfortable as well as being electrically adjusted and heated in plusher versions. There's so much room in the cabin, it simply doesn't feel like a Mondeo. Ford's Human Machine Interface (HMI) which controls the stereo and sat nav in plusher variants is also a joy to use. Outside the trim on the plush Titanium X variant we tried includes 18inch alloys which clearly set the car apart from others in the range. There's also some swanky lights and boot spoiler to finish off the stylish looks.

Inside, my only slight gripe would be the satin aluminium finish to the facia. It could perhaps be described as an acquired taste, although it's not overly offensive. The layout of the dials, switches and knobs is well thought out and their build quality that of a class above. As seems to be the way in modern family cars, Ford haven't scrimped on the storage space, with plenty of glove-box space and cubby holes within arms reach.

All models offer plenty of space for the family and enough luggage for several days on the road. As with all variants, this one is also available in estate form offering a staggering 1733 litres of space with the seats down. Putting it into perspective, that's comfortably more than the current Volvo V70 and Audi A6 estate equivalents. Rear leg room is plentiful; with the drivers seat set for my 6ft 3in frame, rear space could still be described as commodious and certainly more generous than a host of it's would-be competitors.

The 5 door 2.0 Titanium X, which I tested, is priced competitively for the level of refinement offered. Add Sat Nav and metallic paint from the options list and you should still come in at under £22,000. This model features all the extras you're likely to need including a quick clear front screen, a useful accessory for the UK market. Prices start at £16,395 for the entry-level Edge 2.0-litre Duratec variant, with a premium of around £1,300 for the estate bodystyle. You can also opt for a four-door saloon.

Against its peers, the Mondeo appears to have the competition well and truly licked. In fact, Ford has raised the bar so significantly many would consider the Mondeo to have progressed a class. This is a considerably better car than the outgoing Audi A4. Better too than the C-Class Mercedes and BMW 3 series? Perhaps not. However, the Mondeo has clearly achieved something previously out of reach, these more expensive German rivals now feeling a tad uncomfortable in their small executive category. With so much quality, standard kit and driver appeal on tap, the Mondeo appears to offer by far the greater value at this money.

Traditionally, the previous larger engine Mondeos have been hit hard by depreciation, and it's hard to see this being any different. However the depreciation issue may not be so bad in the long run if the Mondeo goes on to prove itself above its traditional peers, which may keep second hand values strong

Adding weight to the argument is the combined mpg, a relatively sensible 35.8. CO2 emissions are measured at 189g/km. Reliability isn't likely to be a problem with an engine this well proven, and Ford's 60,000 3 year warranty is there to back you up should you ever need it.

Service intervals are set at every 12,500 miles lessening the cost burden for the family purchaser. Insurance is from group 8, which shouldn't prove a problem for all but the youngest drivers. The whole Mondeo range ticks a lot of boxes and even in this variant, clearly offers what should be enjoyable, trouble free motoring.

This car is selling strongly and the 2.0 Duratec variants should see enough sales to continue their position amongst the more popular Mondeo variants. The car offers so much practicality, safety and durability for the family driver in any body style. Its improved dynamics and styling clearly put in a class above its traditional peers. Add this to the lustful 145PS engine and the pinpoint handling the 2.0 Duratec serves up and you have a winning combination which should see it gain a firm following.

In either estate, saloon or hatch form, the Mondeo offers exactly what the family wants. Add this to its ability to serve as a motorway workhorse and there appears no reason why this car shouldn't be on your shopping list. Traditional rivals such as the similarly potent Vectra, 407 and Laguna now have serious catching up to do; by which time the Mondeo will surely have firmly grasped the market place. The Mondeo is now a car to be proud of owning.