A key player in the vital fleet market sector that keeps the majority of Europe’s auto makers alive, Mondeo’s nondescript looks (it is the very essence of Euro-bland, to a lot of eyes) mask a great performer.

Offered in sedan, hatch and estate variants, and available with a variety of engines that fit just about every taste (in the excellent workhorse turbo diesel to some supremely powerful and sporting 3.0 litre V6) and ride and handling at levels that excellent isn’t an exaggeration.

Pick from the bunch may be the ST220, that is blisteringly fast, and which has a slick new six speed gearbox – but the entry-level two litre four, with 125PS and also the basic five speed transmission, is a respectable performer.