Despite getting very long in the tooth, the Ford Mondeo has maintained its position in the UK’s bestselling car list. However, Ford has just given its popular large car a complete overhaul, with sharper exterior styling, a more upmarket interior and a range of powerful and frugal new models.

With the new Mondeo now appearing in showrooms, this large Ford makes even more sense than before as a good value large hatchback, which offers all the space and comfort of a luxury car in a much more affordable package.

We’ve trawled through the extensive Mondeo range to highlight the models which offer the strongest appeal to those on a tight budget, those looking for the cheapest car to run and those who want a more plush machine, with plenty of high-end equipment as standard.

The smart choice for those on a budget – 1.6 TDCi 115 Style

This Mondeo may be the cheapest car in the range – and the cheapest to run – but it has all of the essential kit you could want (with the exception of electric rear windows). Standard kit on this £20,795 model includes an eight-inch touchscreen media system with a digital radio, dual-zone climate control, cruise control and 16-inch alloy wheels.

With a 1.6-litre diesel engine under the bonnet this Mondeo returns a very impressive claimed fuel economy figure of 78.5mpg, while emitting CO2 emissions of just 95g/km – low enough to warrant free annual car tax. This isn’t a particularly quick model, however, requiring a lengthy 12.1 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 62mph.

The smart choice for value for money – 1.5T EcoBoost 160 Zetec

This petrol Mondeo does cost a little more than the model above at £21,045, though it should be a more appealing option for most buyers thanks to its extra equipment and more punchy engine. In Zetec trim this car includes all of the kit of the model above, plus a heated front windscreen, electric rear windows, electric folding wing mirrors and a speed limiter function to the cruise control.

Despite having a petrol motor under the bonnet, low CO2 emissions mean that this model falls into the £130 tax band, while official economy is also reasonable at 48.7mpg. Thanks to its turbocharged 1.5-litre engine the EcoBoost 160 can also accelerate to 62mph in a sprightly 9.2 seconds.

The smart choice for technophiles – 2.0 TDCI 180 Titanium

Those with more money to spend, however, may want to splash out on the 2.0 TDCI 180 Titanium, which is available for £24,245. Though this model slots below range-topping Titanium X trim, it includes more than enough kit for most buyers while undercutting Titanium X models substantially.

Desirable standard features on this model include a sat nav system, automatic headlights and wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and a lane keeping aid, which helps to keep the car in its lane on motorways and dual carriageways. With a powerful diesel engine under the bonnet, this Mondeo is capable of zooming to 62mph in a speedy 8.3 seconds, though economy is also impressive at 64.2mpg. Low emissions also place this model into the £30 a year tax band.

Picture: Ford