Ford may have just released the first teaser pictures of an all-new Mondeo due to hit our roads in early 2006, but to shift stocks of the travelling salesman's favourite the existing model has been under the knife.

The Blue Oval-badged stalwart has been a common site on our roads since its introduction in 1993, and the five-seater has had several redesigns over the years.

The sceptical would argue this latest facelift is an attempt by the American manufacturer to sell the last remaining stocks before the new model rolls in. However, Ford argues it's been reworked to keep competitive and to appeal to the "eyes, ears and touch".

Earlier this year, Mondeo won its class in the Fleet Excellence Awards, and other trophies for the Ka and Focus contributed to Ford winning the overall Fleet manufacturer of the Year trophy. Focus was the number one fleet vehicle, while the number one diesel was the ubiquitous Mondeo.

The firm also says 1,500 new parts have been added. From the outside it's hard to see where all these have gone, but its clear new headlights, front-end styling and grill have been added. Inside, real wood, new materials and colours have been introduced.

With rivals in the medium-family car sector upping their game - including the introduction of the fantastic new CDTi Honda Accord, competent Vauxhall Vectra and sharply-styled BMW 5-Series - the Mondeo was certainly due a makeover.

Ford say the changes have been introduced to make sure the Mondeo (pictured) is "worthwhile opposition" to the new upstarts.

Available in either four-door saloon, five-door hatch or estate, there's a bodystyle to suit all tastes and needs.

Despite being derived from the Sierra mould, the Mondeo fails to deliver a fire-breathing Cosworth variant, but the relatively "hot" ST220 version is a competent machine and the diesels are definitely worth a look.

Ford hailed its TDCi power unit as a revolution in diesel-power and it's a fair comment. The oil-burner is quiet with a two-stage injection process that increases burn efficiency and fuel consumption at the same time.

Even at low revs the TDCi is smooth and powerful, providing the driver with plenty of response at low speeds around town and filled with torque for swift overtakes on the open road. The maker has also employed Noise Reduction Technology (NRT) which makes the car one of the quietest in its class.

A six-speed manual gearbox further enhances the derv-drinking Mondeos' driving qualities. This increases maximum speed to 129mph and adds up to seven per cent greater fuel economy in real-world motorway driving.

Size does matter in this class, and the Mondeo has plenty of it. All models provide driver and passenger with plenty of space, with the benefit of air-conditioning and superior materials that provide a comfort factor associated with premium cars.

All Mondeos are well-specified. For example, with the Zetec S, buyers get automatic climate control, cruise control, trip computer, interior scan alarm and sports suspension.

Options include an electronic stability programme, navigation system, telephone pre-equipment pack, heated front and rear seats, power sunroof and privacy glass.

For more information, call Gowrings Ford, on 01256 697880.