You’ve probably seen the stylish adverts for the new Ford Mondeo. The refreshed design, especially that Aston Martin-like front grille, is impressive. I’ve tested it in recent weeks to check the claims on the range of improvements. My overall impression? It’s big – a true challenger for the Volkswagen Passat.

Ford has boosted the engine power and, despite the increase in the car’s size, the fuel appetite has been trimmed. The test car was the Titanium version, in which the 150bhp turbo-diesel engine is coupled with a six-speed automatic gearbox. I was impressed with almost every feature of it. Big is it too big?

The engine power is smooth and comfortable. Match it with the six-speed automatic gearbox and it is very pleasant to drive. The engine delivers more power and with that comes marginally better acceleration for a car that’s slightly heavier than before. The compromise has been economy and the Mondeo is 17% more fuel efficient, on paper at least, than the previous model.

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The fuel tank capacity has been shaved down to 62.5 litres from 70 litres and I found that I achieved a range of close to 800km. That equated to just over seven litres/100km (40mpg or 14.3km/litre) on the Mondeo’s calculator. That’s about 50% less than the rated figure and possibly close to reality, which is only just reasonable for a modern car.

The CO2 rating has been enhanced along the way, dropping it from Band C to B1 for road tax purposes – that brings a saving of €120 per year in tax costs.

This is a car that will be well used and that’s why I believe a bigger tank would give it the range it needs. Modern cars should aim for 1,000km on a full tank and the Mondeo falls short here.

The basic towing rating is two tonnes. Opting for the automatic gearbox version adds another 200kg, putting this model ahead of its competitors in the towing league. But remember, this is the more expensive auto version.

Ford promotes the Mondeo as a big car and this version is even longer than the old one. I would have thought that shortening it might have been a priority, because it has the same wheelbase length as some of the larger 4x4s on the market. You need to have parking sensors and the optional reversing camera, because parking this car takes some care.

Out on the road this Mondeo is impressive to drive. The car has a strong and solid feel to it. It cornered with confidence on a variety of roads. Ford claims significant changes to the design of the car’s rear suspension and it delivers impressive road holding and comfort.

Ford has retained the turning circle and it’s marginally better than on the Passat. It was easy to get comfortable in the car. There is plenty of legroom in the second row and good headroom.

The Mondeo has received a five-star Euro NCAP rating and the entry level safety kit is a match for the best. The test car was fitted with Ford’s new lane-departure and signpost recognition systems. They were very effective, except that the steering effect when you cross a lane without indicating takes getting used to – I would prefer an audible warning.

Ford claims that the body structure of 61% high-strength steel and industry-first application of hydro-formed high-strength steel in the window pillars and roof rails will reduce side impact intrusion by up to 64mm. The car also has a new anti-roll bar designed to limit transmission travel in a frontal crash.

Ford offers Zetec and Titanium specification versions of the new Mondeo. The entry level cars are well equipped and start at €28,995 for the saloon and €30,195 for the estate, both powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine. Move up to the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel test car and entry prices start €33,045. The Titanium versions start at €35,545 for the six-speed manual gearbox.

Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi automatic

Engine 2.0-litre diesel

Engine power 150bhp

0-100km/hr 9.3 seconds

Economy 20.4km/litre

Fuel tank capacity 62.5 litres

CO2 emissions 128g/km

Road tax band B1 (€270)

Main service 20,000km

Euro NCAP rating Five stars

Towing rating 2,200kg

Warranty Three years

Price €35,545

NI price £22,745