There has been something of a sea change in the upper-medium segment of the market place. This fleet- and family-car shark's pool, which last year accounted for close on 460,000 registrations, was long dominated by mass market motors, but now premium products are making a real impact. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders' figures for 2004, BMW's 3-Series was runner-up in the division, with an 11.7% slice of the sales cake, while the Audi A4 nabbed fourth spot, ahead of parent company Volkswagen's Passat. That undoubtedly reflects the increasing impact user-choosers have on this area of the market.What has not changed is the king of the castle position occupied by Ford's Mondeo. Yet again in 2004, Mondeo ruled the upper-medium segment roost, claiming just over 13% of total sales. Manufacturers sit on their laurels at their peril, and with the opposition continually mounting fresh challenges - the new-generation Passat will be the next in line - Ford has refreshed the Mondeo, which is now in its fifth year.The tweaks are less extensive than the mid-life update introduced in 2003, and centre mainly on cosmetic changes such as additional brightwork outside and in, re-profiled bumpers and new-look upholstery. The Titanium trim level, introduced last year for a limited production run, has become a mainstream offering.So, can Mondeo still cut the mustard in its class? The entry-level LX is the workhorse of the range - this is the one that countless reps thrash up and down the UK's motorways day in, day out - many of them diesel-powered. Significantly, more than half the Mondeos sold in Britain last year were powered by one of the company's three TDCi units. There are a brace of two-litre turbocharged engines, of 113 and 128bhp, and a 2.2-litre delivering 153bhp.I've been driving an LX with the 113bhp engine. Normally, this one is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, but the test Ford came with the optional (£175) slick-shifting, six-speed automatic. It's an excellent combination, delivering swift and punchy mid-range performance, together with relaxed motorway and main road cruising. Engine refinement isn't perhaps quite as impressive as Peugeot-Citroen's HDi family, but superior to VW's PD stable of oil burners. Most drivers should be able to squeeze around 40mpg from this TDCi, which is Euro IV compliant (though a Euro III version is available for £250 less).When it comes to ride and handling, the Mondeo has long been the car by which others in the class are judged. And, despite the passage of time, it remains the car to beat. No rival provides a better or more entertaining drive. Body control is exemplary, the steering is superbly weighted with excellent feel, and faithfully relays to the driver what the front wheels are doing.The ride is taut but comfortable. A Peugeot 407 deals a touch more effectively with pock-marked city streets - the Mondeo can get a little pattery over this sort of surface - but the Ford feels less floaty at speed.The cabin scores high marks both in terms of comfort and ambience. The seats are firm, supportive and nicely trimmed in the latest LX in a snazzier sort of material. And, even in this entry-level variant, the driver gets powered height adjustment and variable lumbar support. Legroom in the rear is fine, as is shoulder and headroom. In all variants - saloon, hatchback and, of course, estate car - the rear seats fold to increase the capacity and flexibility of the load area. Fit and finish is impressive, but some of the plastics used by Ford, especially on the fascia, could look and feel better.At its 2003 mid-life update, Mondeo acquired a new centre console, incorporating a CD sound system which looks classy but smacks a little of style over function, and isn't quite as user-friendly as the original.With a steering wheel which adjusts in and out, as well as up and down, it is easy to tailor the perfect driving position in this Ford. The instruments are well marked and easy to see, and the major controls fall nicely to hand.At one time, opting for an entry-level model would have condemned the buyer to a pauper's specification. No longer. In addition to that CD sound system, the 2005 Mondeo LX comes with items like cruise control, air-con, a heated windscreen, Ford's Intelligent Protect System and remote central locking as standard. Okay, you have to settle for plastic wheel covers, but they do contrive to look like alloys.Always a fine car, Ford's second-generation Mondeo has matured into a truly outstanding one, thoroughly deserving of its class-leading status. Only residual values blot its escutcheon.
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