The Mk4 Ford Mondeo is a great example of a working-class company car. Some people call it the Mk3, but really there were two distinct ones, then an excellent third and then this very decent workhorse.

It’s hard to avoid the obvious fact that it’s absolutely huge inside, whether it’s in saloon or estate form. There are plenty of engines to pick from. The tiny 1.6-litre petrol doesn’t really work until you get to the 2010 revamped model, when the Ecoboost motor was introduced, being both lively and economical.

Otherwise the 2.0-litre petrol is fine if you do few miles, and there’s a turbocharged 2.5-litre V6 that’s properly nippy. Practically it has to be diesel still for most people, and the 2.0-litre rather than the less sophisticated 1.8-litre. There’s also a 2.2-litre if you want or need a little bit more oomph.

Base trim is the Edge, and even this gets air-con. Then there’s the Zetec and even a Zetec Business Edition with sat-nav and more. Econetic does what it says on the badge. Big-spec Titaniums are around in numbers in several varieties, including X, Plus and X Sport. There isn’t really a wrong choice, but the more toys the better.

There was more standard kit from 2010, including a rear-view camera and various lane-departure and alertness gadgets. That facelift was literal, bringing a new front end with LED lights. Meanwhile, the interior got a quality-revamp treatment. Air-con failure is quite common.

Otherwise it’s electricals, such as the remote locking and other ECU issues; and noisy power steering, which could mean the rack is on the way out. Shop carefully for a tidy example, then sit back and enjoy

Ones we found

97 Ford mondeo