THE fourth-generation Ford Mondeo boasts handsome looks, a wide choice of engines and a more upmarket feel when compared to its predecessors.

It’s bigger than it’s ever been, more refined and noticeably more high-tech.

Those are all plus-points that continue to make the Mondeo an appealing and practical family car in the UK, as it has been since it replaced the Sierra in 1992.

The current Mondeo is a ‘world’ car which actually hit the road in the US two years before it arrived in UK showrooms.

However, some observers believe the long-term future of the Mondeo has started to look a little less certain, after Ford announced plans to drop the popular model’s sister vehicle - the Fusion - in the United States, focussing on pick-ups and SUVs in that region instead.

Whatever the future may hold, the current Mondeo has enough going for it to continue punching its weight in Britain.

During my week in its company, I found that its dimensions made for a highly-practical family car, with huge amounts of room for passengers and their luggage.

A wide choice of engines are available and there’s no doubt that the 1.5-litre petrol EcoBoost version, tested here, is an impressive unit.

It may lack a bit of low-down torque, meaning you have to give it some revs to get it moving swiftly from a standing start, but the engine is otherwise nicely-powered for the vehicle.

There’s no doubt that it has to be worked hard with plenty of downchanges when tackling hills or overtaking, but it does seem to strike a nice balance between power and efficiency.

Where the Mondeo is arguably a little lacking in comparison to previous incarnations of the vehicle is when it comes to the sharpness of the handling.

Indeed, it seems that more priority has been given to the comfort of the ride than handling agility.

The steering still has some degree of feel, but it’s lighter and less focussed than the sharp steer found on previous models.

You’re also conscious of a fair bit of body lean when cornering briskly.

However, what you lose in terms of handling, you certainly gain in comfort.

The Mondeo is supremely quiet, smooth and refined when cruising or absorbing road inperfections.

In terms of looks, the vehicle has an eye-catching and elegant design.

It seems that the Mondeo becomes bigger and more expensive-looking with each passing generation.

The front end is defined by a large and stylish Aston Martin-style grille flanked by laser-cut headlights, while the nicely-sculpted bonnet features four flowing creases that add a muscular feel to the design.

Meanwhile, the roofline has a sports coupe-like profile and the back end has a subtle yet aesthetically-pleasing spoiler.

Once inside the vehicle, you’re met with an interior that feels much more upmarket than before.

The mix of grey and black materials used in the cabin are minimalist, but have the effect of giving the interior a mature, premium look.

The central feature is the eight-inch central touchscreen, through which you control the radio and sat-nav.

This Titanium spec model comes with a DAB radio, CD system and an easy-to-operate satnav as standard.

There are two conveniently-located USB connectivity ports and there are plenty of handy storage spaces.

Meanwhile, a voice-activated connectivity system allows the driver to make hands-free phone calls and hear texts.

In conclusion, the Mondeo is more refined than its predecessor in and out, with the benefit of lots of space and technology.

While its handling isn’t as sharp as yesteryear, it’s practicality will still appeal to family buyers.

The lowdown

Ford Mondeo Titanium

PRICE: £23,095 on the road

ENGINE: 1.5-litre Ecoboost 165ps

ACCELERATION: 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual

TOP SPEED: 138mph

ECONOMY: 42.8mpg combined

EMISSIONS: 150g/km

INSURANCE GROUP: 22E-T1