Ford has given its Mondeo range a facelift to reinvigorate its offering in the large mainstream car market.

And the results are favourable, with the Mondeo’s looks enhanced by a mild exterior redesign that includes a more angular and aggressive-looking front grille, revised bumpers and a new LED light design.

At the back, the Mondeo now looks more dynamic thanks to reshaped tail lights, a stylish chrome strip running the full width of the rear end, and the subtly-integrated exhausts.

Other than the design tweaks, people familiar with Mondeo models through the years will instantly recognise the car’s familiar silhouette.

Under the bonnet, the most significant mechanical change is the addition of Ford’s latest EcoBlue diesel unit.

The engine is available with either 148bhp or 187bhp, with the latter version tested here.

When driving, the engine feels quite refined, perhaps thanks to the technical improvements that include a new high pressure fuel injection system.

Meanwhile, a selective catalytic reduction set-up allows the engine to meet the latest emissions regulations.

The car performs the sprint to 62mph in around 10 seconds, which doesn’t set the pulse racing but feels sufficient for most everyday situations. Indeed, the driving dynamics are more comfort-orientated.

The balance between economy and performance seems about right for a vehicle in this sector, with average fuel consumption coming in at around 54mpg and emissions at 131g/km.

Inside, the overall fit and finish of the cabin has unquestionably been improved, with the new upholstery choices ranking among the high points, along with the eye-catching red stitching on the steering wheel.

On versions fitted with the eight-speed automatic gearbox, such as the one tested here, a rotary dial gear selector has been included, which includes storage space.

The new Mondeo is packed with advanced technologies to make driving a little easier. Some of those systems, such as adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane keeping system, continuously monitor and respond to changes in road conditions, traffic and the style of driving.

Other useful features, including hill start assist and active park assist help deliver a stress-free, more refined driving experience.

Meanwhile, a new intelligent speed limiter system is also available, automatically adjusting the car’s speed when a new speed limit is detected.

The SYNC 3 infotainment and navigation screen is nicely integrated into the dash, controlled through an easy-to-use dial and various buttons below.

In general, it’s the sort of cabin technology you might expect to be the preserve of the premium German marques. The Mondeo is immensely spacious in the front, so six footers will be more than comfortable. It’s a broad interior as well, meaning there’s lots of space between you and your passenger.

With the Mondeo being bigger than its predecessor, there’s also plenty of space for back seat passengers, while the boot is suitably large with a broad opening.

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll need more luggage space, even if you’re going on a camping holiday.

In my case, it swallowed four bulky cricket bags as I gave my teammates a lift to an away match.

The latest Mondeo range includes an all-wheel drive version, which is an option worth considering. This front wheel drive model did, under heavy acceleration, create situations where the front wheels were scrabbling around for grip. Steering feels direct and responsive, while the car handles corners well, feeling well planted with limited body roll.

In conclusion, the Mondeo is easy to live with. It’s refined, fairly frugal, offers oceans of space and looks the part.

Ford Mondeo 2.0TDCI ST-LINE EDITION 190PS

PRICE: £30,910 on the road

ENGINE: Four-cylinder two-litre EcoBlue diesel

ECONOMY: 54.3mpg and 131g/km emissions

PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds and max speed of 138mph

TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed auto, with manual mode, front wheel drive