WHEN Ford launched its new Mondeo last year I forecast it would take the European Car Of The Year award. I was wrong. Instead, the accolade went to an Italian manufacturer. I still reckon Ford should have won, especially after being given the opportunity to ride and drive the car for a second time.

There are 1.8-litre models and this time I took out the 2.0-litre 115P turbo-diesel five-door LX.

The plus side to the Mondeo is its roominess, better than many offering a 2.0-litre package.

Overall, it is a far bigger car for passenger and luggage space than the one it replaces. I recall complaining about the lack of leg room in the back of the old Mondeo, but there are no complaints in that region with the latest version.

The new model, on sale now for nine or so months, offers nice simple styling, nothing brash but nonetheless crisp and modern.

Glancing at the front there are the xenon headlights, while the back-end is dominated by a rearlight cluster which seems to intrude into the boot-lid area, yet still allows easy access to a wonderfully large boot.

You will not see an eye-dazzling new Mondeo on the road. It is not a particularly colourful car, the most daring body colours being a couple of reds, otherwise you take your choice of sombre blues, greens, silvers and whites.

But the choice of colours does allow a wide range of mix 'n' match interior trims, some fairly colourful, others subdued. A hard-wearing leather finish is also available.

Where the 2.0-litre stands out is in economy motoring. Sensible driving and we are talking more than 60mpg, and that can be a real money-saver.

The LX comes with power operated and heated door mirrors, radio-CD player with Ford's excellent finger-tip size control buttons, air-conditioning, electric windows, heated front windscreen, and a driver's seat with height adjustment and lumbar support.

Safety features comes in the shape of front airbags for driver and passenger, as well as side impact curtain airbags. Other safety features include a decoupling brake pedal (it collapses at the moment of impact to help reduce the risk of leg injury), anti-whiplash front head restraints, and seatbelts with load-limiters, designed to release a small amount of webbings progressively to help reduce the risk of chest injury. Anti-lock braking matched to disc brakes are standard and traction control as well as a stability safety system are added safety features.

Finally, security. This latest model has picked up awards from the British vehicle rental and leasing association, providing perimeter alarm, engine immobiliser, shielded door locks, a locked bonnet and remote central locking.

Fact file:

Model: Ford Mondeo

Price: from £15,000

Dimensions: Length 4731mm, width 1931mm, height 1459mm, wheelbase 2754mm

Engine: Duratorq DI 16V, displacement 1998cc, four cylinders in line, maximum power 115PS at 4,000rpm; maximum torque 280Nm at 1900rpm.

Performance: Maximum speed 121mph; 0-62mph: 9.8 seconds

Economy (Ford figures): 34.4mpg urban, 61.4mpg extra urban and 47.9mpg combined.

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts at front, Quadralink rear.

Steering: Rack and pinion, power assist.

Brakes: Dual-circuit, discs front and rear.

Insurance: Group 8E.