2004 Ford Mondeo ST220 review from UK and Ireland

Nothing too date.

Very competent cruiser, the 3.0 V6 makes for effortless motorway driving. Here it is in its element and will waft you long distances at speed with little effort.

This car will shove when pushed through the gears, however, its beauty and strength lies in its ability to put in a serious turn of speed without the need to jump or thrash through the gears - a demand that is required for smaller turbo charged engines. The result is effortless speed.

Nothing beats the deep growl of a strong V6 engine (other than a V8!). No need for a silly loud 'fake' exhaust note from the rear to compensate.

The leather Recaro seats are very comfortable, and the heated seats a nice luxury. The Xenon headlamps are a definite if you crunch long miles. The dual chrome exhaust pipes are a nice touch.

I own the estate version, due to 2 kids and 2 Labradors, however, I was suprised with its ability to handle with a tautness and poise I had not expected for such a big car. My nerve will give before this car does on a bend!

I am not a boy racer and never wish to be. There is something I like about driving a family oriented estate car that has a very serious turn of acceleration whether you are at 30 mph or 90mph, growls willingly at you, packs everything in, and yet handles in a way that should not be achievable for such a large estate car.

For the price, Ford ST works have done a remarkable job on the ST220 Estate.