MONDEO has been in the top ten best-selling cars in this country since Ford launched it around 12 years ago.

At the moment it also provides the second best- selling diesel and is still seen as a favourite of both retail and fleet buyers.

From next month, there will be a new line-up. There will be an uprated range of four-door saloons, five-door hatchbacks and estates, and the arrival of two new models called Titanium, originally launched last year as a limited edition Mondeo.

The Titanium and Titanium X models will stand alongside the present Ghia and Ghia X models, which are continuing because, Ford says, customers like them.

At the top of the new range, with the emphasis on performance, is the Mondeo ST. While the ST220 with its 226PS three-litre Duratec V6 engine has long been a favourite buy among performance motorists, the ST TDCi is seen as a fitting supporter. Equipped with the 2.2-litre Duratorq turbo diesel injection engine, this particular ST version generates 155PS at 3,500rpm. Maximum torque is 360NM at 1,800rpm with a peak at 400NM in overboost, giving Mondeo one of the most powerful diesel engines in the segment.

Both ST models have been given a new silver painted upper and lower grille, additional chrome bits and bobs, new wheel centre caps and a chrome strip along the bottom of the windows on each door. Inside there is red or grey stitching on the steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake plus optional aluminium pedals.

The Titanium models start on the road from £18,700, and are seen as a techno alternative to the traditional luxury that goes with the Ghia models.

Features on the Titanium models include a distinctive upper grille mesh and body coloured front and back lower valances, unique 17-inch alloy wheels with chrome centre cap, and with a tailgate scuff plate for the estate version. Inside, there is special Titanium finish to the clock and gearshift, a unique cloth trim, rear-window privacy glass and a CD player.

The Titanium X also has a bright painted upper grille mesh, body colour front and rear bumper rub strips, Bluetooth phone system with voice control, a front lower grille chrome insert, new 18-inch alloy wheels, stability programme and all "climate" seats.

The Mondeo Ghia models start from £18,700, and new specification details include clock design as well as changes to the grille and bumpers.

Changes have also been made to the Zetec models. Prices start at £17,400 and additions include chrome interior door handles, while the LX models, priced from £15,995, see mostly cosmetic changes including new look bumpers that on four-door and five-door models, incorporates new reflectors.

Updated: 09:20 Friday, April 22, 2005