WHEN Ford pulled the plug on its executive Scorpio model, there was a wide gap in the market.
At the time it hit the dealers hard because it left them with the major problem of what to sell the bosses who did not want to be seen in a Mondeo - then considered to be merely a reps' car.
But time marched on and the Mondeo grew up to be reworked and become one of the best driver-orientated cars of its kind, featuring an amazing array of models including a stunningly powerful ST 220 performance option.
The bodystyle chosen for my test was the very roomy estate which brings Mondeo handling, ST220 power and practicality together in a sizzling package - all done in the finest fast Ford tradition.
Having been brought up on a diet of Granada estates and Consul GTs it was astonishing to experience how Ford has brought its big car qualities to the Mondeo bodyshell and built in a driver-magnetising combination of power and handling quality.
Under the bonnet lurks a three-litre V6 with the punch of a heavyweight boxer. It whacks out 217bhp and can zoom from standstill to 62mph in 7.7 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 148mph.
A neatly spaced six speed box makes the most of the ST220 engine's power curve. All is neatly tailored to dovetail with the razor sharp handling capabilities which are now a hallmark of the Mondeo model range.
Everything on the ST220 is taut and tuned, magnifying the cornering properties and roadholding to impart a feeling of total control in all the situations I encountered.
But not everything on this model is as well thought out as the driving properties.
For instance, the generously upholstered, special seats that graced my test car were very close to the side pockets on the doors, making access to the seats' side mounted electrical adjustment knobs a problem for those with larger hands.
Also the communications and audio LCD screen greyed out in strong sunlight which was a nuisance when changing radio channels.
But otherwise, the Mondeo ST220 Estate was a tour de force of the excellence of the blue oval marque.
Ford has worked hard on driver appeal and has certainly achieved it with this car which will set you back £24,790 for the automatic model.
FAST FACTS
Ford Mondeo ST220 Estate Automatic
Price: £24,790
Mechanical: 217bhp, 2,967cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via automatic gearbox
Max speed: 148mph
0-62mph: 7.7 secs
Combined mpg: 27.4
Insurance Group: 16
CO2 Emissions: 247g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust