WHEN we tested the Ford Mondeo's chief rival, the Volkswagen Passat, earlier in the year we said it was 'a better investment than ever'. So where does that leave the new Mondeo - Ford's recently launched upper-medium sector contender? In terms of looks and standard equipment, the Mondeo is ahead of the Passat, but in the all-important fleet arena where carbon dioxide emissions, fuel economy and running costs are of prime importance, the Passat still leads the Mondeo.

Both models are still relatively new while the two other rivals chosen for comparison here, the Vauxhall Vectra and Peugeot 406, are both now a little long in the tooth. All our rivals are top-spec versions, meaning plenty of equipment as standard for prices all in roughly the same area (ú20,000).

While the Passat is the cheapest here as standard, when items such as leather trim and electric sunroof are added (standard equipment on the other three), the price rises to ú20,770. But whatever budget you are working to, there is a Ford Mondeo to suit.

Prices start from ú14,415 for a 1.8-litre LX saloon and rise to ú20,715 for a 2.5-litre V6 Ghia X estate. There are three bodystyles: four-door saloon, five-door hatchback and five-door estate. Trim levels are LX, Zetec, Zetec S, Ghia and the Ghia X tested here, which offers virtually a full house of standard equipment including leather seats, air conditioning and electric seat.