FORD of Europe has created some cracking cars over the years. Tragically, though, we have missed out on a few – Puma, S-Max and Capri 2800i spring to mind. And it appeared that we were not going to see the Mondeo MkIII either, after the poor sales performance of the first-generation models of the 1990s. But you can’t keep a brilliant car away forever, and the latest version of a lineage that commenced with the Consul Cortina back in 1962 undoubtedly rates as one of the world’s finest family cars. The big Ford from Belgium has almost got it all. If you are in the market for a sub-$40,000 five-seater of any shape or description, the latest Mondeo must make it on your ‘to try’ list. So go on, we dare you - it's that good. Case in point: Zetec 2.3-litre petrol sedan.