Ford launched a class leader in 2000 with the second-generation Mondeo. Spacious and comfortable, the car was also enjoyable to drive. While the diesel engines were a big improvement over the ones in the old model, it wasn't until the introduction of the TDCi engines in November 2001 that they were truly competitive. The first major change to the Mondeo came in the summer of 2003 with improved quality and a greater level of equipment available, while it underwent further revisions in 2005.The Mondeo received a four-star (out of five) rating for occupant protection in official European crash tests which is behind many alternatives, but its still respectable when it was launched, no car had achieved the maximum star rating. All models come with twin front, side and curtain airbags, while electronic stability control is fitted as standard on high-specification models, while it's optional elsewhere in the range. A minimum of 500 litres boot space is good by today's standards and excellent for a car launched in 2000, while the hatchback can expand to a total of 1, 370 litres with the rear seats folded. The Mondeo also has generous door bins and a good sized glove compartment.The Mondeo's driving position should suit people of most sizes with a reach and height-adjustable steering wheel as well as good adjustment in the seats. The quality of the interior is generally good, although it was improved further in the summer of 2003, with the option of integrated Sony audio systems, whose gloss-black finish looked far classier than the standard Ford audio systems. The availability of 'Quickclear' heated windscreen on many models means frosty mornings needn't delay your start, either.