FORD'S 14 years of Mondeo glory, with more than 1.5 million sales in Britain, get a boost in June with the arrival of a striking new version of the firm's large family car.

That British sales figure is quite remarkable, out of a total production figure of four million models - but the quality of today's opposition means the all-new Mondeo will have to raise its game to maintain its lifetime record of an annual place in the UK's top ten cars.

New technology, better overall quality, and a striking new look will get Ford's latest rep-mobile off to a flying start, and the world gets to view it in the flesh for the first time this month, at the Geneva Motor Show.

Ford says the new Mondeo will raise customers' expectations in the large family car class, thanks to its combination of style, dynamics and technology, but admits the model is extremely important to the Blue Oval's future.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain's chairman, said: "It is probably the most elegant car we have ever launched, and is certainly the most technologically advanced."

He is pinning his hopes on the new Mondeo, like the S-Max, the Car of the Year 2007, attracting many new customers to Ford showrooms.

The new Mondeo's distinctive front end and wide-eyed, chamfered corners make it an obvious member of the current Ford line-up, and a strong shoulder line runs upwards along the side of the car to the rear.

A spacious interior sees the driver enjoying a cockpit-style driving position, and soft-touch materials and ambient lighting are found throughout the cabin to emphasise quality and refinement. Three body styles, four-door saloon, five-door hatch and an estate, will all be available from launch, and there are four trim levels: Edge, Zetec, Ghia and Titanium X.

Of the flagship duo, the Ghia represents classic luxury, with extensive use of chrome, and wood finishes on the inside, while Titanium X versions provide a more contemporary, technology-based flavour.

Hi-tech fitments to certain models will include keyless entry and keyless start, a stunning new instrument display, cruise control with a forward-alert system, a hill-start aid, and tyre pressure monitoring.

The new Mondeo is also the first Ford to feature its award-winning Easyfuel system, which prevents either petrol or diesel misfuelling at the pumps.

Put simply, the fuel filler neck aperture has been specifically designed around the different sizes of fuel nozzles. Ford has engineered its system only to allow the nozzle that matches the corresponding fuel type of the car to enter the filler neck.

A more superior ride for the Mondeo comes from the wider track, improved front and rear suspension designs, and upgraded steering system.

Model choice will be extensive, as Ford has a power plant for every possible need, starting with a 1.6-litre petrol unit available in two power levels. There are also 2.0-litre and 2.3-litre petrols, and diesel choice runs to 1.8-litre, 2.0-litre, and 2.5-litre sizes.

Depending upon the power pack, there are also five-speed and six-speed manual gearboxes, and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford will reveal the full line-up in Geneva and the cars will go on sale in June. Prices will range from £14,995 to £24,195.