Any car maker planning to square up against the Ford Mondeo, the big beast of the medium-sized car market jungle, must make sure its model ticks quite a few boxes if it is to have any chance of survival.

It must be well-equipped, economical and, above all, appeal to the pocket as well as the eye. So far, so good with the impressively-styled Chrysler Sebring.

Where it differs greatly from the Mondeo is that with the Sebring what you see is very much what you get.

Unlike the Mondeo, which is available with a bewildering choice of bodystyles, engine choices and trim levels, the new Chrysler is available as a Limited' model only, with a choice of two petrol and one diesel engine.

Where the Sebring scores highest is that its prices start from £17,995 and for that you get a car crammed full of equipment - even boasting a heated/cooled front cupholder for keeping hot beverages hot and cool beverages cool.

The ride is better than I expected from a sizeable, front-wheel-drive car with an American heritage, though the emphasis in handling errs on the side of comfort, which means that the Michigan-built car is at its happiest when cruising in superbly quiet and relaxed style on long journeys.

Long trips also bring out the best in the engine's fuel economy, which in the case of the engine on the test car, a 138 horsepower, 2.0-litre turbo diesel, coupled with a light, six-speed manual gearbox, is impressive potential fuel economy of 45.6 mpg.

Under the bonnet are a host of safety systems, ranging from anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme and brake assist, to traction control and side-curtain airbags. A tyre pressure monitoring system also shows the pressure of individual tyres on a display screen.

On the inside, air conditioning, air filtering and heated, leather-trimmed seats all add to the luxury feel.

The interior is comfortable, spacious and surprisingly elegant, with soft surfaces, and a stylish analogue clock, which is surrounded by dual heating and air conditioning vents. There are also heaps of storage spaces.

Options include an advanced sound system with a 20-gigabyte hard disc, and a DVD system that will keep rear-seat occupants happy.

Anyone opting for the new Sebring, rather than the Mondeo or any other well-established 'D segment' model, will certainly be looking to make an individual statement. What they will also get is an impressive looking car, delivering excellent fuel economy and value for money.

Auto facts Chrysler Sebring 2.0 CRD Limited

  • Price: £18,995
  • Ins group: 10E
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 45.6mpg
  • Top speed: 126mph
  • Length: 485cm/191in
  • Width: 184.3cm/72.6in
  • Luggage capacity: 15.6 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 14.1 gallons/64.3 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 170g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles