Unique 17-inch alloy wheels, brushed metal interior trim detailing, high-tech Ford Convers+ instrument cluster with colour display and sports-style front seats wrapped in modern New York cloth trim are just some of the highlights of Ford's newly-announced Mondeo Titanium.

And these features are in addition to the array of comfort and convenience equipment for which new Mondeo is famed, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), seven airbags, Thatcham Category 1 alarm, ISOFIX child-seat fixings, Sony in-dash six CD player, steering wheel audio controls, Quickclear heated front windscreen, cruise control, electric heated door mirrors, four
electric windows, front fog lights and air conditioning with individual controls for driver and passenger.

Created following outstanding press and public reaction to the range-topping Titanium X series, Titanium sits alongside the classic Ghia to give Ford a mid-range, luxury-themed Mondeo to suit every taste. Available to order now at Ford dealerships across the country, with first customer deliveries expected in time for September's '57' registration plate, Mondeo Titanium engine/transmission combinations and prices mirror the Ghia.

This means Titanium customers have one of the widest range of powertrains to choose from in the segment, from the ultra-economical 125PS 1.8 TDCI to the mighty five-cylinder turbocharged 220PS 2.5-litre petrol unit and lots more in between. Titanium also comes with the option of Ford's new automatic gearbox. The advanced six-speed transmission can be specified with either 161PS 2.3-litre petrol or 130PS 2.0 TDCI engines.

Despite the focus on luxury and performance, Mondeo Titanium won't cost a fortune to run. All engines are among the most economical in the class while insurance groups span from just 7E – 14E.

The standard fitment of the Ford Convers+ Human Machine Interface (HMI) system from the flagship Titanium X is also likely to be a big hit with buyers. This provides the driver with access to all key information via a six-inch colour display on the fascia with functions selectable through buttons on the steering wheel. This feature works particularly well when ordered with the Advanced Bluetooth option, which allows the driver to safely access mobile telephone contacts through the cluster display.

Other features distinguishing Titanium from Ghia include body-colour door handles and silver-painted front grille.

Ford's introduction of the Titanium series coincides with the availability of more options across the New Mondeo range in general. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Alert can now be ordered in combination with Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) with Continuously Controlled Damping while Climate Seats (which offer a cooling and heating function) plus a sliding load floor (estate only) can be ordered for August production.

Now with a choice of Edge, Zetec, Ghia, Titanium and Titanium X specification steps, eight different engine options, five and six speed manual gearboxes plus a new automatic transmission, Ford's Mondeo reaffirms its position as a car with real premium appeal.