Ford president and chief executive officer Jac Nasser says the presentation to the new Mondeo of this year's What Car? Car of the Year Award confirms its position as the best family car in the world.

The award was presented at London's Grosvenor House last night.

Mr Nasser said: "Receiving this award confirms that the new Mondeo is truly the best family car. I am delighted to accept this prestigious award."

In a double celebration, the Ka was picked as the best budget car. Vauxhall and BMW went one better, however, picking up three awards each.

What Car? editor Steve Fowler said of the new Mondeo: "It is quicker than the old model, yet more economical and with fewer emissions. It is bigger yet feels more agile. The icing on the cake is that it costs less, needs less servicing and comes with the three-year warranty we've been calling for for years."

What Car? Car of the Year Award winners 2001
Best Budget Car: Ford Ka
Best Supermini: Skoda Fabia 1.4 16v Comfort
Best Small Hatch: Honda Civic 1.6S
Best Family Car: Ford Mondeo 1.8 LX
Best Estate Car: Volvo V70 2.4 (140) S
Best MPV: Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 16v Comfort
Best Hot Hatch: Vauxhall Astra 2.2 SRi
Best Performance Car: BMW M3
Best Supercar: Porsche 911 Turbo
Best Coupe: Audi TT 225
Best Roadster: Vauxhall VX220
Best Convertible: Peugeot 206 Coupe Cabrio 2.0
Best 4x4: BMW X5 3.0
Best Compact Executive: Audi A4 2.0 SE
Best Executive Car: BMW 520i SE
Best Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz S430
Safety Award: Toyota and Lexus
Car of the Year: Ford Mondeo 1.8 LX

##Mondeo(1)--none--New Mondeo - Car of the Year##