Ford is boosting the appeal of its Mondeo in a bid to revive flagging sales as buyers switch their upper medium motors for smaller models and MPVs.

The car, which used to be Ford's third biggest seller, now lags 800 units behind the Ka supermini, which it outsold last year by 10k. Mondeo currently accounts for 15.1 per cent of Ford sales – down from 22.7 per cent in 2001. Now the Mondeo will boast new levels of kit, a super-efficient petrol engine and a subtle facelift.

Exterior changes include extra chrome on the grille, new fogs, clear indicators in the rear light cluster and larger mirrors. High-spec models get 'puddle lights' that illuminate the ground below the car door.

Under the bonnet, the Mondeo gets the Smart Change Injection (SCi) engine, which offers improved fuel economy, lower emissions and reduced noise for an extra £1000.

Combined fuel efficiency rises from 36.2mpg to 39.2mpg, and CO2 emissions drop to 173g/km.