UNTIL it was finally replaced last year with the brand new fourth-generation Mk V model, the evergreen Ford Mondeo was, for many, THE car to be seen in.

For more than 20 years, the family-sized hatchback or estate car was the vehicle of choice for mums and dads from all walks of life and a workhorse to thousands of reps and businessmen and women, ranging from one-man bands to FT 100-listed companies.

But with major delays in getting the Mk V into production, Ford introduced two new models in the summer of 2013 to help keep the Mondeo as fresh as possible.

To kick start the latest offerings came the Mondeo Graphite, priced from £15,995 for the 1.6-litre petrol version and £18,195 for a similar-sized diesel, which was good for more than 60mpg.

But its low price tag didn't mean it lacked in the specification stakes, for it came with a host of goodies which included LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors, fog lights, spoiler and 17-inch alloys.

Not bad for an entry-level model which also came with impressive performance figures that made it something of a bargain buy.

While the exterior made it a great looking machine, the interior was also well kitted out. Standard spec including a decent sound system with CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, leather trimmed steering wheel and a whole lot more besides.

The second addition came in the shape of the Mondeo Titanium X Business Edition priced from £21,995 and it was kitted out with everything a company driver could possibly need.

Touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth, leather upholstery and air conditioning were all included in the package, along with 17-inch alloys, roof rails, LED daytime running lights, rear privacy glass and front and rear parking sensors.

There was even Ford's nifty refueling system which prevented harassed drivers pumping in the wrong type of fuel.

And while the 1.6-litre editions were great on economy, the more powerful two-litre diesel versions, pumping out either 137 or 160bhp, could average a claimed 57.7mpg and their CO2 output of 119g/km put them into Band C for road tax purposes.

Over its lifetime, the Mondeo built-up a tip-top reputation for great handling while offering an ultra-smooth and comfortable ride ... and these two versions proved to be no exception to that rule.

Even the lower-powered models had plenty of get up and go, resulting in a standing to 60mph acceleration time of less than 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 134mph.

Now, with the Mk V starting to make inroads into the market, these final fourth-generation models are starting to find their way into dealer's forecourts where they make great used car buys.

Prices for a 2013 13-plate entry-level 1.6-litre petrol Graphite five-door model with around 30,000 miles on the clock, will range from £7,395 to £9,270, with two-litre TDCi diesel models coming in at between £8,135 and £10,195.

Move on to 2014 and similar 14-plate models will have price tags of between £8,830 and £10,760 for the petrol model and between £9,535 and £11,620 for the diesel.

Prices for 2013 13-plate Titanium X Business Edition models range between £9,900 and £12,405 for the 1.6-litre petrol and from £10,130 and £12,895 for the two-litre diesel, while 2014 models will carry a premium of up to £1,400 on the above prices.