Although its name suggests 220bhp, Ford's engineers were pleasantly surprised to discover that the new 3-litre, 24-valve V6 actually developed 223bhp. Couple this with a peak torque figure of 206lb ft and it's obvious the ST220 has some serious stonk at its disposal. Ford's claimed performance figures back this up, with a top speed of 151mph and a 0-60mph time of 6.8sec. Of its obvious six-pot rivals only BMW's 330i is quicker.

Clearly the bigger capacity Duratec V6 is more muscular than its 2.5-litre predecessor, as seen in the old Mondeo ST200, but it has also shed the leaden, reluctant-to-rev feel of the smaller motor. It now pulls cleanly and smoothly, and while not as zingy as, say, an Alfa V6, it's still a far more impressive engine than any previous Duratec V6. A new dual-mass flywheel is a major factor in the engine's much-improved refinement and smoothness. Coupled to a five-speed MT75 gearbox with unique set of ratios, it makes for a much keener drive.

The stylists have worked harder on the ST220 than ST170, with a more extensive reworking of the front and rear bumpers, plus new sills, wider front arches, twin exhaust pipes and monster 18in alloys. The result is much more purposeful and eye-catching than the stock Mondeo, as befits its enhanced performance.

Finished in bright silver with a red interior, our test car is about as bold a statement as you can make in a Mondeo. The Recaro leather seats dominate the interior and the good news is they're standard ί¿½ in other colours too, in case red isn't your thing ί¿½ completing the ST220's comprehensive kit list that also includes air-con, six-CD audio system and Electronic Stability Control.

Quality and ergonomics are as strong as you'd hope of one of Britain's best sellers, and detail tweaks such as the glossy centre console and thick-rimmed steering wheel lift the interior enough to set it apart from lesser models.

Though the engine's newly found muscle and refinement are impressive, it's the chassis' adjustability, poise and amazing suppleness that sets the ST220 apart. Despite riding on 18in rims and low profile tyres, it smothers ridges and potholes with aplomb whilst at the same time delivering sharply incisive turn-in, taut, roll-free cornering and exceptional mid-corner poise. In the wet you can leave ESP engaged since it allows just enough lateral slip to feel like you're pushing hard whilst enjoying the digital safety-net and the knowledge that you won't go faster with it switched off.

Casting ego aside, it's much the same story in the dry, although with such a well-balanced, progressive chassis there's nothing to fear from enjoying your favourite road with ESP disengaged. Dry traction is nigh unshakeable, even out of the tightest hairpins, and wheelspin is resisted strongly even in the pouring rain. Consequently you'll rarely feel the traction control kick in. The brakes are well up to the task, too, with 300mm discs up front and 280mm at the rear. Unusually, the front callipers use large-diameter single pistons, rather than the more common two-pot per calliper we've come to expect. SVE engineers say it's all down to exerting the right pad pressure and delivering a smoother, more linear response and feel. After a spirited attack on the Col de Vence, the ST220's stoppers remained strong and consistent.

It may not have the instant appeal of the smaller, more wieldy ST170, but the Mondeo ST220 is in many respects the more impressive 'ST' car. Satisfyingly rapid and endearingly characterful, thanks to that lusty, vocal V6, it also offers finely resolved dynamics in a size of car that can often leave the enthusiast short-changed. If you can get beyond badge snobbery, you'll find one of the most rewarding steers in the class.