The Ford Mondeo ST is back!

Back in the Ford Mondeo’s heyday there was an ST version. At its most potent, it was called the ST220, so named because it had a 220bhp 3.0-litre V6 at its heart. It was a Q-car of the most subtly excellent order.

Well now, the Mondeo ST returns. Just not as we knew it. In an age where saloons fight a defensive battle against crossovers, the market for a V6-engined Mondeo no longer exists. In its place is this new ST-Line, a Mondeo with a sporty appearance but sensible powertrains. Despite the latter, it's been unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

In the UK, the most potent engine will be a 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which offers 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds and claims 62.8mpg. Those figures probably don’t arrive together.

More interesting is the ST-Line’s 10mm drop via a sportier suspension setup, its Fiesta ST-like honeycomb grille, lots of assertive black detailing and the option of large 19in wheels. There’s a rear spoiler (standard on the estate, optional on the saloon) while you can specify an automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive if you wish to go really sensible.

To our eyes it looks quite smart. But wouldn’t it be smarter yet if the Focus ST’s 247bhp turbo engine was nestled under the bonnet? Or casting all sense aside, the 345bhp 2.3-litre from the Focus RS, as well as our Car of the Year’s lairy AWD setup?

Over to you, dear reader: is there room in the world for a properly fast Mondeo?