The updated model also cleaned up in the family car and best estate car categories.

Auto Express said the Mondeo was Ford's “finest ever car” and claimed the model “oozes quality, which sets new standards for the class”.

Other major winners included the Vauxhall Corsa, which was named as the best supermini, the Honda Civic, which won both the best compact family car and hot hatch categories and the Citroen Picasso, which was named as the best MPV.

This year's winners were selected in 19 classes covering every size and class of car.