FORD has overtaken Vauxhall in the upper medium sector residual value stakes with the launch of the new Mondeo, according to used car market experts CAP. After trailing the Vectra since its launch last year, the new-look Mondeo has leap-frogged its Vauxhall rival with a residual value of 39% of its purchase price.

CAP is predicting a resale value of £5,550 on the £14,365 Mondeo 1.6i LX 5-dr after three years/60,000 miles compared with £4,975 - or 35% of purchase price - on the Vectra 1.6 LS 5-dr. CAP also predicts high residual values for Rover's 400 series, with the 416 Si worth 39% of its purchase price three years and 60,000 miles down the line. Competitive front end pricing however, still leaves Renault's Laguna out in front with a resale value of 41% after three years.

Ford fleet marketing manager Nick Themistocleous said: 'We expected the new model to have a £600 to £1,000 premium over the old car and it's good to see our expectations have been met.

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* Price new including delivery charge