FLEETS choosing the new Ford Mondeo can expect vastly improved residual values over the current model according to CAP Monitor. Although many models are currently listed at around £1,000 less than the current car, they could be worth up to £1,000 more than the existing model after three years.

Figures published by CAP show the new model retaining between 28% and 34% of its value after three years/60,000 miles while the current car achieves between 24 and 27%. It is also an improvement over residual values for its arch-rival the Vauxhall Vectra, which averages 25% after three years.

Mark Norman, editor of CAP Monitor, said: 'There are a number of factors which have led to the rise in RVs. The car is improved, but just as important is the number of vehicles that will be available.

'Mondeo's specification is higher and my understanding is that Ford plans to keep it that way, unlike the current car where it introduced the Verona and other special editions. The rest of the market is also improving, and within a few months there will be the Laguna II, the Citroen C5 and in a year or so the new Vectra. But for now the Mondeo has a good lead.'

But Norman dismissed the lower list price of the new model as a red herring: 'No one ever paid the list price for the current Mondeo - not even at retail level,' he said. 'Although the new car has a lower list price, the transaction price will be closer, and in the early stages could be higher than for the old model.'