The emphasis here is very much on the 'large' bit of the title. Take the Ford Mondeo as an example: it's enormous compared with the old car, and weighs a heck of a lot more too.That hefty size increase means the most modern cars in the family class eclipse older models for cabin space, refinement, comfort and safety. And the latest engine technology means they're greener and cheaper to run too.
Overall, the class leader has to be the Ford Mondeo - it's bigger, smoother yet better handling than pretty well any rival. Ford's perennial rival, Vauxhall, has a worthy contender in the Insignia, but it is not quite the equal of the Mondeo.
One of our other favourites in this category is the Skoda Superb, which is basically an executive car being sold at a family car price. For those who can live with the badge (count us in), it is a real bargain.