Mazda 6 2.2 Sport, Same Chassis as the Mondeo but great value and you get plenty of toys on it for £23k for the top model
I have the hatch and the boot is massive but there is an estate version also
Went through a similar process as yourself I just didnt wait as long, compared this with some in your list and this stood out a clear winner for spec v price.
Similiar spec Mondeo was the Titanium which is over £30k and 3 series and C class similar price for the base models but with no toys on.
Done around 60k in mine in approx 18 months and never missed a beat
http://www.mazda.co.uk/showroom/mazda6/specs/