Ford C-MAX mini MPV

Drive

The C-MAX sits on the same chassis as the current Ford Focus. It's effectively the same car with a raised roof and a slightly higher driving position. On the move, it's great fun, mixing a sporty driving experience with firm but comfortable suspension. Although the diesels are very good, the star performer is the new 1.6-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine. It's smooth at low revs, and its diesel-like delivery makes it very easy to drive around town. It becomes a little coarse at high speeds, but response is strong right to the 6,500rpm redline.

Comfort

There's no doubt that the ride is on the firm side compared to a Renault Scenic or Vauxhall Zafira, but it's very good at absorbing bumps, while wind and road noise are hushed. Sensible gearing means it's particularly quiet on the motorway too. A neat 2+2 seating arrangement is still available on the five-seater C-MAX – and it's well worth specifying if you plan to carry adults on a regular basis. It allows the centre seat to fold away, freeing-up the outer seats so that they can slide back for increased legroom. The seat squabs are firm, but supportive.

Reliability

The C-MAX is a very safe car, carrying a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. It comes with driver, passenger and curtain airbags along with traction control, electronic stability control and a new torque vectoring system, which aids grip further. Build quality is excellent. The interior fit and finish is as good as an Audi or BMW – it's a big improvement over its predecessor. As for reliability, Ford has made huge leaps in this area – so expect the new C-MAX to be painless to own.

Practicality

Certainly. The driving position is high and easily adjustable, while the three rear-seats split 40/20/40, and the centre one can be folded away with the outer seats slid backwards and inwards to create a more spacious 2+2 layout. That said, in three-seat mode, shoulder room is tight for the middle passenger. And while the seats tumble easily and can be removed, they are heavy and fiddly. Boot space is decent, though – 471 litres with the rear seats in place, or 1,723 litres with them removed.

Value for money

Just two trim levels are available, but both get lots of goodies. Entry-level Zetec models come with air-conditioning, Bluetooth, alloy wheels and a heated front windscreen as standard while Titanium-trimmed cars add a fully integrated Sony audio system, climate control and hill-hold assist. There's a wide range of high-tech options, including Active Park Assist, which automatically steers the car into parking space, and blind spot monitoring. A variety of option packs are available, including the Family Pack which comes with a powered tailgate and rear sunblinds.

Running costs

The C-MAX is competitively priced when compared to its main rivals. The Zetec-trimmed model comes with just 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, while Titanium models get more powerful engines. Running costs should be quite low. The entry-level 115PS 1.6-litre diesel returns 61.4mpg and thanks to 116g/km of CO2 has 13 per cent company car tax rating. Our favourite, the 1.6 Ecoboost turbo petrol model costs £19,745, but returns 42.8mpg combined and emits just 154g/km. However, the warranty is not as good as a Kia or Hyundai at just three -years and 60,000 miles.