Great handling, looks guaranteed to turn heads and a specification list that is the envy of many rival companies – these are just a few of the qualities the Ford C-Max can lay claim to. If you are looking for a family car that’s still lots of fun, check this out.

The good

Great for the active family

The bad

Too much plastic on dashboard

Tech Specs

Price from

£18,195

Combined Fuel up to

68.9mpg

0-62 from

9.5 seconds

max speed up to

127mph

co2 from

105g/km

Test Drive

Ford C-Max

Ford’s compact people carrier – the C-Max has undergone a mid-life facelift and now looks sharper with a fresh new front end. It is more generously equipped and also boasts a choice of highly efficient engines.

The five-seat model has always been a firm favourite amongst family buyers with 210,000 UK sales since it first hit the showrooms back in 2003.

And now the latest version has been restyled to reflect the One Ford global design with a distinctive trapezoidal grille and a stronger, longer front end with a sculpted bonnet, chiseled front headlight clusters and more rectangular elongated front fog lights.

At the rear the tailgate now boasts a smoother one-piece appearance and compact tail lamps complete the C-Max’s new contemporary look.

And while we are on the subject of tailgates, the C-Max is a segment-first in offering a hands-free tailgate so parents carrying toddlers or shoppers laden down with bags simply kick their foot beneath the rear bumper and the boot will open automatically.

The interior is beautifully clutter-free with fewer controls and switches to confuse and over-complicate matters. But the car is still richly equipped with all the latest technology and creature comforts and even entry-level Zetec models boast the likes of sports-style seats, Ford’s SYNC connectivity system, a DAB radio, air conditioning and plenty more besides.

Move up to mid-trim Titanium and features such as SYNC2 with eight-inch touchscreen, halogen headlamps, rain sensing wipers, dual zone electronic climate control and automatic lights are introduced.

The range-topping Titanium X adds 17-inch alloys, a panoramic roof, part-leather seats (power-adjustable on the driver’s side), heated front seats and plenty more besides.

There is a range of powertrains on offer, but the engine claiming all the headlines is Ford’s new 1.5-litre TDCi diesel, which is expected to be the choice of 71 per cent of buyers. And Ford claims that 54 per cent of customers will opt for the Zetec grade.

With that in mind, I tested out the C-Max Zetec powered by the 1.5-litre 120PS diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

This model costs £21,495, but a number of optional extras bumped the price-tag up to £22,220. It can reach 62mph from a standing start in 11.3 seconds and tops out at 114mph. According to official figures it can deliver combined fuel economy of 68.9mpg with carbon emissions of 105g/km.

The first thing that impressed me was how simple the car is to drive with all the dials and controls ideally placed for ease of use. And gaining access to the cars many features is beautifully uncomplicated. On some models you have to search through menus to complete simple tasks such as adjusting the temperature, but that’s not the case with the C-Max thanks to simple traditional buttons.

Comfort levels are very high and there is ample room in the back for two adults to stretch out in style or three at a bit of a squeeze. And storage options are most impressive with a generously-sized boot that can be increased capacity-wise thanks to split-folding rear seats. Elsewhere there are plenty of little cubby holes and places to stash away your goodies.

And when it comes to performance, the C-Max is an absolute dream to drive. The driver benefits from an elevated position which is a bonus, although the rather wide A-pillars do obscure the view at times.

The engine was really lively and acceleration through the gears was nicely response with a constant supply of power at your disposal.

Ford has stiffened up the suspension, retuned the dampers and the electronic power assisted steering has been tuned to deliver greater precision – all these factors are key to the cars much improved driving dynamics and all-round handling. There is a little engine and road surface noise if the vehicle is pushed really hard, but generally the efficient sound deadening features are very effective.

New C-Max also features some state-of-the-art safety technologies – some as standard and some as optional extras. These include active city stop, active park assist, cross traffic alert and adaptive front lighting.

All in all, the latest C-Max is a beautiful piece of kit that offers all the practicality of a family car but easily doubles up as a business driver’s office on wheels.

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