We review the Ford C-Max (2007) from price to economy and all its features
And thats what has happened to the Ford C-Max.
Back in 2003 the new C was the apple of Fords eye. It was the first people carrier to put as much emphasis on style and cool as simply carrying people and their wordly goods.
And it was an instant hit in the UK and across Europe, selling 80,000 here since its launch and 800,000 in total.
However the arrival of the seven-seat S-Max has overshadowed the C-Max.
The S-Max has been the latest overnight sensation — the first people carrier to be called SEXY. It has not only been voted European Car of the Year, but more importantly is proving a big hit with family buyers.
Next year Ford will add the Focus X-Max, a chunky compact-sized 4x4.
So Ford aim to boost the C-Max with a mid-life makeover. It now has much stiffer competition in the sleek shape of the Citroen C4 Picasso, alongside established foes like the Renault Scenic and Vauxhall Zafira.
But Ford are sticking to a tried and trusted gameplan and made the C a mini version of the S-Max.
Ive just had the first drive in Scotland of the new C-Max and the first thing you notice is the much more distinctive and sporty face with a smart chrome grille, sleeker headlights and a reworked bumper and lower spoiler.
Ford have tidied up the back by adding streamlined LED tail-lights that give it a more dynamic profile all round.
Inside, the S-Max influence is clear. The upmarket dash gets the same centre console design, and even higher quality materials with smart aluminium trim and sports seats with more side support.
More Motors
As for the rest, its business as usual. The sliding rear seats provide excellent flexibility, and the boot space is a reasonable 473 litres, which goes up to 950 litres with the rear seats folded.
And the on-road performance makes this a very comfortable car.
For me, its the best-handling compact people carrier, and its fun to drive.
The 2-litre turbo diesel is surprisingly speedy — 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds, although the economy figure of 48.6mpg is probably the most pleasing star of all.
Ford have a C-Max to suit most budgets and tastes. Prices start at £12,995 for the 1.6-litre petrol, while the 1.6-litre diesel starts at £14,995.
But the top-of-the-range 2-litre turbo diesel C-Max Titanium (which I drove) is quite steep at £21,850 even though it does get an array of extras like panoramic roof for the first time, advanced phone and sports packs.
Fords little brother has just come of age — the Max impact continues.