Facelifted midi-MPV is still practical, efficient and good to drive.

What's new?

Mostly a cosmetic upgrade ­ a new front end, new rear lights, and a reworked interior ­ but the track is wider by 5mm and now it's called the Ford C-Max (rather than Ford Focus C-Max) It's also the only car in the UK to have the option of halogen-powered cornering headlights, rather than the usual xenon ones.

What's it like?

It still looks a bit dumpy, especially around the rear, but we can forgive it because the rest of it is as good as it always was -rewarding steering, fabulous ride (even on the optional 18in wheels on 40-profile rubber) and a well-built, spacious cabin.

The interior upgrades work - the cabin feels more snug and cockpit-like - but the seats still don't fold flush with the floor. You can take them out but they're heavy and difficult to handle.

Should I buy one?

Absolutely. If you don't need seven seats it's one of the finest medium-sized MPVs there is, although we'd steer clear of the high-spec models if you want to get some money back at resale time.

Dan Stevens

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TegTypeR 15 January 2008

Re: Ford C-Max 2.0 TDCi

Yeah, I know its supposed to be the best handling car in its class but the looks still don't do it for me. Give me an Seat Altea any day, far better looking and the dynamics arn't that far behind.