Ford was a little late to market with its rival to the popular Vauxhall Zafira, Citroen Xsara Picasso, Renault Scenic and so on, but here it is: the Focus C-MAX. Unlike a number of its competitors, it only has five seats (Ford doesn't want to steal sales from the Galaxy, and maintains that demand for seven seats in a car this size isn't significant) but these do slide, fold, tumble and do all the tricks they should - in optional "flexible seating system" form, at least. The C-MAX isn't as wide as, say, the Scenic, but can accommodate adult-length legs in the rear and give all occupants a good view out - it's much higher-riding than the (also very roomy) 'normal' Focus estate car. Its main strengths, however, are that it's very car-like to drive, and comes with the excellent new PSA-Ford diesel engines, including a high-performance 2.0-litre unit. The C-MAX is also a step ahead of the other Focus variants in that it is the first model to be based on a new set of underpinnings, with increased body rigidity, crash protection and dynamic abilities.

The two diesel engines on offer come in 1.6-litre, 108bhp and 2.0-litre, 136bhp form, the latter in conjunction with a six-speed manual gearbox, and there are also 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines. Trim levels will be badged LX, Zetec and Ghia, as in other Ford ranges; Ghia models are fitted with leather upholstery. Standard specification includes front, side thorax and side 'curtain' airbags on all models, three three-point seatbelts in the rear and standard ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and Brake Assist, as well as a CD player and air conditioning; options include two different Sony audio systems, DVD-based satellite navigation and plug-ins for a DVD player or games console with a roof-mounted screen, as well as additional functionality for the rear bench seat.