FORD has transformed its B-MAX baby MPV with the introduction of a new diesel engine that is lean and mean.

It takes the diesel B-MAX into the tax free zone for the first time and gives the practical five seater a theoretical range close to 700 miles on a single tank.

As such the 95ps 1.5-litre B-MAX TDCI becomes the most economical model in the line up with an official fuel return 74.3mpg.

The new engine is available in Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X trims with prices ranging from £16,925 to £19,325.

It is an uprated version of the 1.5-litre diesel Ford has used in the B-MAX since its launch three years ago but the extra 20ps makes all the difference.

Mid-range power is plentiful from anywhere in the five speed box and delivers a 0 to 60 acceleration time of 13.0 seconds topping out at 108mph.

That makes it the quickest diesel B-MAX - outperforming even the 1.6-litre engines which come with more power.

Not only is the new 1.5 great to drive but it is also very economical and averaged close on 60 to the gallon in everyday conditions.

Noise levels on the road are acceptably low and the ride is without fault, as is the case with any small Ford.

Compared to alternatives from Fiat and MINI the Ford fares well and is competitively priced.

Ford has also fitted the new engine in the Focus and another version - boosted to 120ps - is coming on stream in the latest C-MAX models.

In the smaller B-MAX frame the 1.5 diesel drops CO2 emissions to 98g/km making it the most fuel efficient version available, exempt from road tax and with a 17 per cent banding for business drivers.

With its sliding side doors - just like Ford fits to the seven seat Grand C-MAX - the B-MAX remains very user-friendly and a fold-flat front passenger seat makes for excellent load carrying with boot space ranging from 318 to 1,386 litres - quite astonishing for a car which measures only 13ft 4ins in length.

The Titanium model we tried costs from £18,125 and comes with air conditioning and cruise control as standard as well as electric windows all round.

Factor in some extras including sat nav at £400 and a rear view camera for £600 and the final cost came to £19,825.

The cabin is well thought out with plenty of onboard storage space and the overall design makes for a good amount of passenger space.

Five adults on board is not that much of a squeeze but the B-MAX comes into its own with its sliding doors and no centre pillar which makes access incredibly easy.

The B-MAX is a very easy car to live with and although relatively small on the outside it is a first class all-rounder for the average family.