IN more ways than one Ford is taking a dynamic approach to the launch of its new C-MAX range.

Not only does the car set new standards among compact MPVs in terms of handling and performance it is also pulling off a few firsts for Ford.

In the larger Grand C-MAX guise it is the first Ford to be sold in Britain with sliding doors and it is also the first Ford to have an automatic parking system.

With almost two thirds of buyers who choose compact MPVs opting for seven seaters, Ford has decided to split the new C-MAX line up into two.

The Grand C-MAX is about five inches longer and priced from £18,745 while the five seat C-MAX kicks off at £16,745.

Both look good, are smart inside and come with digital radios as well as Bluetooth mobile phone connections. The pair has also just achieved maximum five star safety ratings in the latest round of the EuroNCAP tests.

Three petrol and two diesel engines are available and Ford is keeping options simple with only two trims - Zetec and Titanium.

All the petrol engines are 1.6-litres with power ranging from 105 to 150PS - the latter being Ford's new EcoBoost engine which offers extra performance without hitting average fuel consumption of 42.8mpg.

For absolute economy a 1.6 diesel developing 115PS can average more than 60 to the gallon, although it's priced from £18,245.

A more powerful 140PS diesel gives a little more bite and can still average a claimed 53.3mpg overall with 0 to 60 acceleration below 10 seconds.

That engine is also available with a six-speed auto gearbox priced from £21,995.

Emissions range from 119g/km for the smallest 1.6 diesel in the C-MAX to 159g/km for the petrol powered Grand C-MAX.

Both versions of the C-MAX sit on Ford's new medium sized platform which will be used in the new Focus which is due on sale next year which means the people mover gives a strong hint about what is about to be delivered by the next generation of Britain's top selling car.

Uprated suspension and a device called torque vectoring control which balances power to the driven wheels when cornering make the C-MAX a car without peers in this class of vehicle.

The five seater feels the best, tucking in nicely in corners with an attitude better even than some sports cars.

The C-MAX is the version aimed at active couples who want a car bigger than a hatch but don't want to go down the SUV route.

Cargo capacity ranges from 432 litres to a maximum of 1,723 which is big enough to handle a couple of mountain bikes.

The Grand C-MAX has been designed with families in mind and has quick fold-flat rear seats to give it plenty of practical appeal.

As a seven seater it is big enough to accommodate adults throughout - but with all seats taken luggage space is a miserly 92 litres which is big enough only for a couple of shopping bags.

Turn it into a five seats - which takes only seconds - and it becomes marginally bigger than its smaller brother but the difference is negligible.

The Grand C-MAX can be fitted with a powered tailgate, although not powered side doors, but access to the rear seats is straightforward with the middle row sliding and folding forward.

There is also a clever arrangement which sees the centre middle seat twist and turn out of sight to be stowed under the cushion of the adjacent seat which creates a walkway through to the back.

In the front the dashboard is styled similarly to that of the latest Fiesta with angular air vents and stylish control pads while the instruments are now backlit in blue.

Safety aids on the Grand C-MAX include seatbelt warning lamps for all seven seats while blind spot alerts, satellite navigation and a powerful Sony audio system can be fitted as options.

Ford was late to the compact people mover market. The original C-MAX arrived in 2002, five years after Renault launched its pioneering Scenic.

With the new C-MAX Ford is no longer playing catch up but has become one of the leaders of the pack.

The prices are competitive - little more than the previous models - and with top notch handling the C-MAX is a car to enjoy in more ways than one.