THERE appeared to be a mix up in the spec sheets. Ford's seven-seater Grand C-Max was quoted at an amazing 53.3 average mpg figure.

But seeing is believing: an hour-long jaunt without any right foot restraint in the 2.0-litre diesel model achieved mpg returns in the mid-forties.

Such economy  usually compromises  performance, especially in a people carrier of this proportion. But in fact the oil-burner proved its worth as a lively operator achieving 0-62mph in 10 seconds.

Not only did the seven -seater respond energetically, it did so in a smooth and silky style more in keeping with a pampered premium saloon.

With a top speed of 124mph, Ford's all-new Grand C-Max is no pushover. 

The best thing is that the multi-activity vehicle (MAV) provided an excellent ride so that occupants travelled in a good degree of comfort.

Alternating between A, B and even C roads, the 140ps powered Grand C-Max proved flexible and maintained surprisingly good composure.

For a first, albeit limited drive, this particular model proved its performance mettle in the expansive compact MAV segment where around 50% of buyers now expect six and even seven seat capacity.

Both the all-new C-Max and Grand C-Max took to the roads only three months ago and Ford expect that as much as 60% will plump for the Grand version. 

It's easy to see why - sat on a new and compact platform also used for the all-new Focus about to make its debut.

The cherry on the cake are the sliding rear doors - what functional bliss - and the fact that you can access the third row of seats with reasonable ease with the small centre seat in the second row folded and flipped away to allow a ‘walk-through' with no risk of clipped chins and ankles.

Prices range from £17,000 and £18,745 (C-Max and Grand C-Max), with the car driven, a six-speed Grand C-Max Titanium costing £22,000 as standard, with £3,000 optional extras including metallic paint, Family Pack of power lift gate and rear sunblinds, roof rails, privacy glass and sat nav.

From one Grand car to another ... Ford's new-look Mondeo is a highly polished executive that engulfs you with its ‘kinetic design' and high levels of quality.

It is billed as the most stylish and technologically advanced Mondeo ever, and the major update includes a fresh, re-styled exterior, an enhanced interior as well as high-efficiency powertrains, including a new 240ps version of the Ford EcoBoost 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a new 200ps 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel.

There's a raft of new technology including Lane Departure Warning system, Auto High Beam, Driver Alert, Active Grille Shutter and Smart Regenerating charging.

The upgraded Mondeo is large, extremely handsome and oozes premium quality which has earned the model yet another trophy. 

What Car? bestowed its best family car award on the Mondeo 2.0-litre TDCi 140ps Zetec model and also named the Mondeo as the best estate, which repeated the car's double whammy at the same ceremony two years ago.

Prices start at £17,695.