THOSE looking for extra room in a family vehicle may be put off buying an MPV because some offerings are just not as exciting to drive as saloons or hatchbacks.

Ford, renowned for building cars with excellent dynamics focused on the fact that MPVs have to have that certain X-Factor and put a lot into the new generation C-MAX, which is recognised as a real driver-magnet in the world of people carriers.

The original C-MAX, although a relatively late entrant into the booming compact MPV market, was a popular choice thanks to its engaging driving dynamics and practical cabin. The second-generation is new from the ground up and aims to satisfy an even greater number of buyers.

Another area where the latest C-MAX scores is that it comes in two variants, the normal C-MAX and more expensive and larger Grand C-MAX which has a higher roofline than the regular car, but comes with seven seats.

The standard C-MAX remains a five-seater, but both versions have individual folding seats, allowing a practical mix of people and luggage.

My drive was in one of the mainstream C-MAX models, a 1.6 TDCi 115ps six-speed manual Titanium model, priced at £19,745.

This more upmarket trimmed version of the standard car features a raft of features as standard including front fog lamps, 17-inch alloys, leather steering wheel DAB radio cruise control all-round power windows and much more.

It is an ideal showcase of what Ford has achieved in the field of family motoring in the past few years and tempers its enjoyable driving qualities with a combined fuel economy of 61.4mpg and a low CO2 readout of 119g/km.

It is also a good looker, not good enough to upstage the BMWs and Mercs on the school run, but enough to impress those looking for smart street-wise than automotive bling.

It features a more prominent grille, a stronger stance and a wider choice of colours.

Its foundations are on the the latest version of Ford's compact car platform which is designed to underpin a whole range of cars. But the big bonus is the impressive chassis dynamics, making it more enjoyable to drive than many more expensive cars.

There is also an an impressive array of optional equipment including a Convenience pack which includes an automated parking system at £525.

There is an impressive amount of space on offer both front and rear with many storage areas throughout the cabin, including a very deep centre armrest cubby.

features clearly labelled buttons and screens, and it all seems very upmarket for what is a family MPV.

In addition to the handling qualities ride is also excellent, the suspension smoothing out all but the harshest of bumps with wind and noise levels at a satisfyingly low level.