FORD'S stylish B-MAX is much tougher than it looks - thanks to engineers who tested it to the limit.

To make sure it could stand up to the rigours of family use the B-MAX was subjected to hours of abuse and the result is that its interior can cope with just about anything an average family can throw at it.

The stylish B-MAX  replaced the unloved Fusion last winter and it has a distinctive design that does away with the traditional pillar between front and back doors which gives wide open access from the front hinged doors to the rear sliders - making it a very practical car for young families or those with an active lifestyle.

The model range is available with a variety of trims and engines and I have just spent a week with the popular Zetec version fitted with Ford's award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine which is one of the top-sellers.

It may have only three-cylinders but the little unit is always willing and never struggles even in this small MPV. The 999cc power plant delivers its 100ps smoothly and efficiently and never has any problem keeping up with traffic or cruising at motorway speeds. It is combined with a nice five-speed gearbox with well chosen ratios.

Capable of 109mph this model can reach 62mph in a respectable 13.2 seconds and delivers excellent fuel economy. The engine makes a nice sound and if you use the gears properly you can make good journey times in town or out on the open road.

The B-MAX is based on the excellent Fiesta and as a result is much more than just a fancy set of doors. It drives better than most of its rivals and the easy access is an additional bonus.

The car's raised height means it is not as attractive as a Fiesta but it still cuts a dash thanks to Ford's Kinetic Design and it makes others in the same class look a bit boxy.

The cabin is pretty much all Fiesta but that is no bad thing and the dashboard and controls are stylish and easy to read and use. As there is no B pillar the front seatbelts have been cleverly built in to the front seats and the cabin offers bags of space.

With plenty grip on offer the B-MAX has good handling and refinement and the steering is sharp and responsive and much better than you would expect from a small MPV. The little engine  gives out a nice happy note and as a result the car feels more fun than some of the opposition.

On the safety front the B-MAX again scores well with stability and traction control fitted as standard, plenty of airbags and strenghtening in the frame, floor and roof of the car to make up for the missing central pillars. Visibility is good and the higher driving position offers an excellent view from behind the wheel.

Despite its fairly compact dimensions the B-MAX is superbly practical thanks largely to the sliding doors which mean it is so much easier to get in and out of and to use the available space. The boot offers over 300 litres of space and there is a false floor to hide valuables or it can be dropped to free more space. You can also increase luggage space by folding the rear seats to provide a long flat load area.

B-MAX prices start at just under £13,000 and rise to just under £18,900 and it can be had with a choice of diesel or petrol engines and in four trim levels.

A clever and likeable car the B-MAX is also a very practical and comfortable family vehicle and is well worth serious consideration.