BACK in 2003 Ford set the small MPV market spinning with the arrival of the C-MAX based on the Focus.

It has been a success for the company ever since with a second generation model arriving during 2011 and earlier this year it went under the knife to bring it up to date.

Fresh styling, new engines and the latest tech were introduced to keep it ahead of the opposition.

The C-MAX offers five seats while the Grand version tested can take seven passengers.

As the name suggests, the Grand C-MAX is a bigger, more practical version of the standard C-Mac and features sliding rear doors and loads of handy features as well as the two extra seats.

The Grand C-MAX sits below the brand's larger and more stylish S-MAX but costs considerably less to buy and still gives you the seven seat option.

As it is based on the Focus, it is fun to drive and is surprisingly agile for an MPV.

It cruises without fuss on the motorway and even although it is softer than the normal C-MAX it is still good enough to tackle twisting minor roads with style.

The steering is sharp and accurate and the suspension copes well with all surfaces and smoothes out bumps and lumps.

Three trim levels are available Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X and the test car came in mid-range Titanium guise.

It offers lots of equipment including 17-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic headlights with LED day running lights, rain sensing wipers, a quickclear heated windscreen, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and cruise control with a speed limiter.

In addition you get an 8-inch touchscreen with DAB radio and CD which includes Bluetooth and emergency assistance, full seat adjustment, an overhead consule with stowage for sunglasses and a child observation mirror as well ambient courtesy lighting.

A navigation system can be added for £250 and a key free system which includes a hands free power operated tailgate can be yours for an additional £700. A blind spot information system can also be fitted for an extra £400.

The C-MAX features all the latest electronic safety gear and also comes with a tyre pressure warning system and hill start assist.

On the engine front there is plenty to choose from in both petrol and diesel - includingFord'saward-winning 1.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost power plant.

This car came with the 118bhp 1.5-litre diesel unit mated to a nice six-speed manual box which is expected to be the biggest seller.

I found this combination to be ideal for the Grand C-MAX. It packs bags of punch and reaches 62mph in 12.3 seconds and has a top speed of 112mph. It is also very frugal with a claimed combined figure of 64.2mpg - I averaged just over 50mpg.