THE Ford C-Max MPV went put of production in 2019, making way for the company's range of SUVs after people carriers went out of favour with the majority of buyers.

But it makes fantastic family transport at a fraction of the cost of the 4x4 lookalikes that replaced it.

Because of its popularity new and discounting by dealers, the C-Max is a great bargain second time around. Its also a good car in every way and good fun to drive.

Diesels are more sought after and therefore more expensive, so that for most buyers, petrol would represent better value over time. And petrol models are also likely to come with fewer miles on the clock.

Also, the gain in economy with a diesel takes a long time to cover the extra purchase cost even with secondhand cars.

As an example, a new C-Max diesel took about 50,000 miles or four years before it broke even with the petrol.

With facelifts and engine changes, the C-Max was on the market for eight years, and all have a quality interior, good levels of equipment and of course, plenty of interior space.

There is also a Grand C-Max with seven seats, but the rearmost two are only large enough for smaller children.

A wide range of petrol and diesel engines meant there is something to suit every owner, and there are plenty around so only buy the best, with full service history.

Early petrols were 1.6-litre, with 103, 113 or 123bhp, but from 2015, 1.0-litre and 1.6 ecoboost turbo units replaced them, the 1.0-litre having 100 or 125bhp, and the 1.6 either 148 or 177.

The early 1.6 units have an official economy average of around 44 miles per gallon, while the 1 litre is rated at 55 and the 1.6 Ecoboost at 45.

The diesel range, which are designated TDCI, are either 1.6 or 2.0-litres. The 1.6 has power outputs of 93 and 113bhp in different models, while the 2.0-litre starts at 113bhp, and rises through 138 to 160.

The 1.6 is rated at 62mpg while the 2.0-litre gets an average of 55 to 60.

The 1.6 turbo petrols are the performance kings in the range, covering the 0 to 60 sprint in a best of 8.5 seconds, while the top diesel covers it in 9.2.

But the little 1.0-litre turbo is no slouch either, with the 125bhp bringing up the benchmark in 10.6 seconds.

As well as the new petrol engines added in 2015, there was a 1.5 TDCI with 118bhp and very low emissions, but its economy is rated lower than that of the 1.6 at 57mpg.

Early 1.6 petrol engines had a five speed gearbox while the 1.0-litre and 1.6 Ecoboost models, and all the diesels, get a six speed. An automatic was also available across much of the range.

Post 2015, the C-Max was given the latest, smoother Ford front end and grille and the interior was up-rated.

Performance is good in most models, and they also handle very well through the corners. The ride is also excellent over most surfaces, only spoiled in the most powerful models by the usual fit big alloys and very low profile tyres.

Lowest Zetec models have very good equipment including alarm, stability control, air con, loads of airbags, rake-and-reach-adjustable steering, alloys, emergency brake warning, DAB radio and audio system with six speakers, USB and aux-in, Bluetooth, heated windscreen and a multi-function steering wheel.

Pay about £11,000 for a '17 17-reg 1.0-litre 125bhp Ecoboost Zetec, or £13,750 for a '19 19-reg 1.5 TDCI Titanium.