Iain Dooley checks out Ford's compact and popular people-carrier - the C-Max.Engines - As we've come to expect from Ford, there's no shortage of choice in the engine department.

Iain Dooley checks out Ford's compact and popular people-carrier - the C-Max.

Engines - As we've come to expect from Ford, there's no shortage of choice in the engine department. The C-Max boasts a wide range of petrol and diesel motors. Go for the biggest you can if you are planning on working the car hard, while the most recent diesels are the most refined.

Exterior - It's no accident that the C-Max looks more than a little like a Focus. The car's cleans lines and familiar face are pure Ford.

Interior - It's largely the same story inside, with all the good bits from the Focus being carried over into the C-Max. It's also a spacious car, with plenty of room fore and aft. Think of it as a plus size family hatch and you'll get the idea.

Driving - There's even more Focus influence evident here, with the C-Max driving more like Ford's popular hatch than a conventional people carrier. The engines are all impressive, with the diesels performing exceptionally well. The lofty driving position does much to enhance forward visibility.

Ownership - A solid and dependable car, the C-Max is unlikely to cause you any problems. Its compact dimensions make navigating busy urban streets easy, while its durable construction makes it ideal for family life.

What to look for - Being a family vehicle, look for general signs of accelerated wear and tear in the cabin. Stained seats or damaged trim should have you looking elsewhere. Likewise if you come across parking dents or heavily kerbed wheels - the latter could be hiding more serious damage.

Model history - 2003, Ford launches a new compact five-seat people carrier based on its popular Focus family hatch. Generous range of petrol and diesel engines offered, plus a moderate amount of standard kit. Midlife facelift had car maintaining its close visual links with the Focus.

Reasons to buy - Solid build, spacious cabin, excellent ride and handling qualities.

Reasons to beware - hard cabin plastics, only a five-seater.

Pick of the range - C-Max 1.8 Zetec.

What to pay - 2004 04 �4,305; 2004 54 �4,925; 2005 05 �5,300; 2005 55 �5,475; 2006 06 �5,900; 2006 56 �6,100; 2007 07 �6,550. Figures relate to showroom prices for cars in A1 condition.