Buying an MPV — a people carrier — is usually a matter of buying a compromise. What these vehicles offer in space they tend to lose in driving dynamics, and while their interiors are light and roomy their exteriors can be bland and uneventful.

But when Ford launched the C-Max in late 2004 it rewrote the MPV rulebook. At last you could buy a car that had all the space and convenience of an MPV but looked and drove as well as a hatchback.

The key to the C-Max’s abilities lies in its underpinnings. Beneath the skin it uses the chassis platform from the second-generation Ford Focus. Wider, longer and more rigid than the original Focus, it endows the C-Max with great driving dynamics and plenty of space. It also carries over the Focus’s highly effective control-blade rear suspension system, and this gives the C-Max sharper and more predictable on-the-limit handling.

Initially, power for the C-Max came courtesy of two petrol and two diesel engines. The biggest sellers have been the torquey 1.6 and 2 litre diesel units, producing 110bhp and 136bhp respectively. The 2 litre version achieves 50mpg in mixed motoring while the 1.6 litre diesel is capable of almost 58mpg.

Petrol power comes in the form of a 100bhp 1.6 litre and a 120bhp 1.8 litre. Neither offers sparkling performance, but they are both willing enough and reasonably economical, and they can save you around £1,000 on the second-hand purchase price.

All C-Max versions come with manual transmission as standard, which is light and easy to use, the dashboard-mounted gearlever falling naturally to hand, while the 2 litre turbodiesel benefits from a six-speed gearbox. There is also the option of a CVT (constant velocity transmission) automatic gearbox on 1.6 litre diesel models, and it’s an attractive option if the bulk of your motoring life is spent crawling through city traffic.

Interior space is a big factor for any MPV buyer, and the 510-litre boot of the C-Max ticks all the right boxes. The three rear seats can also be tilted and tumbled to liberate yet more cargo space, or they can be removed altogether to reveal up to 1,692 litres of luggage space.

In addition, top-specification C-Max models get a flexible rear seating system that allows the centre rear seat to be slid into the boot space, so creating more shoulder room — if needed — for the rear-seat passengers. While this is a very neat feature it probably isn’t an essential item on the used-car buyer’s priority checklist.

Trim and equipment lists for the C-Max follow the usual Ford hierarchy, starting with LX specification, moving on to Zetec and ending up with Ghia models. The really good news is that all three specification levels come with air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows and a host of airbags. Zetec models are provided with alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel rim and a trip computer, while the top-specification Ghia versions additionally get rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, an auto-dipping rear-view mirror and a few extra splashes of chrome trim.

There is also the option of Ford’s excellent sat nav system, which adds around £250 to the value of those second-hand cars equipped with it.

In terms of safety features, the Ford C-Max performs well, scoring an impressive four stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests for both adult and child occupant safety. And all C-Max models come with driver’s, passenger’s and side curtain airbags together with height-adjustable seatbelts and Isofix child-seat anchors — reassuring if you intend ferrying your family around in one. The Ford C-Max is the car that took the small MPV out of the realm of the family minibus and plunged it into the arena of decent-driving, spacious cars.

It is safe to say that parents will enjoy this pioneering MPV just as thoroughly as the kids are sure to.

Rear seating Tip-and-tumble function on all three seats frees huge amounts of space, while the optional sliding seat mechanism allows a trade-off between boot space and rear legroom

Rear suspension Control blade rear suspension endows the C-Max with best in class ride and handling

Safety A four-star Euro NCAP performance for adult occupancy is good, while four stars for child occupancy safety is among the best of any MPV

Boot size The 510-litre boot is deep and wide

Security Anti-theft immobiliser complemented by remote central locking with deadlocks

Brakes Antilock braking comes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist as standard

Gear stick Dash-mounted stick falls naturally to hand

Rear brake pads Check rear pads regularly as they tend to wear more quickly than fronts

Servicing and warranty Servicing due every 12 months or 12,500 miles whichever is sooner

The one to buy

Ford Focus C-Max 2.0 TDCi Zetec 2004 04 with 20,000 miles. Pay £9,095 at a dealer or £8,295 privately

Model Ford Focus C-Max 2.0 TDCi Zetec
Engine 1,997cc, four cylinders
Power 136bhp
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel 48.7mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.6sec
Top speed 125mph

Mileage 10,000

2004 04
Trade £8,215
Retail ££9,495

2005 05
Trade £9,050
Retail £10,495

2006 06
Trade £10,159
Retail £11,750

Mileage 20,000

2004 04
Trade £7,725
Retail £9,095

2005 05
Trade £8,600
Retail £10,095

2006 06
Trade £10,150
Retail £11,750

Mileage 40,000

2004 04
Trade £6,950
Retail £8,325

2005 05
Trade £7,750
Retail £10,400

2006 06
Trade £8,825
Retail £10.400

Or for similar money

2003 53 Volkswagen Touran 1.9 TDI PD S
2004 04 Renault Mégane Scénic 1.9 dCi
2004 04 Seat Altea 1.9 TDi Stylance
2005 54 Fiat Multipla 1.9 JTD Dynamic
2005 55 Citroën Picasso 2.0 HDi Desire