Ford C-MAX Titanium

The Ford C-MAX Titanium is the mid-range model designed to give buyers the best of both worlds in terms of standard equipment and price. The Titanium trim is also widely regarded to be the most popular trim level in Ford's MPV range.

The Titanium adds automatic technology such as active headlights and rain-sensing wipers to the standard kit of the entry-level Zetec, as well as a full-colour display for the infotainment system, instead of the dot-matrix one found in the lesser model.

The C-MAX is available with Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, along with two diesel options – a 1.5-litre and a 2.0-litre. The diesels can be equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed PowerShift automatic, but we'd recommend avoiding the latter if possible – it does nothing but hurt the fuel-economy figure.

For bigger families who need more versatility, there's also the seven-seat Grand C-MAX. That version provides sliding rear doors and the ability to carry two more passengers.

Good points

The C-MAX shares an engaging driving experience with many other models in the Ford range. Buyers will likley be impressed by the car's poise on the road – for an MPV, body lean in corners is relatively minor.The Titanium trim offers the best value for money in the range, as the equipment offered on the higher-spec Titanium X model may be a little unnecessary for some, given the price increases by around £2,000.As you'd expect, the C-MAX is a practical car. Interior space is good and the amount of storage areas provide plenty of places for all of the knick-knacks a family might keep in their car. The Titanium trim also adds rear cupholders and air vents.

Bad points

Despite the decent passenger space inside, the C-MAX's boot trails behind its competitors in terms of overall size. The Volkswagen Golf SV beats it with more than 100 litres extra space. The Ford's rear seats are heavy to move around, so the C-MAX isn't the most versatile model in its class. There's a little more wind noise in the cabin than what we'd consider comfortable and on long journeys this may become a little tiresome.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Folding rear seats
• Alarm
• Tyre pressure sensors
• Passenger & Driver airbag
• Front side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Front fog lights
• Auto climate control
• Leather steering wheel
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Front electric windows
• Single CD player
• AUX stereo input
• DAB Radio
• Cruise control
• Stop/Start
• Automatic wipers
• Rear electric windows
• Bluetooth

Recommended optional extras

• Power-lift tailgate

Our choice

For a car of this type, diesel will almost always be the better option. The 1.5-litre engine is both the cheapest buy and the most economical, returning 69mpg with the manual gearbox. You should only go for the 2.0-litre if you'll be carrying heavy luggage or several of passengers on a regular basis.