A four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating is good, though starting to look a little behind the times when similar cars are being awarded the full five stars. ABS and dual front airbags are standard and all models (except base cars) get side bags. On the security front, the C-MAX has marked parts and etched windows while some models get an alarm.

The biggest gripe is the lack of a seven-seat option – a feature which the majority of alternatives now offer. The rear seats are comfortable enough but they don’t fold completely flat which limits the Ford’s versatility, and unlike the Galaxy and S-MAX, there are no clever folding systems. It’s spacious in the back though and all three seats can be slid back and forth independently – the boot is large too and with 550-litres of space it offers plenty of space for four peoples luggage.