The previous C-Max mystified journalists when it was launched as it only had five seats. At the time Ford claimed the S-Max would take care of that requirement, but it has finally admitted that having a large 7-seat MPV does not eliminate the need for a compact seven seat MPV, any more than having a Mondeo eliminates the need for a Focus. There are now two models, the five-seat C-Max and seven-seat Grand C-Max. The smaller C-Max looks like a cross between a Kuga and and S-Max, which is no bad thing: they are both good-looking cars and the result is that the C-Max is the best looking compact MPV currently on sale. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the Grand C-Max. The rear sliding door necessarily makes the car look less dynamic than the standard model, but the real problem is aft of the rear door. The window line kicks up half-heartedly and the whole back end looks like it was redesigned half a dozen times before they finally had to give up and start production with whatever they had. However, there is nothing half-hearted about the way both models drive. Ford bravely launched the car on the test route used for the Focus RS, so we were driving along narrow Alpine passes in an MPV. That could have been a recipe for disaster, but the C-Max is a remarkably enjoyable drive. There is almost no difference in handling between the two models, which means they can both be thrown around like a good hatchback (although not recommended with a full complement of children unless you want to spoil the interior fabrics). The ride is as good as you could hope for in a car of this type - we went looking for broken tarmac at the edge of the road, and the C-Max just glided over the bumps. Refinement is also top of the class with sound levels you would expect from a small executive car. Of course, interior practicality is more important than handling for most MPV buyers and here the competition does make up ground on the C-Max. The five seater offers all the space you would expect, but the rear seat arrangement seems a bit old fashioned. The rear backrest folds on top of the squab (the bit you sit on), and then both sections fold up against the back of the front seats. This seems to take up a lot of space until you discover the seats can then be removed completely. That is fine, but if you get to Ikea and find your new sofa is too big, it's a bit late to leave the rear seats at home. On the plus side, the central rear seat folds into the offside seat so that the two outer seats can be brought in slightly to give a very spacious four seater. The Grand C-Max also has some seating issues: It has the same disappearing centre rear seat in row two, enabling kids to move easily into the third row, which is clever. All seats can fold down to create a flat floor, which is also good. The problem is that it is just not very Grand - room in the third row is very tight for adults and there is no boot space at all if all seats are in use. It is as if Ford decided not to make it too spacious in case it took sales away from the S-Max.Overall, the five seat is the dynamic choice for people who want a bit more space than a Focus or Golf, but don't want to miss out on driving enjoyment. The Grand C-Max is more problematic. It is easily the best car of its type to drive, but we don't think it is the most practical - or attractive.