Studio is real midi marvel

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Feb 20, 2004

Versatility is the name of the game these days, as epitomised by the proliferation of so-called MPVs in their many shapes and sizes.

At the top of the pile are full-blown people carriers such as the Renault Grand Espace.

Slightly smaller is the standard Espace, with the next size down being the soon to be launched Grand Scenic, and then the standard Scenic.

At this stage we are down to the midi-MPV sector, below which are mini models such as the Vauxhall Meriva and Ford Fusion.

However, it is the midis that are currently showing most growth, and competition is fierce.

Ford's C-Max is hoping to clean up, and now comes with a new entry version, in the form of the 1.6-litre Studio. The name is meant to indicate a minimalist approach, just as a studio apartment is a poor person's penthouse.

It has the basics, but we are talking plastic as opposed to cloth or leather, and you even have to wind up the rear windows yourself.

As far as luxuries are concerned, forget it, although Ford has sensibly retained a full complement of safety equipment, including front and side air bags and anti-lock brakes.

The C-Max Studio is aimed at young families on a budget, who place practicality and price above all else.

In this sense the car is a dream, at pounds 13,175, with an adequate 1.6-litre petrol engine and the same degree of versatility as all other C-Max models in the range.