Ford Focus

All it took was one stone. Flicked up from the wheel of a truck I was overtaking on the M25, this little pebble became an airborne missile, smashing into the windscreen of our long-term Ford Focus C-MAX. Luckily for me, it collided near the passenger side A-pillar - although the noise was still enough to make me jump out of my skin.
Unfortunately, the crack didn't stay still for long, running across the windscreen too quickly for my liking. A call to Autoglass established that the firm had the correct windscreen in stock and could do the job at short notice. Just as well, because as the Auto Express staff photographer, I rack up long distances in no time at all, and didn't fancy driving the Ford any further than I had to.
However, a comedy of errors ensued. Despite informing Autoglass that the MPV had a heated windscreen, it despatched one without the integrated elements - so back the replacement glass went. Fortunately, the firm made up for its mistake by fitting the correct one the very next day. The repair left a severe dent in my wallet, though.
Much as I love the C-MAX's quick-clear windscreen on damp mornings, replacing it set me back £417.35. The fitter said it would have been even more expensive had the car also featured rain-sensing windscreen wipers. That's not the only work I've had to shell out for, either. Thanks to the distances I cover to and from photoshoots, the 12,500-mile service arrived quickly. With a plethora of Ford dealers around, I had no trouble booking the C-MAX in. Allen Ford of Brentwood, Essex, took care of the check-up for only £139.95.
The work was done courteously and efficiently, although I'm not happy with every aspect of the job. The xenon headlights seem to be aimed too high and can't be adjusted from inside the cabin, so I asked the dealer to move them down slightly.
However, according to Allen Ford's MoT test rig, the lights are within tolerances. So nothing was done - which means I'll have to put up with the irritated flashes of oncoming vehicles for a while
yet. The only other thing I'm concerned about is the black stereo cover. I went for the upgraded Sony-branded CD radio, and I haven't been disappointed - it sounds great and is easy to use. But the plastic seems to mark very easily, spoiling the otherwise impressive interior quality.
On the road, the C-MAX is light and easy to drive, the six-speed gearbox is slick and the dials are easily legible. I find the trip computer particularly useful, even if the fuel economy read-out isn't strictly accurate. It estimates I've been averaging 40mpg, but the actual figure works out closer to 37.6mpg. Either way, the 2.0-litre TDCi engine is a belter. It has loosened up well, and is ideal for following group tests cross-country.
In fact, road tester Owen Mildenhall added his praise in the logbook, having borrowed the C-MAX for a weekend. He raved about its "reassuring ride quality" and "tremendous mid-range punch", while road test editor Oliver Marriage was so impressed when he took the wheel, he hinted at doing a temporary swap with his usual Volvo XC90.
To be honest, I'd rather hang on to the Ford. It may not have the prestige and size of the Volvo, but the strong acceleration, sweet handling, useful interior layout and reliability make it a perfect photography wagon. I must admit that I was sceptical about driving an MPV because I don't have any children, but I now find myself defending it to the hilt. The C-MAX has made a good impression over the past six months. Long may it continue.