Frankfurt  - Ford is livening up the compact van segment with the kinetic-design C-Max based closely on the sturdy Iosis Max, with a European sales start planned for the second half of next year.

The car on show at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month is a four-door five-seater but there have been spy shots in circulation of a seven-seater Ford C-Max Grand with sliding doors that is expected to go into production soon.

Ford is keeping quiet on details but the first car in the family is likely to be a 180 hp version fitted with a new 1.6-litre Ecoboost engine to be followed by a smaller 100 hp three cylinder version in the year 2011.

Extras and comfort features are six airbags, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), two separate rear seats, and a park- and blind-spot assist. (dpa)