Following a successful test by the experts at Euro NCAP the Ford Grand Tourneo Connect safety levels are confirmed as high with a five-star rating.

All versions are constructed using high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels in key crumple zone areas, while anti-lock brakes(ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) are standardised across the range.

Should you be involved in an accident, standard fit front and side curtain airbags will help protect occupants while highly visible seatbelt reminders will prompt them to buckle up before the journey begins.

The outer rear seats on the middle bench have ISOFIX child seat mounting points, while all seven seats have conventional three-point seatbelts.

Outside, visibility to other road users is increased with standard day running lights on all models and tall tail-lights at the rear shared with the larger Tourneo Custom. Additionally, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers are standard on Titanium models and optional on other versions.

With a longer wheelbase and wider side doors than the shorter version, Ford Grand Tourneo Connect practicality is the car’s forte.

The only real gripe is that massive tailgate requires a considerable amount of room to be left behind the car for it to open, so beware reversing into tight parking bays.

A first in this class sees all five rearmost seats fold flat into the floor, maximising cargo space, while the front passenger seat tips forward to allow it to carry loads of over 3m in length.

With all the seats folded forwards, the Grand Tourneo Connect can swallow up to 2,620 litres of cargo, while filling it to the roof line in five-seater mode still gives 1,287 litres of carrying capacity.

Keep all three rows in use and it will still swallow 322 litres of luggage.

Storage bins can be found all around the cabin, including in the floor just behind the front seats, a useful cubby above the instrument panel and roof-mounted storage shelves and boxes.

Zetec and Titanium versions also feature rear windows which retract electrically, an optional feature on the Style trim, while all-round visibility is excellent, in part due to split rear view mirrors.