The three-cylinder turbocharged engine debuted on the Focus earlier this year, followed by the new B-Max compact MPV. In addition to the C-MAX, it will be used in the facelifted Fiesta and all-new Mondeo launching next year, with the latter gaining a more powerful version with around 140bhp. Some 25% of UK Focus sales feature this engine, totalling 7,500 cars.

In the C-MAX, the 1.0 EcoBoost will be offered with 98bhp or 123bhp. Both power outputs return the same economy and CO2 emissions, at 55.4mpg and 117g/km in the C-MAX and 54.3mpg and 119g/km in the Grand C-MAX. Not only does this make the 1.0 EcoBoost 29% and 32% more efficient than the old 1.6-litre engine, but it achieves lower CO2 emissions than the less powerful 1.6 TDCi too.

The 1.0 EcoBoost is priced at around £500 more than the equivalent 1.6, but introduces a lower-powered entry point into the Titanium trim level for £300 under the outgoing 123bhp 1.6 petrol unit.

Also new to the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX ranges is a Titanium X trim level, which includes a panoramic roof, xenon headlamps, headed front seats with an electronically controlled driver’s seat, 17-inch alloy wheels and the comfort rear seat system in the smaller car which allows extra legroom.