I suspect you are looking for excuses to not admit that you don't want to drive something with a Ford badge on the nose - in which case scrub it off the list and move on. You're the one who will end up paying far more for a car that won't suit your needs as much.

Little worried by how few auto Grand C-Max's there seem to be about..

Could be the memories people have of their expired CVT boxes mated to the 1.6 Diesel engine (if my memory serves) as fitted in the previous C Max, cherished memories of their boxes failing dismally and of having no help whatsoever from the maker once warranty expired, no parts made available and new boxes cheap as chips at about £4k IIRC.

pages of reading here if you search, lots of us here make mental notes of which makers stand by their products, easily recalled as not too many names, and we also make notes of which makers don't...easier to remember those who do..:-)

You could do worse than Freelander 2, decent value now that the same car sports a designer frock and is the fashion item, Ewok.

oes anyone think the 5 series might be one to consider also, or will that be limited in terms of rear passenger room?

The 5 series is a fine albeit big car. You've already stated in your OP that the Skoda Superb is too big.

The luxury car segment usually performs poorly compared to the 'standard' sector when it comes to maximising cabin space for a given floorpan size. Luxury/performance cars give priority to refinement and handling dynamics which tend to intrude into passenger compartment space.

The other problem is that the rear bench of luxury cars tend to take the form of two sculpted seats with basically an arm rest in between. As the eldest of three children, take it from me, a flat bench is far superior when three rear passengers are expected to occupy the rear seat.

Have I missed the other well regarded Japanese alternatives? Would not a Rav 4 be better than a Forester? Or an Avensis than a Mondeo (reliability and longevity primarily)?

I have noticed that Beemer's now do a 3 series hatchback thingy, with a slightly higher ride.

3 kids, two dogs, kids clobber - you need a big car. If you're not up for a big 4x4 then its Superb or Mondeo estate or S-Max. I wish the S-Max had been around when I needed it and not the dullard but slightly competent Toyota Previa!

I hesitate to suggest a Berlingo or Partner but for under £14k new either would fill a fair number of your requirements. Good diesel engine (90 or 115) capable of 50 MPG would obviate need to consider LPG. Traction control and/or snow tyres would probably cover the snow/ice issues.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 30/09/2013 at 22:00

I was going to suggest these Bromptonaut, but I realised the OP would not go for these on a badge based criteria. I hope I am wrong.

Sure you're right but does no harm to turn the spotlight onto the obvious solution.