Ford C-Max 1.6 TDCI Car Review

This is Ford’s second-generation C-Max, one among 10 models Ford can spin off its new world C-platform – there’s an even bigger Grand  Ford C-Max, 3 Focus models, and hybrid and electrical versions furthermore, and by 2012 it’s going to underpin 2m units annually.

It’s the new Grand C-Max which will take to call to North America too, and cater for the hr of UK customers that Ford claims currently wish the choice of six or seven seats, however it’s the smaller C-Max we’ve tried. browse on for CAR’s initial drive review of the new Ford C-Max 1.6 TDCI.

So is that the new Ford C-Max any sensible to drive?

Of course. With every successive generation of Focus, Ford appears to be moving additional off from fun and towards refinement, however this very could be a automotive you’ll get pleasure from driving. Never has the automotive workplace fought therefore exhausting for the keys of an MPV, and never has every member handed the fob back consecutive day in the course of words like ‘excellent’ and ‘great’.

The new, all-electric steering saves fuel and isn’t nearly as good as before, however once you’ve adjusted to the over-light initial quarter of lock you’ll realize a pointy and incisive system, freed from any fuzzy interferences. Drivers returning from alternative MPVs very can have to be compelled to recalibrate.

It flows therefore well too. whether or not it’s quick A-road, bumpy B-road, or simply flinging it through a roundabout, the C-Max forever works in sync. It’s supple and comfy to soak up surface imperfections, however controlled therefore you’re not bouncing or floating up and down. It’s additionally a quiet and refined and simple cruiser.

The one issue this C-Max isn’t is fast. It’s got simply 81bhp/tonne, and it’ll be even slower once it’s loaded up together with your youngsters and every one their clobber. you’ll choose Ford’s trick new Ecoboost engines (petrol units combining direct injection and turbocharging) however the diesel engines can forever provide several a lot of miles per gallon: we’d suggest the two.0 TDCi for an £1000 if you’ll stretch to it.

Ford’s Torque Vectoring management system is additionally normal across the C-Max vary, and uses the car’s braking system to imitate the impact of a correct torque vectoring diff. Charge through a decent corner and also the front within wheel is braked, sending a lot of engine torque to the skin wheel. whether or not your average driver can ever feel the advantages or whether or not it’s necessary on a slow diesel MPV is questionable, however it’ll be nice on the main target ST.

What regarding within the new Ford C-Max?

Let’s split this half in 2, and begin up front where mum and pop can sit. The driving position is pretty good, high enough to supply a good read out higher than traffic, however low enough that you just never feel perched atoo high. a giant windscreen suggests that uncountable lightweight and visibility, though the fat D-pillar creates a giant blind spot.

Like the regular Focus there’s huge vary of plastics, the most effective of that are top-notch squidgy affairs, whereas the worst are simply average. There’s a riot of shapes too, and once the simplicity of one thing sort of a Touran the C-Max initially intimidates. There are simply too several little buttons that don’t feel totally different enough, therefore you’re forced to seem right down to realize them, then hunt to the tiny computer screen atop the dash, and then re-focus on the road. Best to use the wheel mounted controls after you will, or leave your spouse to regulate the radio.

And if you’re not a driver?

The back 1/2 the C-Max is fairly typical. There are 2 versions of the Ford’s Scenic rival, the C-Max we’ve tested here, and also the Grand C-Max. The latter options a 140mm longer wheelbase, a 58mm higher roofline, sliding doors and 7 seats therefore it’s ideal if you’ve got a giant family.

The regular C-Max is simpler: there are typical doors and simply 5 seats, with the rear row split 40/20/40 and ready to fold flat. Ford’s Comfort system is an choice, permitting the centre seat to be folded away and also the outer seats to slip back and in for a lot of area. Clever, however not a lot of cleverer than a spotlight Estate. From past expertise Ford is aware of the C-Max sells to elderly couples who just like the raised seating position; the Grand C-Max is that the one for mothers and fathers whose youngsters have nonetheless to escape the nest.

Verdict

There’s is way to love here, however a spotlight Estate are simply as capable and a lot of fun to drive, and also the Grand Ford C-Max could be a a lot of versatile automotive for a giant family. get a C-Max and you’ll get a great-to-drive MPV, however its issues return from within: Ford makes such a large amount of alternative nice cars.