Ford has launched its best ever C-Max. The mid-size MPV now has two body styles, lots of gadgets and seating for up to seven people.
Until now C-Max was available as a five-seater only and had limited appeal. You had to ask why would anyone buy it over a cheaper Focus? But now, with a seven-seat 'Grand C-Max' available, Ford has made the C-Max a very good proposition.
Ford's larger, Mondeo-based, seven-seat S-Max and Galaxy are great but relatively expensive, starting at €30,000 plus. While we don't have C-Max prices yet, I am assured by Ford that the new C-Max will be competitive.
The 2004 'Focus C-Max' looked functional and offered a nice high driving position, a good boot and, of course, Focus handling. The new car has evolved and looks smart and functional. The seven-seater copies Mazda5's lead with brilliant sliding side doors plus a clever seating set-up. There are hints of Kuga SUV at the rear, while side-on the sliding door rail says C-Max is a very sensible car.
Inside is spacious and bright. The windscreen is big and low, so even with the driver's seat at its lowest setting I have an excellent and commanding view of the road ahead. The instruments and centre console have evolved and have a quality feel. My only niggle is the trip computer display is very small and while I got to grips with the switchgear and multifunction steering wheel controls, they can be confusing at first for anyone new to higher end Fords.
The five-seater's cabin features a massive boot (and space saver spare wheel). The seven-seater features two additional folding seats at the back that an adult can fit into with room for their feet under the middle seats! Both versions' seats fold flat to the floor with little effort. The middle three-seat row (40/20/40 split) can be configured into two seats (like a Mazda5 with the centre seat folding into the next seat's seat-base) converting the C-Max into a spacious six-seater or four-seater. It also makes access to the rear even easier for kids.
For me, the availability of a 'Grand' version is big news, but as significant is the fact that C-Max rides on the next generation Ford Focus platform. Ford says by 2012 over 2m vehicles will be using this new 'C' platform, so when I picked up the keys for my first test drive I had high expectations.
On a demanding test route in the Maritime Alps I took the 2-litre diesel, seven-seat version out first. To make room for the additional seats the wheelbase was stretched (+130mm), so I wasn't expecting too much in terms of dynamic handling. Instantly I found the ride quality to be superb. I was also impressed by the low levels of NVH (noise/vibration/harshness). C-Max has a superior quality feel that you'd only find in cars twice the price. My test car had an auto gearbox and plenty of torque - an ideal combination.
The five-seater was powered by a lively 1.6 Eco Boost petrol unit and had the standard six-speed manual gearbox. It was great fun on the twisty mountain passes and nimble as anything. The gear shifts and steering were precise and while the chassis could have been a little stiffer on this occasion, I had to remind myself that not all C-Max customers will be driving as 'enthusiastically' as I was encouraged to on this route.
C-Max is perfect for everyday driving; the car is planted and inspires confidence. Ford Ireland is taking just two TDCi engine versions from launch (1.6 and 2.0) with perhaps 'Eco-Boost' petrol versions coming later.
C-Max goes on sale at the end of October. Ford Ireland expects to shift 1,000 of them in 2011.
C-Max is very impressive, and the best handling mid-size MPV I've driven.
Michael Sheridan
