Both front-wheel drive machines have Ford's 'One Ford' design language, which features a bold front grille. While functionality clearly leads design form in this niche MPV market, both cars are quite handsome - especially when viewed head-on.
Other subtle styling tweaks have been made outside and in, but the most impressive improvements are to the options list and under the skin. Revised springs and dampers feature, making the ride better than before - and before was quite good!
First up, we took a Grand C-Max fitted with a 2.0-litre, 150hp TDCi (turbo diesel) out on the roads of Mallorca. The car moved effortlessly, with plenty of pulling power delivered via the standard six-speed gearbox. All the test cars were high-spec and featured lots of toys.
One such delight was the hands-free automatic tailgate (first seen on Kuga) that opened and closed with the double press of the key fob or kick of your foot under the rear bumper. Active City Stop (emergency auto braking), adaptive cruise control, land assist, cross traffic alert, active park assist and blind spot indicating are some of the impressive list of electronic aids also available.
Inside, the centre three seats slide forward and back. The tiny centre seat can fold to the floor to allow walk-through access to the rear two seats. Access to the back row has also been improved. When all seats are in place there is virtually no boot space, but when configured as a five-seater the Grand C-Max is very versatile. Grand C-Max's sliding rear doors are brilliant for ease of access and great in car parks, as they help the kids to avoid accidentally pranging other doors.
The big 2.0-litre will not be the engine most buyers in Ireland go for. Instead, the new and more affordable 1.5-litre TDCi will be popular. It replaces the 1.6-litre and is greener and a bit more powerful.
Next up we got into the C-Max, with its conventional five doors. Both cars are identical up front and feature the standard Ford dashboard DNA. The interior is nice and well laid out. Our C-Max featured the 1.5-litre, 150hp EcoBoost petrol engine. It is a lively unit that really doesn't fit the car's profile and, not surprisingly, this version is not coming to Ireland (we could only test drive what is made available to us).
C-Max is a harder sell, as it offers only marginally more room than a Focus. With just five seats, it is best suited to those who like the slightly higher driving position it offers over Ireland's favourite car, and the general ease of access afforded - useful for carrying sports gear or the odd Yucca plant! When configured as a four-seater it makes greater sense, as the outer two middle seats slide inwards - like an Opel Meriva - when the centre seat is folded.
The C-Max/Grand C-Max engine range consists of petrol and diesel power. Low mileage users should consider the 1.0-litre EcoBoost in either 100hp or 125hp form. Diesel users get more choice with the 1.5-litre's 95hp and 120hp versions and the 2.0-litre. Stop/Start is standard across the range.
Prices start at €25,775 for C-Max, while Grand C-Max starts at €28,355. C-Max will account for roughly 65% of sales. Zetec and Titanium are the two trim options available.
C-Max and Grand C-Max are niche players in Ford's range. Both arrive in Ireland this June. The C-Max failed to inspire us, but the greater practicality of the Grand C-Max did.
Michael Sheridan
