| First Drive | Nice, France | Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max |
Today's C-Max is the unloved Ford people carrier. Well, it is compared to its prodigious bigger brothers,
S-Max and
Galaxy. That doesn't stop it from selling, mind: 130,000 examples since 2002. Nonetheless, to paraphrase someone apt, plain is bunk; tomorrow's C-Maxes have taken a lesson from the S-Max school of lardy boy rakishness. Ford calls it 'kinetic'.
In the Metal
Creating a conventionally sexy MPV is nigh on impossible. It's really a case of making the best of the inherent limitations of necessary functionality. Damn it, though, Ford has come close here. Both versions are conformities of slashes and creases, and are more rakish than the average people carrier - the five-seat C-Max more so than the seven-seat Grand C-Max.
The shared dashboard design follows the exterior with a medley of angles and textures. Stylish and full of soft-touch tactility, it's fussy compared to the austere classiness of a VW's interior, but more interesting and high on quality.
The elevated driving position is comfy, despite placing the pedals a little too close to the driver for our liking. There's plenty of headroom for rear passengers, the seats fold neatly and the boot is big (when it's not full of folded seats in the Grand model, that is). The seats could be easier to fold though.
What you get for your Money
Pricing for the C-Max starts at £16,745 for a 1.6-litre 104bhp petrol engine in Zetec spec - the lower of two trim levels offered. You'll pay £1,000 per extra chair for the seven-seat Grand C-Max, which starts at £18,745.
The highest starting point is £23,245 for a seven-seat Grand C-Max in Titanium trim with a 2.0-litre TDCi 140 engine and the twin-clutch Powershift gearbox. All cars get alloy wheels, air conditioning, Bluetooth and a USB connection.
Driving it
Ford has done it again. The company really does make sorting a chassis look remarkably easy. Like the
Fiesta,
Mondeo, S-Max and pretty much everything bar the Fusion, the C-Max blends ride and handling like Heineken blends hops and water. It's the most sorted C-segment multi activity vehicle in the world. Probably.
We're referring to both cars in the singular here because from behind the wheel there's very little discernible difference between the two. Despite having a new electric steering rack, the familiar Ford weight and feel through the rim remains, as does the ability to banish the worst potholes into fluffy vagueness. The C-Max is level around corners without being over firm, and supple without feeling spongy. That's added to a lovely light gearshift with the stick positioned high and close.
Flaws? Well, both the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine (138bhp) and the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol unit (148bhp) are a little noisy when pressed.
Worth Noting
Ford has taken some criticism of late because its cars tend to cost more like-for-like than competitor models, overtaking even Volkswagen. And while the C-Max doesn't abate that trend, Ford claims the car could save owners up to £800 per year in running costs compared with the outgoing model. Responsible for that are improved estimated residuals, better fuel economy and lower insurance costs.
Oh, and Ford design chief Martin Smith happened to let slip in conversation that the company is planning a smaller MPV too. Think taller Fiesta.
Summary
Predictably, the C-Max is yet another laudable new Ford. The Grand C-Max isn't the last word in style, and neither car has the feeling of outright space that some family buyers might want, but it's difficult to argue with the design, the driving experience, refinement and the cabin quality. Those that want to actually drive their MPV will be satisfied.
