Compact MPVs are a dying breed, but Ford isnt giving up on the segment. Is the new B-Max good enough to lure you away from a crossover or small SUV?
Highlights
- Sliding rear doors improve rear cabin access
- Very luxurious specification
- Perky performance and fine dynamics
The unstoppable rise of the crossover is currently busy killing what is left of the once massive sedan market. But there is already one casualty in the morgue the compact MPV. Citroen has dropped its quirky (and very good) C3 Picasso. Opel no longer lists the Meriva its focus is now on the Mokka, another crossover. And the model that started the whole MPV craze in the 90s, the Megane Scenic, is no longer available either. Renault sells the Captur and Duster crossovers instead. Many of them, too.
So why is Ford launching the B-Max when clearly nobody cares about compact MPV’s anymore?
Its all about access and packaging
Based on the underpinnings of the Fiesta, the B-Max looks very compact from the outside. Appearances can be deceptive, however. The B-Max is actually slightly longer than the similarly priced EcoSport (Fords fast-selling crossover). The wheelbase, however, is shorter. One of the two main USPs of the B-Max becomes clear when you compare the interior dimensions with the EcoSport. The B-Maxs boot is smaller (304L vs 362L), but when you fold down the seats, you have lots more utility space (1 372L vs 705L). Interestingly, however, neither of these vehicles hold a candle to the amazing interior space on offer by the Honda Jazz (363L/1 881L). But yes the B-Max can accommodate lots of stuff, and very awkwardly shaped things, too. Also note that the front passenger seatback can fold completely flat, allowing the B-Max to accommodate lengthy items with ease, too.
The design of the rear doors provide the second B-Max USP. They slide backwards and out of the way, making it very easy to fit a child seat or to remove/move some of those previously mentioned awkwardly shaped/sized pieces of cargo. Youll also notice that there is no B-pillar, so the side aperture is vast when the front door is also open.
There are, however, one or two small niggles. The rear doors cant be locked in the open position, so beware when parked on a steep decline. And theyre not terribly easy to operate for kids, either.
Generous specification
We tested the flagship Titanium specification model, which means this B-Max comes equipped with lots of goodies. It has a fairly vast panoramic roof, for example, as well as leather upholstery, heated/power folding side mirrors, auto lights/wipers, climate control, privacy glass, cruise control and heated front seats, among many other items. Of course, Fords SYNC infotainment system is present, and offers Bluetooth and USB/Aux connectivity.
It also boasts a solid safety package, including seven airbags, ABS/EBD, electronic stability control and front and rear park distance sensors.
Sitting behind the steering wheel, you can be forgiven for thinking that youve stepped into a Fiesta. The switchgear is very familiar. A minor irritation is the dated control interface. When the Fiesta was launched much hype was created by the mobile-phone inspired button layout, but the world has moved on considerably since then, and the multitude of buttons/knobs shows the age of the design. As is the case in the Fiesta, the B-Max offers an excellent driving position, courtesy of its height-adjustable drivers seat and rake/reach adjustable steering wheel. Theres also an adjustable armrest for the driver.
The cabin proved spacious enough for a family with two kids, even though rear legroom is not overly generous and the interior can feel quite narrow when transporting adults.
Grunt and Grip
This B-Max is powered by Fords highly acclaimed three-cylinder, 1,0-litre turbopetrol that delivers 92kW and 170Nm in this instance. The torque band is very wide, stretching from 1 400 rpm to 4 500 rpm, promising great flexibility. The engine is mated with a slick five-speed manual transmission.
On the go those outputs deliver impressive urge. The B-Max responds eagerly to throttle inputs, so it feels faster than it actually is. It also sounds quite sporty the engine is quite vocal in this model, more than what it is in a Focus, as an example.
Of course, fuel economy is a major consideration when specifically opting for a vehicle such as the B-Max. Ford claims a combined cycle consumption figure of 4,9L/100km, which is very low indeed. But as is the case with all EcoBoost-equipped vehicles, achieving this consumption figure is very difficult indeed. We averaged just under 7L/100 km in the real world.
On the road the B-Max puts in a very good showing the Fiestas fine ride/handling has certainly been carried across. It doesnt pitch and roll like other comfort-oriented MPVs, so body control is excellent in this class. Now factor in the rorty and punchy engine, and you could even call the B-Max fun to drive. One small criticism is wind noise, which seemed excessive compared with similarly sized vehicles.
Conclusion and Summary
The B-Max 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium costs just about the same as a similarly powered and specced EcoSport. We suspect most families will continue to opt for the more fashionable crossover, but if you need to occasionally transport large or long objects, then the B-Max is certainly worth a look. There are undeniable advantages to the B-Maxs packaging and design, but in the final analysis were not convinced that those advantages are big enough for this vehicle to make a major impact on the local market. If you’re a practical-minded type of person who doesn’t care too much for fashion statements, then the B-Max should be on the shortlist.
Ford B-Max 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium Price in South Africa
The Ford B-Max 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium costs R271 900 and comes with a four-year/120 000 km warranty and four-year/60 000 km Service plan. Service intervals are a convenient 20 000 km apart.
Test Team Opinion
“The Ford B-Max offers a little something different. It has a potent 1.0-litre engine offering reasonable power and those sliding doors make access simple. Should you buy it when the EcoSport is around? I would stick with the little SUV instead.” – David Taylor
We Like: Cabin access, load space, ride/handling, performance, specification
We dont Like: Wind noise, cluttered control interface
Also consider: Ford EcoSport, Honda Jazz
Compare the Ford B-Max with the EcoSport and Honda Jazz here
Ford B-Max 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium – Quick Specs
Hannes Oosthuizen
With the ultimate goal of spending his life writing about cars, Hannes studied journalism at the University of Stellenbosch. A brief stint as a sports editor for Paarl Post followed, before he joined CAR magazine in 2001. He eventually became the (youngest-ever) editor of CAR in 2011, a position he occupied for two years. During his career at CAR he became a member of the WCOTY (World Car of the Year) panel, wrote a book (Cranked Up: Confessions of a Petrolhead) and was named by the Mail & Guardian as one of the Top 200 South Africans to take to lunch in its 2008 Youth Day supplement, and by The Media magazine as one of the most influential media professionals under 40 (2012). He left CAR in 2013 to experience the \other\" side of the industry
