Ford C-Max review (20/06/2012)
Now, when choosing between cars such as this one and, say, a hatchback or an estate, it will come down mainly to a lifestyle choice. Some will like the added roominess on offer here over its more staid rivals and others will like the very clever rear seating arrangement which allows the traditional five seat option be turned into a more luxurious four-seat arrangement.
But those matters, as I say, are lifestyle issues and one which will be mulled over by each potential punter. Of the wide and varied choice in this segment, the C-Max is far from simply being a practical and safe choice, it is also a great car to live with and drive.
We tested the Titanium version, which is the top specification on offer in the C-Max range, and with a little bit of extra optional kit fitted — at not ridiculous sums of money, I have to say — and the package is fairly rigorous what with cruise control, Bluetooth, alloy wheels, premium stereo, keyless start, central locking, automatic wipers and lights and climate control all being part of the package.
The C-Max was powered by Ford’s excellent 1.6TDCi engine, which outputs some 70 kW (95 PS) will achieve a top speed of 170 kph, accelerate from 0-100 kph in 13.3 seconds and also achieve some 4.6 l/100 km (61.4 mpg) over the combined fuel economy cycle. It also fits comfortably into Tax Ban A, which is helpful.
The engine is mated to an excellent six speed manual gearbox and I was surprised how strong this diminutive unit is across the rev range. Certainly a little thought has to be put into passing manoeuvres and when exiting junctions, but once your mind is in tune with what the engine is capable of, life becomes much easier.
On the road, however, the C-Max is one of the best cars around from a drivers’ point of view. Ford has put a lot of work into an already well-sorted package, and with stuff like stiffer suspension mountings, wider front and rear track and reworked dampers, the car is a brilliant companion.
The ride is excellent, grip levels fantastic and the steering is light yet precise. Ford has made this a truly engaging drive and it matters not whether you are stuck in an urban environment or out on the open road, the C-Max delivers all — and more — than you could expect from a small-ish family car.
As I said at the outset, people don’t always expect this to be the case, but in this instance the fun aspect of the driving experience has to be tried to be believed.
In terms of practicality this model is a five-door, five-seater, but if you need more space the seven-seat Grand version is an option. Otherwise, though, this car probably boxes above its weight, largely thanks to the aforementioned rear seat operation which is wickedly clever and which gives the car a unique personality.
On top of that there were a few optional extras on the car which were quite useful. The first was the Active Park Assist (extra at 796) which utilises ultrasonic sensors to confirm whether a gap is large enough to park in, and then operate the steering while you control the pedals.
Then there was a ‘Convenience Pack’ (extra at 510) which includes a very useful power-operated tailgate as well as integrated rear door sunblinds.
Then there was the BLIS (extra at 870), which is the Blind Spot Information System, and which alerts you with a discreet warning light built into the driver’s and passenger’s door mirrors as another vehicle — a car, van or lorry — enters your blind spot.
From the driver’s point of view the C-Max is generally very well laid out, although there are a few fiddly controls, and there is plenty of adjustment in the seat. The relatively high seating position will find favour with many drivers too.
The bottom line then is that if you like driving, and yet still need a practical family car, the C-Max will not disappoint you. Sure there are cheaper options out there, and some of the opposition might be described as being a touch more versatile, but the C-Max has enough about it to make you think it worthwhile.
