MOTORING NEWS - It might be a tiny part of the market, making up less than 1% of overall sales, but Ford is here with another all-new offering and ready to play in the compact MPV segment with their B-Max.
Based on Ford's global B-car platform that is shared with the highly successful Fiesta, the B-Max combines some extra space and versatility. Ford was at pains to stress that the B-Max is a Multi Activity Vehicle (MAV) and not a traditional Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV).
The B-Max presents a smart and stylish exterior married to a unique design, superb claimed fuel economy and unrivalled small car technology, which makes it one of the most advanced cars in its class.
This is not just a Fiesta with sliding doors, the Ford Easy Access Door System was developed following an innovation project in which engineers went 'undercover' to observe drivers in their daily routine when going shopping or picking up their children from school. So they got to to understand exactly what customers wanted in a compact car.
The solution they came up with combines conventional, hinged front doors and rear sliding doors in a new body design. This integrates the traditional central pillar structure into the front and rear doors, rather than forming part of the body shell itself, resulting in a large, clear opening of more than 1,5m wide. This concept makes it significantly easier to enter or exit the rear seats, attend to children in child seats, or load and unload shopping.
There is also an added bonus that the B- Max's twin sliding rear doors make access easier in crowded streets or narrow parking bays. The front and rear doors can be opened completely independently, so the front or rear cabin can be accessed as required.
A flexible and easy-to-use seating system features 60/40 split rear seats that can be folded flat with a simple mechanism. The front passenger seat can also be folded, creating an extensive flat load floor capable of swallowing loads of up to 2,34m long.
Powering this versatile little vehicle is the 2012, 2013 and 2014 International Engine of the Year - the 1,0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine that is available in two power output versions. The entry-level Ambiente produces 74kW while the mid-range Trend and range-topping Titanium derivatives offer 92kW.
We think for a car that is all about urban transport, Ford might be missing out by not offering us the smooth shifting traffic friendly PowerShift automatic transmission which is available overseas and in the Fiesta and EcoSport.
AMBIENTE
The 1,0 EcoBoost Ambiente, the most affordable model in the B-MAX range, is equipped with a high level of standard features for the segment. The innovative sliding rear doors are standard across the range, as are power windows front and rear with one-touch operation.
A full line-up of safety features are included across the board, comprising ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Hill Launch Assist (HLA).
In the event of a collision, the new B-Max is equipped with dual front, side, curtain and driver knee airbags.The six-speaker in-car entertainment system boasts SYNC with Bluetooth and voice control, as well as steering wheel controls for added convenience. USB and Aux inputs are provided for connecting multimedia devices.
TREND
The 1,0 EcoBoost Trend additionally has a Thatcham anti-theft alarm and Ford's innovative MyKey functionality. A secondary 12-volt power socket is provided at the rear.
The driver benefits from a full trip computer that displays distance to empty, average fuel consumption, average speed, outside temperature and Eco-Mode. A higher specification eight-speaker audio system is provided and linked to a 4,2" TFT colour screen and Ford SYNC, plus cruise control.
Externally, the model has 15" alloy wheels, plus front fog lamps and full colour coding. Parking sensors are included at the rear for parking convenience.
The 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium is the range-topping model in the new B-Max range. It boasts a truly premium level of standard features.
Intelligent keyless access is provided along with a Power Start button, full leather trim for the seats with heating for the driver and front passenger. Additionally, the driver's seat has adjustable lumbar support and built-in armrests are included at front and rear.
Automatic climate control is included, along with a multi-function steering wheel, auto-dimming rear view mirror, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlamp activation and rain-sensing windscreen wipers, rear privacy glass and front parking sensors and a full-length panoramic roof.
DETAILS
1,0 EcoBoost Ambiente - R221 900; 1,0 EcoBoost Trend - R246 900; 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium - R271 900. The B-MAX is sold with a four year or 120 000km comprehensive warranty, four year or 60 000km service plan, three year, unlimited km roadside assistance and a five year, unlimited km corrosion warranty.
All models have a full line-up of safety features included across the board for safety.
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