Ford B-Max has maximum versatility

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 over the Fiesta without the rugged look of the EcoSport that should suit many a young mommy out there. Ford was at pains to stress that the B Max is Multi Activity Vehicle (MAV) and not a traditional Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) because when people hear MPV they thing big boring cars that are only good for carting kids around, but to be blunt, I can only see a young family people opting for this over a Fiesta or EcoSport.

Now this is not a bad thing, 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 – going shopping or picking up their children from school – 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 bodyshell itself, and creates a huge, clear opening of more than 1.5m wide.

The new Ford B-Max has maximum versatility. Picture: Supplied

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 the added bonus that the B Max’s twin sliding rear doors also 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 which can be folded flat with a simple ‘one-hand, one-motion’ mechanism. The front passenger seat can also be folded, creating an extensive flat load floor capable of swallowing loads up to 2.34m long.

The generous access makes it particularly convenient to load bulky items such as flat-pack furniture or even a bicycle through the side doors. An adjustable load floor in the boot creates a flat load space when the rear seats are lowered, with extra room underneath for valuable items.

With flexible and easy to use interior, the B Max offers drivers the benefits of a higher “command” seating position, and provides significantly improved rear seat legroom and headroom for all occupants over the Fiesta. Powering this versatile little vehicle is the 2012, 2013 and 2014 “International Engine of the Year” 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.

The new Ford B-Max has maximum versatility. Picture: Supplied

Ironically both versions feature a peak torque of 170Nm and five-speed manual gearboxes only at this stage. Which for me was a bit of a letdown, especially since this car is all about urban transport.

I do think Ford is missing a trick here by not offering us their smooth shifting traffic friendly PowerShift automatic transmission like is available overseas and in the Fiesta and EcoSport. My wife quite liked the car and it made a lot of sense to her but she won’t give up her PowerShift Fiesta for a manual B Max or anything else manual for that matter.

1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente

The most affordable model in the B-MAX range is equipped with an appreciably high level of standard features for this segment. The innovative sliding rear doors are common across the range, as are power windows front and rear with one-touch operation.

Ford’s Electric Power Assisted Steering is provided, along with both rake and reach adjustment for the steering wheel. Manual air-conditioning includes a pollen filter, and an engine immobiliser is fitted.

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).

The new Ford B-Max has maximum versatility. Picture: Supplied

The sophisticated Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) provides added peace of mind.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.

1.0 EcoBoost Trend

In addition to the standard features on the Ambientethe Trend steps up the ante with 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 linked to a 4.2-inch TFT colour screen and Ford SYNC, plus cruise control.

The new Ford B-Max has maximum versatility. Picture: Supplied

Externally the Trend is distinguished by the addition of 15-inch alloy wheels in place of the steel rims with covers on the Ambiente, plus front fog lamps and full colour coding. Parking sensors are included at the rear for parking convenience.

1.0 EcoBoost Titanium

As the range-topping model in the new B Max range, the Titanium 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 front and rear.

Automatic climate control ups the ante further, along with a multifunction steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview 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.

And being a family car from the beginning the B Max was engineered to deliver outstanding protection in accident situations through the use of high-strength-steels in the bodyshell and doors along with seven state-of-the-art airbags: driver and front-seat passenger airbags, 3D Thorax side airbags, curtain airbags that run the entire length of the cabin and a driver’s knee airbag.

The Ford B-Max. Picture: Supplied

The B Max also enables deactivation of the front passenger airbag, for those carrying a rear-facing child seat, through a standard switch mounted at the end of the instrument panel.

Ford developed and implemented a unique test procedure to prove out the new B Max’s body concept. The five-year testing programme included 5000 virtual collisions and 40 real-world crashes as well as the construction of a bespoke rig system used to test the reinforced latches.

Model Pricing

1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente R221 900
1.0 EcoBoost Trend R246 900
1.0 EcoBoost Titanium R271 900
Warranty and Service Plan

The B-MAX is sold with a four-year / 120 000km Comprehensive Warranty, four-year / 60 000km Service Plan, three-year / unlimited km Roadside Assistance and five-year / unlimited km Corrosion Warranty.