Ford Focus C-MAX
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. Ford's first mini-MPV is based on the Focus. Compact, roomy and well-built, it's also a decent driver's car with good levels of equipment.
Review
Ford's first entry into the hard-fought mid-sized people carrier is a good effort, but buyers looking for serious space or more than five seats will have to look elsewhere.
Exterior styling is pleasing, in an unexceptional kind of way, and the sensibleness continues inside. The cabin is spacious and finished in appropriately tough materials considering the core market of destructive children, but there's not much in the way of quality feel to the grainy plastics. Star design feature is the dashboard mounted gearchange, but the C-Max can't match rivals like the Renault Scenic for family-friendly stowage compartments. Space is good front and rear for four, although even three smallish kids will find the back seat a bit of a squeeze.
Fortunately, it's when you start to drive the C-Max that it really makes sense. Like the Seat Altea and (to a lesser extent) the Honda FR-V the Ford has clearly been tuned to appeal to keen drivers - with accurate steering, decent grip and impressive composure over rougher road surfaces. Motorway cruising is marred slightly by some wind noise from the tops of the front doors, but otherwise it's a clean bill of dynamic health.
However, the most basic 1.6 litre petrol engine feels desperately underpowered, struggling even when the car is unladen. The more powerful, 113 bhp 1.6 is better - although the gruntier 1.8 is probably the pick of the petrols. Factor in costs and both diesel engines make a compelling case for themselves, especially the brawny, refined 2.0 litre TDCi unit.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Inoffensive and unexceptional - not the sort of car you cast a fond backward glance at.
Handling
4 star
Ford's usual dynamic mastery ensures the C-Max is probably the pick of its segment when it comes to driving.
Comfort
4 star
Composed and decently refined, although high-speed wind noise knocks motorway performance.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
There's no doubting the C-Max is tough - but its dark, gloomy cabin doesn't give off any feel-good vibes.
Performance
3 star
Petrol engines are a pretty average bunch - smart money will go into the torquey diesel motors.
Roominess
4 star
There's more than enough room for five - it's just that rivals like the Vauxhall Zafira seat seven. Lacks cubby holes and oddments stowage compared to some competitors, too.
Running Costs
4 star
Focus underpinnings and Ford servicing costs help the C-Max make a strong financial case for itself.
Value for money
3 star
Offers decent value throughout the range, but basic versions really lack equipment.
