Ford B-MAX (12 on) - Review

The Ford B-Max follows in the footsteps of Ford's popular C-Max and S-Max MPVs. Those have become firm favourites for families because they offer decent handling as well as practical and spacious interiors. This new model is the smallest of the three but as the latest in the line-up it features a raft of breakthroughs by Ford.

Revolutionary rear doors

Most notable are the clever rear sliding doors that do away with the traditional mid pillars. This unique design means there's a huge 1.5-metre long opening on each side, making it easy to load big items and helping passengers to get in and out.

New technologies

The B-Max includes technologies such as Ford's Active City Stop that helps prevent collisions in slow-moving traffic by automatically braking if the system thinks you are about to hit the car in front. Buyers will also be able to specify Ford's SYNC system that allows you to control your music and phone with voice commands. This technology can also read out text messages.

Engine choices

The engine line-up starts with Ford's new 98bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that emits 119g/km of CO2. Then there’s the EcoBoost but that comes with stop/start and CO2 emissions of 114/g/km and an official average fuel consumption of 57.5mpg. There’s also a 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol along with 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre diesel engines – the latter offering a claimed average of 70.6mpg.

Max appeal?

The low running costs and excellent practicality on offer should help the B-Max appeal to a wide spectrum of society but it may take a little time for people to get their heads around the absence of mid-pillars. If Ford has got it right and the sliding doors catch on it is sure to be as popular as the S-Max and C-Max. In some respects it’s the perfect compromise: its compact dimensions might well appeal to the city dwellers that want something that's easy to park in tight spots and its clever use of space could prove irresistible to young families where spaciousness is a top priority. Is this latest on offering the real deal or just another MPV to add to a flooded market? Read our full Ford B-Max review to find out.