Ford Focus C-MAX (03-10) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 24 July 2008
Ford was a little late in launching a compact people carrier but the Focus C-MAX (rebadged as just the C-MAX in 2007) made a big impact in the market. Neatly styled, well built and comfortable, it's based on the excellent Focus and shares its keen driving prowess. However, the big drawback is that it's not available with seven-seats - a feature that many compact people carriers offer. It's not particularly flexible either and lacks features such as fold-flat chairs. That doesn't prevent it from being useful family transport though and the diesel engines are particularly good.
3.5 out of 5

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3.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£12,995 - £24,501

Used price range:

£1,537 - £16,017

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Superb interior build quality, solid feel, neat styling

No seven seat option, not as practical or flexible as some people carriers

Ford was a little late in launching a compact people carrier but the Focus C-MAX (rebadged as just the C-MAX in 2007) made a big impact in the market. Neatly styled, well built and comfortable, it's based on the excellent Focus and shares its keen driving prowess. However, the big drawback is that it's not available with seven-seats - a feature that many compact people carriers offer. It's not particularly flexible either and lacks features such as fold-flat chairs. That doesn't prevent it from being useful family transport though and the diesel engines are particularly good.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "There's a strong choice of both petrol and diesel engines in the C-MAX. The entry-level 1.6-litre..."

  • Handling

    4 out of 5

    "The C-MAX was the first people carrier that was genuinely good to drive. It comes as no surprise as..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    4 out of 5

    "The cabin not only looks good, but it's well insulated from wind, road and engine noise. Thanks to..."

  • Practicality

    3 out of 5

    "The biggest gripe is the lack of a seven-seat option - a feature which the majority of alternatives..."

  • Equipment

    3.5 out of 5

    "Five trim levels are available up to mid 2007 - Studio, LX, Style, Zetec and Ghia. All models get..."

  • Behind the wheel

    4.5 out of 5

    "The steering wheel adjusts for height and reach and the driver's seat is adjustable, which makes for..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    4 out of 5

    "Diesels provide eye-catching mpg figures, but all models offer good economy. Ford's warranty is for..."

  • Green credentials

    4 out of 5

    "The Focus C-MAX performs very well on the eco front. With an average of 156g/km CO2 across the model..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3.5 out of 5

    "A four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating is good, though starting to look a little behind the times..."

  • Reliability

    4.5 out of 5

    "Reports to parkers.co.uk about reliability and build quality are mostly positive. The previous..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3 out of 5

    "A Ford dealer isn't the only place to pick up a new or nearly new Focus C-MAX. Car supermarkets..."

  • Buying used

    4.5 out of 5

    "There was a mid-life facelift in the summer of 2007 that included a new front-end and re-designed..."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "C-MAX models that sell easily have good specification and are usually diesel. That means buyers are..."

Gallery

  • Interior Ford Focus C-MAX (03-10)
  • Exterior Ford Focus C-MAX (03-10)
  • Exterior Ford Focus C-MAX (03-10)
  • Exterior Ford Focus C-MAX (03-10)

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Owners' reviews