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

Other Ford reviews

3.5 out of 5

Safety

A four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating is good, though starting to look a little behind the times when similar cars are being awarded the full five stars. ABS and dual front airbags are standard and all models (except base cars) get side bags. On the security front, the C-MAX has marked parts and etched windows while some models get an alarm.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
4.5 out of 5

Reliability

Reports to parkers.co.uk about reliability and build quality are mostly positive. The previous generation Focus hatchback won a German reliability survey and the hatchback, estate and saloon versions of both the first and second generation Focus models have proved very durable.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported yet.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported yet.

Other

A recall in 2004 for a failing electronic handbrake and another in 2005 for an overheating wiper arm.

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