Ford C-Max 2.0 TDCi

The C-MAX has landed. Ford's eagerly awaited compact MPV is here - just as some rival marques are rolling out their second-generation vehicles. It may be late, but there's one more pressing concern - has the blue oval shot itself in the foot by fitting only five seats?

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Oliver Marriage

June 2003

The C-MAX has landed. Ford's eagerly awaited compact MPV is here - just as some rival marques are rolling out their second-generation vehicles. It may be late, but there's one more pressing concern - has the blue oval shot itself in the foot by fitting only five seats?

On the launch there were breezy denials from Ford employees about the need for the car to accommodate more people. As Colin Reynell, the chief programme engineer, said: "Our research shows that seven seats are not a high purchase motivator - in fact, 50 per cent of European buyers in this sector don't have any children at all, and only eight per cent have more than two." Rivals back this up - only the Vauxhall Zafira and VW Touran come with seven seats, while the vast majority offer five, including the latest Renault Scenic and big-selling Citroen Picasso.

So how does the Ford fare? Well, considering it's based on the platform of the next-generation Focus - which is 25mm longer and 40mm wider than previously - its underpinnings are the best in the business. The stylists have done well, too - the dipping roofline means there's no boxy tail section and the C-MAX is decidedly better-looking than most of its class rivals.

It's also very well built. The engineers admit to having spent 18 months perfecting the way the doors open and close - they feel superbly chunky and robust. It's a very similar story inside, with quality materials and pleasing design. The driver layout is superb, especially the high-mounted, slick-shifting gearlever, while the seats (mounted 80mm higher than in the Focus) are both comfortable and supportive, and the driving position more snug than in many MPVs. One small criticism is that the dash-top cubby is too far away.

However, the crucial area is further back. And it must be said that the rear seats work very well. As in the Scenic, all three tumble forward individually and can be removed. But the real party trick is that the centre seat can be tilted back into the boot. This allows the outer chairs to have a Vauxhall-style sliding feature. They move diagonally - inwards by 60mm and backwards by 100mm.

This feature isn't fitted on entry-level models, and it has to be said that there's plenty of space for three before you switch to the cavernous two-seat mode anyway. What's more, there's the usual raft of child-friendly features (tray tables, underfloor bins), and the 550-litre boot is genuinely spacious.

Three engines are available at launch - a 1.8-litre petrol (not the Mondeo's new SCi unit) and two new TDCi diesels, developed in conjunction with Peugeot/Citroen. The 1.6 produces 108bhp and 240Nm of torque, while the 2.0 is a flier, with 134bhp and 320Nm. This unit is truly impressive - smooth, punchy and capable of over 50mpg.

Unsurprisingly, considering how top-heavy and comfort-oriented the C-MAX is, the driving dynamics aren't as sharp as those of the Focus hatch, but the newcomer still runs rings around rivals in this area. The ride is soft yet well controlled, and the steering accurate and well weighted. Bring on the opposition.

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