Ford C-MAX vs Rivals

The new Ford C-MAX has all the hallmarks of a winner, but it just comes up short in its first Auto Express road test. It has met its match in the familiar shape of the brilliant Renault Scenic. 

The Ford has a classier cabin, and it’s more engaging to drive. However, its engine is comprehensively outgunned in this company, and the Scenic offers greater versatility. Even the Renault’s weaknesses – namely its naff instruments and less impressive interior quality – are hardly deal breakers. In fact, the centrally located dials give the Scenic a more inclusive, family friendly atmosphere.

 

On the right road, the Ford is more engaging, but this doesn’t offset the lethargic performance of its normally aspirated engine. The new EcoBoost unit promises to deliver much stronger pace, but only comes in Titanium trim and costs £19,745.

For its part, the Vauxhall Meriva comes a close third. It feels like a quality product, and its FlexDoors provide undoubted appeal. But it’s just not big or practical enough to win a compact MPV test.

If you’re buying a compact MPV for space and versatility, this is the car for you. Its interior doesn’t have the high-quality feel of its rivals, but Renault’s years of MPV experience ensure the Scenic is full of useful touches. Plus, it drives well and its TCe engine is a gem.

Smart, stylish and great to drive – there’s really not much to dislike about the new Ford. If its normally aspirated engine provided more fizz, the result could have been different. We can’t wait to try the turbo version, but it bodes well for the all-new Focus.

It’s a fine small MPV, but carrying five people is a real squeeze in the Meriva and its interior simply isn’t as versatile as the Ford or Renault. You don’t get as much kit, either. If it had the space to rival the class leaders, it would be a contender.