Ford Grand C-MAX review
The seven-seat Ford Grand C-MAX brings extra practicality without sacrificing a decent drive
Like Renault with its Scenic and Grand Scenic line-up, the Ford C-MAX range is split into two distinct models – with the Grand C-MAX answering one of the biggest criticisms of the previous car by offering seven seats and sliding doors. It gets a similarly strong line-up of EcoBoost turbo petrols and turbodiesels, a quality cabin and driver-pleasing handling.
Our choice: Grand C-MAX 2.0 TDCI (138) Zetec
Styling
While the standard five-seat Ford C-MAX is a handsome machine, the same cannot be said of the Grand C-MAX. It looks a little ungainly thanks to its high roofline and longer wheelbase, while those sliding doors haven’t been particularly well integrated into the rear end of the car. At least it looks good at the front, with the familiar Ford family face. The new dashboard has a quality feel with its blue backlighting and piano black centre console, even if it can get busy with too many buttons.
Driving
The Ford Grand C-MAX is noticeably softer than the five-seat C-MAX, but it still puts a smile on your face in the way few MPVs can. It’s agile and has great steering – its slightly more compliant ride lending it a more grown-up, but still enjoyable, demeanour. The engine line-up is impressive, too. Diesels include a smooth and punchy 113bhp 1.6-litre diesel, although we’d go for the faster 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which will cope better when the Grand C-MAX is fully laden. If you fancy a petrol, there’s a 148bhp 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbo which is smooth and powerful, and does 0-60mph in less than 10 seconds – about as fast as the range-topping diesel. Standard transmission is a six-speed manual, while Ford’s smooth Powershift dual-clutch automatic is an expensive option.
Reliability
The old Ford C-MAX dropped a disappointing 19 places in our 2012 Driver Power survey to a lowly 88th position, so we’d hope for more from the new model. However, it’s extremely safe, with a five-star maximum Euro NCAP crash safety rating and a whole host of airbags. Traction and stability control are standard and help to maximise grip, while options such as blind spot warning improve things even further.
Practicality
Is the Grand C-MAX a proper seven-seater? Well, you will be able to seat seven, but there’s only enough space in the final row for a couple of small children. This is a problem that affects the seven-seat VW Touran too, although the Renault Grand Scenic has more room. If you want even more space, you’re better off buying an S-MAX. However, there’s lots of room in the second row for three adults, and those sliding doors really do aid access in car parks. There’s also a neat ‘walk-through’ feature, where the centre middle seat can fold away, allowing easy access to the final two seats. As for luggage space, in seven-seat mode there is just 115 litres of room – barely enough for the weekly shop. Fold the third row and that expands to 432 litres – bigger than a Focus – while if you fold the seats flat there’s an enormous 1,732 litres of space. The driving position is first class, with the raised height giving a commanding view. What's more, decent reach and rake of the steering wheel means finding a comfortable setup is easy. Thin A-pillars also help navigation.
Running Costs
Like its standard C-MAX brother, the Grand C-MAX is a very frugal MPV, thanks to Ford’s excellent range of efficient petrol and diesel engines. Cheapest to run is the 1.6-litre TDCi which emits just 129g/km of CO2 and returns 57.7mpg, making it slightly more expensive to run than its five-seat sibling. However, the punchier 2.0-litre diesel is much faster and still returns 53.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 139g/km. The 1.6-litre EcoBoost is more also impressive, but can't beat the diesel for economy or emissions, posting 40.9mpg and 159g/km. Equipment levels are good – even entry-level Zetec trimmed models get alloy wheels, air-con, a DAB radio, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth. Options include automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, climate control and a hill-start assist system.
For an alternative review of the latest Ford Grand C-MAX MPV visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
