Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford B-MAX 1.0T

How does the tiny 999cc engine perform in the impressive new Ford B-MAX mini-MPV?

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Find your Ford B-MAX
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The pick of the B-MAX range – as long as the numbers work out for you. This little engine comes with a big price, as it’s only available in Titanium trim, but that shouldn’t put you off. You can get a 99bhp version for two grand less, but we like the pizzazz of the 118bhp engine with the luxury and style of Titanium specification. This is one clever family car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It should be a match made in heaven: Ford’s brilliant three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine under the bonnet of the equally brilliant B-MAX MPV. Job done?

Let’s just take a minute to recap on the B-MAX. It is Ford’s rival to the likes of the Honda Jazz and Vauxhall Meriva and we gave it a rare five-star rating in our first test drive of the 1.6-litre diesel model.

It’s difficult to talk about the B-MAX without mentioning the doors. The fronts open normally– as do the rears, if you consider sliding rear doors as normal. (In a car this size, they’re exceptional.) Yet it’s what’s in between them (or not) that really sets the B-MAX apart in the mini-MPV class.

Open both side doors together and you’re faced with one huge, gaping hole. There’s no regular B-pillar connecting the floor with the roof and giving the doors something to cling on to. All that’s there is empty space, which makes getting in and out of the front or back a complete and utter doddle. Ford calls it Easy Access – and it is.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A4 Avant

2019 Audi

A4 Avant

71,028 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £15,403
View A4 Avant
Fiesta

2021 Ford

Fiesta

15,997 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,100
View Fiesta
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

38,376 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £23,999
View XC40
Polo

2025 Volkswagen

Polo

4,471 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £18,600
View Polo

Why hasn’t anyone else thought of it? Because it’s quite complex and probably quite costly, too. Ford has put much of the strengthening from the B-pillar into the front and back doors, which are then joined to the bodyshell by some industrial-strength catches.

There are no worries about safety (the B-MAX has received the maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating) and no concerns about heavy doors, either – they open smoothly without much effort.

Just as innovative is that little petrol engine. With 118bhp, it’s more akin to a punchy 1.6-litre than something with three cylinders and 999cc. It’s quiet at idle and while cruising, then makes a lovely noise when you accelerate, which it does well.

It’s efficient, too, claiming an average of 57.7mpg and emitting just 114g/km of CO2. Oddly, it’s only got a five-speed box, but even that has a lovely easy shift.

More pluses include the ride and handling, which prove that comfort and fun can be happy bedfellows. The light engine makes the car feel more alert than the heavier diesel, too.

The B-MAX also sees the debut of SYNC, Ford’s clever infotainment system with voice control and text reading. Plus, there’s Active City Stop to help prevent nose-to-tail shunts, and other big-car features.

And in spite of being based on the Ford Fiesta, the B-MAX feels big, with lots of head and legroom all round, plus a decent-sized boot.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,578
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,895
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £1,803 off RRP*Used from £18,900
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £5,919 off RRP*Used from £13,000
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change
Protyre area manager Simon Hall inspecting a Vauxhall Corsa's tyre

Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change

The number of MoT failures caused by worn tyres is on the rise, and experts are calling for mandatory follow-ups on advisories
News
12 May 2025
Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it’s a “monster”
VW Golf GTI badge

Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it’s a “monster”

VW is taking the iconic hot hatchback brand into the electric era with the new Golf GTI EV already in development…
News
13 May 2025
Audi e-tron GT gets huge £20k price cut as new entry-level quattro joins range
Audi e-tron GT quattro - front 3/4 dynamic

Audi e-tron GT gets huge £20k price cut as new entry-level quattro joins range

Most basic e-tron GT also comes with the longest range and nigh-on 500bhp
News
13 May 2025