Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford C-MAX Titanium review

New Ford C-MAX is good to drive, and Titanium trim features plenty of equipment

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Ford C-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 Ford C-MAX remains great fun to drive, and with all the added kit it’s an even more attractive proposition. If the sound of a family friendly petrol-engined MPV appeals, try the 1.0-litre EcoBoost, otherwise just go for a diesel version like most other buyers.

We've already driven the seven-seat Grand C-MAX, but many will be after the refreshed five-seat Ford C-MAX, featuring Ford’s tried and tested EcoBoost technology.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Ford has no plans to bring the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that we tried to the UK. While on the face of it that seems a little disappointing, British buyers are gifted a pair of 1.0-litre units (as well as two economical TDCi diesels), which although less powerful, are more economical and kinder to the environment.

Visual changes mirror the Grand C-MAX, with all cars featuring the new grille, updated headlights and redesigned foglamps. There’s a big crease in the doors and a resculpted bonnet, as well as new tail lights at the rear. Two new colours will be available from launch – including the Rush Red in our pictures.

Engines aside, from behind the wheel the standard C-MAX feels just as fun, nippy and agile as ever. Due to its size, there’s less body roll than you’ll find in the Grand C-MAX, and the well-judged suspension does a great job of soaking up lumps and bumps in the road.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

C-HR

2017 Toyota

C-HR

40,198 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £15,446
View C-HR
X5

2023 BMW

X5

57,532 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £39,790
View X5
X3 M Competition

2024 BMW

X3 M Competition

17,451 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L

Cash £59,990
View X3 M Competition
Juke

2023 Nissan

Juke

12,059 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £16,703
View Juke

Out on the motorway, Ford has done a brilliant job of suppressing wind and road noise, with the C-MAX offering impressive long-distance refinement. Likewise, around town the EcoBoost engines are almost silent, while good visibility, a positive gearchange and well-weighted steering makes light work of parking. It’s a shame Ford hasn’t transferred the Grand C-MAX’s sliding doors or the B-MAX’s pillarless design, but with no third row of seats, it’s not exactly a deal breaker.

Inside, the new C-MAX gets the same updated dash as its bigger brother. It’s identical spec-for-spec, too, meaning Titanium models boast a DAB radio, heated windscreen, air conditioning and USB connectivity. The new SYNC2 touchscreen, auto lights and wipers, keyless start and cruise control are the main extras you get by picking Titanium over the lower Zetec trim.

Practicality and versatility remain a key selling point, offering more outright boot space (432 litres) than conventional family cars like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. All C-MAXs now come with a space saver spare wheel (due to customer demand), and while that dents overall carrying capacity by almost 40 litres, safety-conscious families will no doubt welcome its inclusion.

It’s fair to say the C-MAX package is altogether more attractive now than it’s ever been before. Residual values are up by around £650, and while we won’t see this 1.5 petrol in the UK, the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoosts are worthy alternatives. The super-frugal diesels will remain the bigger sellers in Britain, however, and for a car like this, it’s easy to see why.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £16,700
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,211
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025