Ford opens new doors in the mini MPV market with the launch of the all-new Ford B-Max.

There’s no denying that the current range of Ford offerings are quality pieces of motoring magnificence. Their wayward direction of yesteryear, with only a few select models standing proud are gone and now there are very few lemons and considerably more roses in the fray.

Along with their staple diet of Rangers, Fiestas and Focuses… Foci… Focussesese… the Focus range, Ford has also started expanding and creating new models to add to the choice that the public has.

One such new creation of theirs is a fresh take on the mini multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with the launch of the new B-Max. Ford refers to it as a MAV (Multi Activity Vehicle) and I’ll use the term ‘new’ loosely there as the B-Max has only now made its way to our shores after it’s international release in 2012.

Based on the Ford Fiesta platform, the B-Max is a small car with big features.

Design

The B-Max is undeniably Ford with its trademark trapezoidal grille up front and angled headlights. It echoes the looks of the Fiesta but you instantly notice that the proportions are somewhat different.

At first it does seem a little awkward but viewing it from several angles settles that feeling and soon it all makes sense. It’s not a design that has to grow on you, but it’s not one that you would immediately take notice of either.

The higher roof line and boxy rear profile robs the B-Max of sporty looks and the high waist line suggests that this is a more practical vehicle than one would initially suspect. That’s where the B-Max shines, in its practicality and surprising interior space.

The main draw card of the B-Max is the sliding rear doors on either side. While usually only reserved for vans and the worst French creations ever to litter our roads, the B-Max seems to pull off this styling cue with astounding functionality and practicality, without sacrificing safety.

With the doors open, there is no longer a B-pillar in the way, opening up a cavernous space to embark or disembark with great ease.

By integrating the structural roll cage into the door pillars, and reinforcing the locking mechanisms, none of the structural rigidity or safety has been compromised.

At the rear, the full size tailgate offers a low enough sill to make loading the spacious boot simple enough for all ages. The false floor in the boot also offers a few loading options, allowing for a flat floor or additional space when needed.

Engine

Ford offers on the one model to start with, with the 1.0-litre Ecoboost Titanium testing the waters locally. It’s fitted with the highly revered and frugal 3-cylinder turbocharged motor that has won three consecutive International Engine Of The Year Awards.

Developing 92kW and 170Nm, the 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium is more than capable of getting things moving at a brisk pace. Acceleration figures rest at 11.2-seconds, but outright performance is certainly not what the B-Max is about. Potential buyers would be more interested in CO2 emissions and fuel economy, and the B-Max doesn’t disappoint there either.

Returning extremely frugal figures of 4.9-litres/100km on the combined cycle makes the B-Max an economical choice. The 114g/km emissions figures also speak volumes for the calibre of this diminutive motor.

In gear acceleration is impressive and the chassis feels nowhere near as heavy as one would expect for a vehicle with as much structural reinforcement as this. The B-Max tips the scales at 1279kg.

Interior

The interior of the B-Max is well appointed and stylish and while the seats are leather, the dashboard is a singular moulding in plastic, rather than with a leather covering.

Keyless start, automatic climate control and the heated leather seats are all standard on the Titanium model and the audio system is the trusted, if not tricky to navigate, SYNC system with Bluetooth and voice activation.

Rear legroom is generous for a vehicle this size and headroom will not be an issue for slightly taller subjects. A multitude of storage options also litter the cabin, with hide-holes and cup holders for all occupants.

Verdict

the Ford B-Max certainly does challenge the way that consumers will think about small MPVs and the MAV moniker is one well suited to the B-Max.

With a friendly drive and even friendlier running costs, the B-Max will soon be the darling of the school run and after-school activities.


“The Ford B-Max Titanium retails for R 271 900 incl VAT and a a 4-year/120 000km Comprehensive Warranty, 4-year/60 000km Service Plan, 3-year/unlimited km Roadside Assistance and 5-year/unlimited km Corrosion Warranty."