One of these is not like the others and it's not the one you think.
It's the Suzuki. The other two have since been discontinued from the local, South African market.
The Suzuki Ertiga is one of the last compact MPV offerings in South Africa, its only direct competition being the Toyota Avanza. Most manufacturers have moved onto full 7-seaters or larger SUVs. In the upper end of the spectrum, there's the KIA Grand Sedona and the Hyundai H1.
We think it's only fair to compare the discontinued Ford B-Max up against another discontinued car and then see how they fare against one that is still in rotation.
Ford B-Max (2015 - 2017)
Price (used): R220 000 - R135 000
The Ford B-Max was only available with the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine that produced 92 kW in the Titanium and Trend models and 74 kW in the Ambiente derivative. All engines developed 170 Nm torque. Fuel consumption was said to come in at 4.9l/100km on the combined cycle.
The appeal of the Ford B-Max is its sliding door mechanism that is devoid of a B-pillar when opened. This creates a large opening that makes getting in and out of the rear seats extremely easy and comfortable. It's a boon for mothers who need to strap their kids into car seats. The seating system also offers seven different combinations allowing you to load whatever you need.
The drive is rather similar to that of the Fiesta on which it is based with only a slight detraction as a result of the additional weight of the slightly larger B-Max.
Honda Mobilio (2014 - 2016)
Price (used): R175 000 - R150 000
The Honda Mobilio is a seven-seater offering that is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that makes 88 kW and 145 Nm and is offered in either entry-level Trend or higher-spec Comfort trims. It's said to return fuel consumption figures of 6.1l/100km on the combined cycle.
Produced by Honda India, the Mobilio is designed to have more ground clearance for rougher, less refined roads and that makes it a good fit for South Africa's pockmarked surfaces. The Trend model is rather spartan and the one you would want is the Comfort model. Even then, the spec level of the Mobilio is not what one would call high and the trade-off needs to be made for the additional space afforded buyers.
Suzuki Ertiga (2014 - current)
Price (used): R230 000 - R160 000)
Price (new): R216 900 - R282 900
The Suzuki Ertiga is only one of the three cars listed here that is still available as a new vehicle in South Africa. It recently received an update that saw the introduction of the GLX model that is fitted with luxuries such as height-adjustable driver's seat and centre armrest, along with climate control and a 7-inch infotainment system.
Early Ertigas are powered by a 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 70 kW and 130 Nm while the newer model receives the 1.5-litre engine that makes 77 kW and 138 Nm torque. Fuel consumption figures are 6.6- and 6.2l/100km respectively.
The first generation Ertiga suffers in the trim department with a light beige interior prone to marks and stains. This too was rectified with the update and newer models, 2019 and later, receiving a darker fabric trim.
Verdict
It's hard to ignore the low prices being asked for the Ford B-Max. Its clever door system truly is handy and the only major downside is the lack of performance in the Trend model and what would be a slightly more expensive parts basket for model-specific items such as body panels and glass. If you are looking for a dedicated 7-seater though you would be better off selecting the Suzuki Ertiga. Shop carefully though and try to find one with an interior that has been looked after.
Recommended Reading:
Budget 7-seater MPV safety shootout! Toyota Avanza vs. Suzuki Ertiga vs. Datsun Go
