CarlosAndrade
Well-known member
Ford C-Max 2011
Ford C-Max 1.6 Ecoboost review
Rating:![]()
evo's John Simister tries the new Ford Focus based C-Max MPV in 1.6 Ecoboost trim. It's a corker
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What is it?
Two cars, actually, which together replace the former Focus C-Max. This new one can be had as a five-seater, like before, or as the Grand C-Max seven-seater. Just as Renault and Citroen do with the Scénic and the C4 Picasso.
Fine. But why are you reading about a pair of compact MPVs here in evo-land? Because the C-Max siblings are the first cars to be built on the new platform that will also underpin the new Ford Focus, due in December. And now that the C-Max idea has been split into two, the five-seater one can be more stylish, more driver-oriented and more fun, with a secondary role in mopping up customers who might find the next Focus, which has a 'faster' roofline than the old one and correspondingly less rear space, too cramped.
The five-door, then, is a strong pointer to how the next Focus will drive.
Technical highlights
The shell is stiffer, especially around the suspension pick-up points, yet the new C-Max weighs no more than the old one. It now has electric power steering with a rack-mounted motor, plus a new, low-CO2, 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine with direct injection, a scavenging turbo and a future under the bonnet of the Fiesta ST. Its new six-speed manual gearbox will be shared with that car, too, as will the 177bhp output of the top C-Max.
Sadly, we don't get that C-Max in the UK to begin with, making do instead with the 148bhp version tested here. Standard wheel size is 17in, which looks fine, and there's an 18in option which is likely to spoil what you are about to read. Electronic clevernesses include an understeer-killing virtual LSD, which lightly brakes the inside front wheel as needed. Common in hot hatches, it's a new departure for an MPV.
What’s it like to drive?
Astonishingly good, is the answer. That's why we thought you'd like to know. The first impression is of a smooth, quiet car with a totally solid structure and a remarkable ability to soak up road disturbances. Immediately afterwards you realise that it's doing this while keeping the body under tight control and while steering with a precision and progression somewhat unexpected in a compact MPV. The C-Max feels amazingly poised and agile, slicing into corners with fine control from both steering and throttle, always keen, never flustered. To handle with such precision while riding with such suppleness is a major achievement.
Ultimately you can tell the steering is electric because the weighting doesn't vary quite naturally enough to fool you. But it's very close to the feel of a good hydraulic system; the precision, the lack of artificial resistance around the straight-ahead, the lack of inertia in the system and the lack of rubberiness together make this one of the best electric systems yet encountered.
The engine, too, is impressive. It has minimal turbo lag, an almost diesel-like midrange thrust out of tight corners, and plenty of high-revs energy. Overtaking is a breeze, and the six-speeder's shift is smooth, light and precise. And, joy, it has a conventional handbrake. Its Z-shaped lever reduces the space it occupies, rendering a clumsy electric system unnecessary.
How does it compare?
Against other compact MPVs, its driving dynamics are in another league. Against mid-size, Golf-class hatchbacks, it's again a clear leader despite being taller. All of which suggests that provided Ford doesn't make the suspension too unyielding, as it has arguably done with some Fiesta models, the next Focus will be the new benchmark.
Anything else I need to know?
The C-Max is also a well-finished, well-equipped, useful MPV whose rear seats can be taken right out for a van-like load space. Or, with the right option pack, you can just take out the middle one and slide the outer ones back and inward to create huge leg and shoulder room while still keeping a decent boot. The interior design is much ritzier than the outgoing car's, and the dashboard showcases a new control and graphics system developed with Sony and based on a mobile phone's operating logic.
And the price? It's £19,745 for a C-Max five-seater with EcoBoost engine and the Titanium trim level.
- It's astonishingly good to drive![]()
- Convincing people that's the case![]()
Ok...e carro para ver já há? Especificações, preços, equipamento, etc...A Ford continua a bailar no que a chassis/condução diz respeito...que "know how".apr![]()
Ok...e carro para ver já há? Especificações, preços, equipamento, etc...
E que a opinião acima parece-me ser a de um funcionario do dep de marketing da Ford...(a opinião sobre o travão de mão, por exemplo, é algo "estranha").
EDIT---Estou a falar da "review" em inglês...não do comentário do membro do forum
Ate estive para esperar por este Ford, mas não gostei da opção escolhida para os bancos (2,5 bancos a meio) e outros pormenores, mas mesmo assim gostava de o ver...
E para o inicio do mês vou para Valência para formação...vou á fabrica e tudo....xpectacular...
Eu quero é diesel.....isso dos gasolina....bah...!!!
Troca mas é o RC por uma C-Max Ecoboost.[]
Sabes quanto custa uma C-MAX 1.6 Tdci de 109cv agora...?
28 000 euros...( sem opções )
Sabes quanto custa uma S-MAX 1.8 TDci de 125cv.....?
36.500...( sem opções )
Isto significa 8500 euros de intervalo....achas que fica entalado ?
Eu quero concorrer com a Scenic 1.5 Dci e uma Picasso 1.6 Hdi numa venda de X unidades para uma empresa, são viaturas de 7 lugares....proponho o quê agora...?
Ja existiu...mas foi retirada...eventualmente ja a pensar na Grand C-Max...Há S-Max com motor 1.8 TDCi 125 cv ????? !!!!
Só encontrei na pagina com 2.0 TDCi 140cv !!!! ???
Há S-Max com motor 1.8 TDCi 125 cv ????? !!!!
Só encontrei na pagina com 2.0 TDCi 140cv !!!! ???
Ja existiu...mas foi retirada...eventualmente ja a pensar na Grand C-Max...
Já me chegaram os preços da C-MAX e da Grand C-MAX. Obviamente não os vou divulgar até porque a Ford entendeu ainda não enviar essa informação para a imprensa ( penso ) pelo que so falarei neles depois dessa informação circular...
Ambas vêm com motor 1.6 Tdci de 95 e 115cv alem dos gasolinas Ecobosts.
O preço da de 5 esta em linha com a da actual, a de 7 é que vêm com um preço bastante competitivo.....!!! Esperava que fosse um pouco mais cara até.
Uma duvida que não percebi da circular, mas parece-me de serie é que a Grand C-MAX trás de serie o portão traseiro electrico....