Critics have asked in recent years whether or not there is even a point in a really small people carrier, and the Ford B-max hatchback is just the latest model that sets out to answer a question which the Vauxhall Meriva, Citroen C3 Picasso and Nissan Note haven’t been able to answer all that convincingly.
The Ford B-Max, however, is a very credible car that provides a very credibly response. It’s a hatchback (or incredibly small people carrier – whichever way you prefer to look at it), and offers something vastly different to its nearest rivals in this much-maligned sector. It uses sliding doors, has no central B-pillar, and comes with a fantastic alternative engine to diesel. We think it’s a class leader – let’s find out why.[vc_single_image image=”46074″ img_size=”article-image”]
Ford B-Max Hatchback Test Drive
Anyone who’s ever driven a Ford will probably admit that these cars are fab to drive, and this is mostly often down to chassis stiffness. For this reason, it might seem slightly odd at first that Ford have abandoned the B-pillar. But there really is no pain without gain, because the Ford B-max hatch still drives like a Ford. In fact, drivability is perhaps the very best thing about this vehicle. The suspension is nice and supple, and ensures a comfortable ride even over some of Britain’s worst roads. Body roll is also managed exemplary, too, and is aided by a neat torque vectoring system.
It’s also worth mentioning that this car is based on the Fiesta, which as we all know is one of the most fun cars around to drive.
There are a few decent engines here to take your pick from, but you’d be well advised to stay clear of the base-level unit because it offers a frustratingly sluggish driving experience. And although no variant is what you’d call fast, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost plant is probably the most sprightly and can get from rest to 62mph in around 10.4 seconds. There are a handful of diesels on offer, too, though they are significantly more expensive than the petrols. None are particularly fast, though, with the 1.6 TDCi taking 13.9 seconds to get from rest to 62.[vc_single_image image=”46077″ img_size=”article-image”]
The Interior, Design & Build Of The Ford B-Max Hatchback
The doors are always going to be a talking point when it comes to the Ford B-max. The front doors are conventional enough, but it is the rear ones which slide on runners – which is awesome for parents with kids who make a habit out of taking great chunks out of adjacent parked cars at Tesco.
Once you’ve got the side doors open, you’ll notice there is no centre B-pillar which provides structural rigidity to pretty much every other car on the planet. Instead, the Ford B-max gets its rigidity via the doors themselves. Once they’re shut, they clamp themselves tightly to the body. This is smart piece of inventiveness that actually makes it super easy for people of any age to climb in and out of this hatch. When you open both side doors, you get a 1.5m aperture, which welcomes items up to lengths of around 2.34m. You’ve also got the boot, too, which offers 318-litres of space by default, but which increases to 1,386-litres once you fold down the rear bench.
As mentioned earlier, this car is largely based on the Fiesta, which is noticeable inside the cabin. The dash is essentially the same, as is the overall layout. The materials are attractive enough, but Ford have gone a bit too far with the centre console by peppering it with one button too many.[vc_single_image image=”46078″ img_size=”article-image”]
Ford B-Max Price And Running Costs
Prices start out for the Ford B-max from £13,000 and rise to £19,000. The entry level variant is super basic, but the Studio trim offers buyers remote central locking and a DAB digital radio, while Zetec gets you alloys, a trip computer, as well as a very useful child observation mirror. Options include Active City Stop (£200), as well as City Pack (£300).
In terms of running costs, the B-max does very well. The 1.0-litre 100PS EcoBoost unit returns 55.4mpg from a sensible drive, while emitting around 119g/km of CO2. If you add the Auto-Start-Stop system to the 12-PS variant, you will see potential returns of 57.7mpg. If, however, you just want to be super frugal, the 1.5-litre TCDi diesel returns 68.9mpg and emits 109g/km of CO2.[vc_single_image image=”46079″ img_size=”article-image”]
Our Favourite: The Ford B-Max Titanium
You’d be forgiven for assuming the guys over at Ford were indulging in a bit of levity when they christened this car the B-max – despite it having no B-pillar. Abandoning what pretty much every other car has turned out be a stroke of genius, though, and is one of the prime reasons why this vehicle is at the top of its market. It wins on safety, connectivity, efficiency and design, and although it’s slightly more expensive than its rivals, the Ford B-max hatchback is where the smart money is.[vc_single_image image=”46080″ img_size=”article-image”]
