Although only around for just over 10 years, the C-MAX feels like a mainstay model that has been around for as long as the Fiesta. Offering five or seven seats, the C-MAX range adds a vital string to the manufacturers bow and helps it tackle rivals like the Citroen C4 Picasso and Vauxhall Zafira Tourer.
Ford has given its family-friendly C-MAX a facelift for 2015, adding some new tech, engine range tweaks and the brand’s rather dashing trapezoidal Aston Martin-esque grille. Out of the two seating configurations, Ford expects the five seater to be the best-seller, accounting for 75 per cent of sales, with the Grand C-MAX making up the other 25 per cent. The most popular derivative all-round is expected to be the 1.5-litre TDCi 118bhp diesel mated to a six-speed manual transmission in the Zetec trim.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to drive this exact model, instead we got behind the wheel of the Grand C-MAX 148bhp 2.0-litre TDCi mated to a six-speed manual in Titanium trim. Go for the best-selling C-MAX and it will cost you £19,895 – which is £1,700 above the entry-level model. If you go for the 2.0-litre TDCi Titanium we tested, you will pay upwards of £22,895.
The first thing you will notice about the interior is the de-cluttering that has taken place. Ford has got rid of the mish-mash of buttons in replace of a clean-cut eight-inch touchscreen surrounded by less toggles and switches. However, Ford hasn’t gone as far as getting rid of every button, to leave a spartan finish. Instead, it has gone for a sharper, more ergonomic appeal. You may say it is very Germanic.
Ford’s new SYNC 2 system, debuted on the Focus, is the main attraction of the cabin, with voice control features aplenty. Say “I’m hungry” and you will prompt the system to locate nearby eateries for your perusal. Also, for those trawling through trim levels with a fine-toothed comb, additional features of the new Titanium kit level, compared to the current Titanium trim, include new 17-inch alloys, Hill Start Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, LED daytime running lights and of course, SYNC 2.
Offering ample pull low down the revs, the 2.0-litre TDCi is a great companion for overtaking on the motorway. It is also just as happy cruising along at a steady speed. Its sprint time isn’t bad either, reaching 62mph from a standing start in just 9.5 seconds. It’s efficient as well, emitting just 114g/km of CO2, an improvement from the current 129g/km figure, and it claims to return an average of just under 65mpg.
Much like the new Mondeo, the plethora of assist and comfort features popping up around you when driving give the C-MAX a more upmarket, luxury feel. In terms of ride quality, the new C-MAX is one of the finest examples of Ford giving you the best of both worlds. We all know Ford can deliver when it comes to driving dynamics, and the current C-MAX is still the class-leader with well-weighted, direct steering. But the new and improved model gives you better refinement than ever before. This includes a supple suspension, great cabin insulation, quiet engines and, arguably most important of all, an interior that you won’t mind spending six hours a day in while cruising down the motorway.
On top of its engine and tech improvements, it’s also good news on the residual value front, with all models retaining an average of around £650 more of their value after three years. The new C-MAX range will be in showrooms in the summer.
