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Weekend roadtest: Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max
publication date: Sep 25, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
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Ford is preparing to launch an awesome new range of
models built on the global C-car platform and debuting under the latest C-Max
and Grand C-Max in October.
There will
eventually be ten new models built on this lightweight yet highly rigid
monocoque chassis which will include the all new Focus series launching next
spring.
This rapid roll-out
of cars will see the Focus being launched around the world in just six week's
as the industry begins to experience the market impact of the company's One Ford
strategy.
Not only is the
platform entirely new but Ford is meeting tougher global emissions regulations
with new EcoBoost petrol and the latest diesel engines, six-speed manual and
Powershift automatic transmissions, and there will be hybrid and full electric models
included with the C-car platform from 2013.
Electric steering,
torque vectoring traction control, new suspension and braking systems are among
the driving dynamics enhancements seen on the C-car platform and tuned for
individual models and markets.
| | Ford is also
rolling into the new series a range of sophisticated technologies including parking
and hill assist driving systems, flat-fold seating and power operated tailgate
closure, which are normally found on larger and more expensive models.There are five-seat
C-Max and seven-seat Grand C-Max models. The larger versions have 130mm longer
wheelbase, typically weigh an additional 111kg and come only with dual sliding
rear side doors compared to the conventional hinged back doors of the smaller
stablemate. The overall length of the C-Max is 4.38m and the Grand C-Max is
4.52m. |  |
It is not just a face-lifted mid-sized MPV but is a
completely new model series with exceptional room, absorbent suspension, sharp
handling to delight all drivers and it boasts many desirable driver aids as
well in Zetec or Titanium trim levels available from launch in October.
Five-seaters begin at £16,745 while the seven-seater
with twin sliding rear doors goes from £18,745 to a maximum £23,245.
In addition to the launch of the lower power Ecoboost
engine - a 180PS EcoBoost will not be sold in the UK - the C-Max and Grand
C-Max will also be available with 105PS and 125PS 1.6 Ti-VCT petrol engines and
115PS and 140PS 1.6 and 2.0 TDCi diesels with six-speed manual gearboxes while
the Powershift Automatic transmission is available on the top model only.
The arrival of the new MPV heralds many technologies
which will roll into the new Focus next spring, say Ford. Expect the see the
EcoBoost, in both power outputs, used in successive new models such as the
Mondeo as they are developed.
Careful pricing means the Grand C-Max diesel range
begins at £750 less than the outgoing model while the entry level petrol
version is £250 more.
Standard equipment includes alloys, air conditioning,
leather wheel, sophisticated alarm and media system, parking sensors, and
seven-seaters have child locks on the sliding doors. Titanium models get auto
wipers and lights, dual climate control, hill assist, keyless start, cruise
control, better entertainment system and tyre pressure warning lights.
At the new models' launch in the south of France
this week, Ford of Britain marketing director Mark Simpson said the buyers
demands had changed since the original C-Max was launched in 2003 and the new models
were intended to meet these changes, and promise much lower running and
ownership costs. He added, "The new models are priced to offer customers best
value for money whilst still introducing many exciting new technologies which
will feature on the all-new Focus due next year." | | | | First Impressions
| Ford's new car with a dragon's heart will terrify its
opponents.
The latest five-seat Ford C-Max and seven-seat Grand
C-Max is the first to use the latest Bridgend, Wales -made 150PS 1.6
four-cylinder EcoBoost engine and it sets new standards and benchmarks in
performance, economy and smoothness. |  | It is hard to believe that the effortless and smooth
performance of the Ford C-Max with EcoBoost comes from a 1.6 litre
four-cylinder engine.
The powertrain is a delight to use in town or on open
roads, thanks to its responsiveness, power output and slick manual gearchange. Sophisticated
direct fuel injection, compact turbo-charger and variable valve timing combine
to give big engine responses and top-end power with diesel like mid range pull
and economy.
The 150PS EcoBoost is rated at 9.4 sec from rest to
62mph, with a 127mph maximum and combined consumption of 42.8mpg in the C-Max
and it's only marginally behind those figures in the bigger and 111KG heavier
Grand C-Max.
On very twisting roads the agile C-Max coped with all
manner of surfaces and dismissed them without a ruffle to the interior and you
had to be pushing on to induce body roll.
It steered and braked accurately and powerfully and
gave excellent feed back.
Visibility was good, the room ideal for a family and
the boot rises from a minimum 432 litres to over 1,684 litres in the C-Max and
up to 1,742 litres in the Grand C-Max.
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 | The Grand C-Max is a genuine seven-seater with
a lot of headroom, legroom and shoulder space.
The simple sliding side doors and quick-folding
seats will instantly win praise but on the move the new car's agility will both
surprise and delight a driver as well.
It really soaks up the bumps without them being
felt in the cabin and without excessive body roll on sharp corners. |
In fact, the precise steering response and
delightfully progressive brakes make the big Grand C-Max feel like a sportier
hatchback.
With the 140PS diesel engine and the Powershift
auto-box the Grand C-Max is a particularly easy drive.
In full auto mode the changes are smooth and
quick and even better when used in the manual sport mode.
There is a noticeable rise in engine noise as
the revs. build but it never sounds harsh, just busy.
The Grand C-Max is about 111KG heavier than the
five-door and this seems to have made it ride better and more smoothly than the
C-Max, which is also good.
On mountain roads the Grand C-Max handled well
and had plenty of power under foot for overtaking opportunities.
Visibility was good, and there is a lot of
headroom inside. The seats in the middle row cleverly fold to reveal a
walk-through into the back row or in a few moments fold flat to take the
luggage space from a minimum 432 litres up to 1,742 litres Grand C-Max.
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