By on 2010-12-12 -
Ford takes simple
approach to C-MAX
BUYING a new Ford used to be a time-consuming and complex business.
You needed to take a month off work, build an extra office to house all the brochures and price lists before you could even present a case to the family.
The choice of engines, spec and body-styles was excessive to say the very least.
Regardless of what you wanted the Blue Oval badge had one, possibly, two available.
Need a family car with four, five or a hundred doors, okay the last is a bit of an exaggeration, but I'm sure if you looked hard enough it was on the Ford new car list.
Now, at long last, Ford has got the message and is simplifying the whole process to make it much more user-friendly.
Yet, at the same time, you will still get the car of your dreams or one to keep the missus and children happy for a short time at least.
The all-new C-MAX is one of the first to benefit from the move towards simplicity.
It will now be offered in a sporty but spacious five-seat version while those seeking even more seats, say seven, will be able to choose the highly versatile Grand version.
Powertrains will be limited to three petrol and two diesel engines while trim levels will consist of two Zetec or Titanium.
See, far less painful and much more user-friendly.
Aimed at families who want something a little bit more than a hatchback or estate, the new C-Max has clearly benefitted from a long stint at a health farm.
Much leaner, more angular in design, it still retains a strong sense of practicality which will win more buyers over.
The outgoing model was a bit dumpy and lacked serious character to sway customers away in this rapidly-expanding sector.
The newcomer is a huge improvement in terms of exterior styling without necessarily losing the plot.
It doesn't look as awkward either with the waistline rising sharply towards the rear to give the Ford a more dynamic stance.
The lines are uncluttered and the huge expanse of glass makes the cabin area bright and airy.
There are some nice standard touches like the 16-inch alloys, leather steering wheel and manual air conditioning.
Engine options include three 1.6-litre petrol units all varying in power output levels as well as a 1.6-litre turbo diesel and the much more impressive 2.0-litre TDCi.
All of them have been tweaked to ensure that they are cleaner and more fuel efficient over the outgoing models. Most will easily cover more than 45 miles to the gallon without giving it a second thought.
When it comes to driving dynamics the new C-MAX goes about its duties effortlessly rather than spectacularly but then again it is horses for courses.
The Grand version comes with twin sliding doors to make exit and entry into the rear seats less of a struggle than avoiding Ann Widdicombe on the dance floor.
Again the vehicle has been generously equipped from the outset to make it both comfortable and accommodating even when all seven seats are in use.
Both are kitted out with the younger generation firmly in mind and features digital sound systems with Bluetooth and USB connectivity complete with voice control.
All of which leaves me rather baffled as to how a car can hear instructions over the normal rabble sounds that normally emanate from the rear seats.
Sadly the Ford sound technicians haven't come up with a special feature that tells the mother-in-law to keep quiet and stop issuing instructions!
The first motor manufacturer that succeeds with this will get my vote....and custom, that's for sure.
Prices start at £16,745 rising to just under £23,300 for the all-singing and dancing version.
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