Ford B-Max

The Ford B-Max (stylized as Ford B-MAX) is a mini MPV manufactured by Ford Motor Company since 2012. Built on the Ford B3 platform, it was initially unveiled as a concept-car at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and was officially launched at the 2012 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Production began in June 2012, and marketing of the first units started during late July. It was launched in the UK on 1 September 2012. The B-Max is based on the Ford Fiesta and main rivals are the Citroen C3 Picasso, Honda Jazz and the Opel Meriva.

Overview

The styling of the B-Max continues the Ford Kinetic Design theme, and has rear sliding doors with no B-pillars.

The B-Max is available with the new 1.0 litre three-cylinder engine of the Ford EcoBoost family, that features turbocharged direct injection and start & stop system. This engine has won the "International Engine of the Year 2012" title. The 1.6 litre Duratec engine can be fitted with the PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

It has three different trim levels: Studio, Zetec and Titanium. The Studio is the basic model and it is available only with the 1.4 litre engine.

The first B-Max was bought by the President of Romania, Traian Băsescu, on 25 June 2012, directly from the Craiova plant.

Technology

The B-Max features the Intelligent Protection system, which is designed to keep the occupants protected. It also features Ford's Torque Vectoring Control, which improves handling and agility, and the SYNC and Fold Flat systems.

Ford's Emergency Assistance feature alerts local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region. It will be available in more than 30 countries across Europe and beyond.

Safety

The Ford B-max was tested by Euro NCAP in 2012, receiving a five-star safety rating.

Test Score Points

Overall: 5/5 stars N/A
Adult occupant: 92% 33
Child occupant: 84% 41
Pedestrian: 67% 24
Safety assist: 71% 5

Reviews

The Telegraph reviewed the B-Max on 28 August 2012. The reviewer Andrew English gave the car a 4 out of 5 stars, and his verdict was that it "brings something new and useful to the market".

What Car? magazine rated the B-Max with 5 out of 5 stars, giving the car a positive review.

Manufacturer Ford Motor Company

Production 2012–

Assembly Craiova, Romania

Predecessor Ford Fusion

Class Mini MPV

Body style 5-door hatchback

Platform Ford B3 platform

Engine

1.0 L EcoBoost I3

1.4 L Duratec I4

1.6 L Duratec I4

1.5 L Duratorq TDCi I4

1.6 L Duratorq TDCi I4

Transmission 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic

Wheelbase 2,489 mm (98.0 in)

Length 4,077 mm (160.5 in)

Width 1,751 mm (68.9 in)

Height 1,604 mm (63.1 in)

Related Ford Fiesta

Source: Internet