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www.fordmagic.co.uk

Ford C-Max MPV 1.6 Studio

For:
A quality interior and thoughtful touches make the C-Max a pleasant place to be. Assured handling and supple ride make it hard to beat

Against:
Poor resale values and a high list price may put potential buyers off. Equipment levels on base models are stingy - there's no ESP or air-con.



Performance

There are six engines available: a 98bhp 1.6-, a 123bhp 1.8-, and a 143bhp 2.0-litre form the petrol line up and they are all mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Diesels include 88bhp 1.6-, 109bhp 1.8- and 134bhp 2.0-litre engines, linked to six-speed gearboxes. A 2.0-litre petrol automatic is also in the range. We've only driven the 2.0-litre turbodiesel and it offers plenty of pulling power all the way through the rev range. It's lively off the mark and a capable motorway cruiser.

Ride & handling

Ford has hit a good balance with the C-Max: it's not soft or wallowy, nor excessively firm. Handling is sure-footed and grippy. The C-Max is sharp on turn-in and once into the corner there's minimal body roll. The ride is compliant and comfortable on the motorway. Around town, it's equally impressive, and the suspension absorbs potholes and sunken drain covers with composure.

Refinement

There's little to complain about. On start-up, the diesel engine is a little growly, but that dissipates once up to speed. It's pretty quiet unless revved very hard and road noise is well contained. At motorway speeds the C-Max is susceptible to crosswind buffeting, but overall, wind noise in the cabin is not a problem.

Buying & owning

Decent discounts should be available for the most timid of hagglers and more hardened negotiators could get £2000 or more off list price. The C-Max lies in insurance group 9 and Band D for road tax. Resale values aren't great, though, losing 61% of its worth after three years. Fuel consumption isn't bad for the 2.0 TDCi, though, returning 48.7mpg on average. Servicing costs will be reasonable and manufacturer's warranty is three years/60,000 miles.

Quality & reliability

Quality plastics and brushed metal detailing on the dashboard give a classy feel. The rest of the cabin looks solidly built and it's rattle-free. Reliability on both the petrol and diesel version engines looks good.

Safety & security

Every C-Max model has anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, twin front and side airbags and curtain airbags. If you want ESP you'll have to pay extra. For security, every model has deadlocks, marked parts and a visible VIN.

Behind the wheel

The dashboard is well laid out and the controls are easy to use. The raised, dash-mounted gearlever makes life a lot easier, particularly around town when almost constant gearchanges are required. An observation mirror above the rear-view mirror means you can see what your kids are up to without having to turn around. The steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach and the driver's seat moves for height. A high driving position means visibility is good, too.

Space & practicality

The C-Max is not the largest in the class, but you get plenty of usable space in the front and rear. There's enough room for three adults on the rear bench, although the middle passenger might feel a bit squashed. All three rear seats can be lifted out to free up luggage space, but they are heavy to move and the process is fiddly. The boot is large and well shaped

Equipment

The C-Max has four trim levels: Studio, Style, Zetec, and Titanium. Studio has power steering and electric front windows, but not much more. Style adds a CD player and air-conditioning. Zetec models have alloy wheels, while Titanium trim gets electric rear windows. Sport packs, including an alloy wheel upgrade, sports suspension and seats and a body-coloured spoiler are available and the Titanium X Pack offers power-heated front seats, a six-CD changer, privacy glass and rear parking sensors.

Running Costs

Town mpg

31.7

Out of Town mpg

49.6

Average mpg

40.9

Tank Capacity (gallons)

10.9

CO2 Rating (g/km)

164

Insurance Group

5

Typical Insurance Quote

£348

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

33

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£315

Pence Per Mile

41.3

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£590

Servicing Intervals

12/12,500

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation + 1yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

MPV

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

1596/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

98/6000

Engine Position

N/A

Driven Wheels

Front

Length (mm)

4372

Width (mm)

1825

Height (mm)

1588

Boot Space (min ltr)

N/A

Boot Space (max ltr)

N/A

Turning Circle (m)

10.6

Towing Weight(kg)

1200

Kerb Weight (kg)

1334

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