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First Drives

Ford C-Max 2.0 TDCi Titanium CAR review

By Alex Grant

First drive

28 March 2008 15:41

Ford’s C-Max has always looked a little dowdy and functional when compared to its sister S-Max. The latter has shrugged off its size with sharp angles and a car-like drive, and shot off forecourts as a result.

Thankfully Ford has now turned its attention to the baby family carrier, finally giving the C-Max a splash of kinetic design to bring it in line with prettier rivals like Citroen’s C4 Picasso.

So what’s changed with the Ford C-Max facelift?

On the face of it, not much. The C-Max is still a compact, van-like shape but a few subtle alterations have made it just that bit sharper and more interesting to look at.

The biggest exterior changes are found up front. Ford has adorned the C-Max with its new trapezoidal family grille and reshaped the headlights and foglights to give it a bit more S-Max style and presence.

Opt for bi-xenon headlights and the sidelights form a strip which follows the leading edge of the bonnet, looking a little like angry eyebrows when they’re switched on.

Around the back, redesigned rear light clusters feature a strip of LEDs, encased in clear plastic. Overall it looks more aggressive. Perfect for the stressed-out parent late for the school run.

Interior quality has taken a few steps forward but still trails behind the Mondeo, with a few visible moulding lines spoiling the otherwise robust feel. But it’s well laid out and feels tough enough to survive family life. 

Click 'Next' below to read the rest of our Ford Focus C-Max first drive

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Need to know

CAR's rating

rating is 3

Handling

rating is 3

Performance

rating is 3

Usability

rating is 4

Feelgood factor

rating is 4

Readers' rating

rating is 2

Statistics

How much? £19,320
On sale in the UK: Now
Engine: 1997cc 4-cyl turbodiesel, 136bhp @ 4000rpm, 251lb ft @ 2000rpm
Transmission: Six speed manual, front wheel drive
Performance: 9.6sec 0-62mph, 124mph, 48.7mpg, 154g/km CO2
How heavy / made of? 1563/steel
How big (length/width/height in mm)? 4372/1825/1588

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Ford C-Max 2.0 TDCi Titanium CAR review

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Alex de Large

Alex de Large says

As good as it gets!

I'm sure you're right that the S-Max and C-Max are great to drive for this type of vehicle. I'm puzzled as to why the author thinks it's on a par with the C4 Picasso for handling. The Picasso is genuinely poor for handling, even for a people carrier.

31 March 2008 17:02

JohnnyBimmer

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JohnnyBimmer says

As good as it gets!

I wouldn't buy this type/format of car, if I needed space I'd probably go the whole hog to a 4x4 (future Freelander and X6 both look good) but I've been given an S-max hire car twice and enjoyed it both times even if I'd have preferred a hatch' or saloon. It drives and handles great, looks as good as a space-carrier can get with its crisp chunky exterior and the interior was nicely designed, plastics seemed very good quality and durable - in fact I couldn't criticise a thing. If I had to buy one, the S-Max or C-max would be top of the list.

30 March 2008 15:34

Alex de Large

Alex de Large says

C4 Picasso

I read somewhere that you don't get a radio as standard on the C4 Picasso. Maybe Citroën should have spent a bit less on the interesting plastics!

29 March 2008 20:38

mini1

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mini1 says

C-MAX & PICASSO

In comparison to the C4 Picasso, the C-Max is dark, the plastics in it are hard, sharp and scratchy, and it's not very roomy. The C4 Picasso is airy, the plastics are interesting, and there are loads of innovative features, not to mention more space. If you haven't got a family, why buy one of these? They're not meant to be taken 'round the 'ring!

29 March 2008 17:56

Alex de Large

Alex de Large says

Handling

I assume Brand0 is talking about the C-MAX. My point was that as it's based on the Focus, the handling of the C-MAX should be exceptional for a tall car. I had a drive in a C4 Picasso once and thought it was going to roll over, such was the diabolical body control. I suspect that Car isn't being consistent in the application of its ratings.

29 March 2008 12:40

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