This is Ford’s new C-Max, the first car to be built on the next generation of Ford’s Focus platform.
The new car will be available as a five or seven-seater and it has been unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show.
See the high-res Ford C-Max picture gallery.
This is the five-seater; the seven-seat model has a different body style, like the Renault Grand Scenic, and uses sliding doors at the rear to improve access to the rear seats. Those seats are also said to have a clever folding mechanism, allowing better access to the third row.
The C-Max is the first Ford to use the firm’s new C-segment platform that will also be used in the next Focus and the Kuga replacement. It will stick with the multi-link rear suspension that has given the car class-leading handling, but will be available with Ford’s new turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine.
Martin Smith, Ford’s design chief, said the car is a deliberate step away from Ford’s existing mini-MPV.
“We wanted to design a car that blended practicality and style, the sort of car that would be proud to have on your driveway,” he told Autocar.
“Research showed us that people who buy five-seat - as opposed to seven-seat - vehicles in this segment wanted their vehicle to be as car-like as possible. And we were always confident that we could apply our “Kinetic design” principles to any type of car.
“The interior of the new C-Max is probably the best thing we’ve done at Ford. The materials and quality will be a benchmark in this segment.”
Much of the Iosis Max’s colour and trim combinations are expected to end up in the production car.
The C-Max goes on sale in the second half of next year.
Dan Stevens
Twitter - follow autocar.co.ukSee all the latest Ford reviews, news and video
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: New Ford C-Max revealed
I probably did but ignoring the poor built quality for a second I found the general quality of the interior poor (although jonfortwo is correct when he says that Ford are good at making things like the gear lever and steering wheel feels good). Have you seen just how poor the glovebox lid is?
I spend most of my time on the motorway and found the high noise levels aweful.The wind noise was probably just a result of the rear door which didn't fit properly but even ignoring that general road noise was unbelieveable (something every recent Ford or all types that I've driven had).
The ride quality is overrated, being no better than the Vectra it replaced and not as good as a Focus hire car I had for 3 months. The handling is also overrated. Yes it had good grip and the body roll was kept in check but at the end of the day it is a big heavy car and there's no fun to be had at all. If it's no fun anyway why not go for something more comfort based and have a good, refined ride?
It wasn't all bad. It never actually left me stranded and it had loads of interior room, especially in the rear. It was quite well equiped to but I could have done without the "wood trim" on my Ghia model. I went for the Ghia model rather than Titanium to avoid the "chrome" trim!.
As I posted elsewhere, I'm almost tempted to have another just to see what was my car and what are general problems with the Mondeo. But I won't, because in the things that matter to me at the moment (comfort, refinement,style and quality) the C5 is 100% better
Re: New Ford C-Max revealed
No,no,no you wont get me near another Citroen for along time, probably never looking at there future product ranges. Over-styled and i suspect quick to date.
I merely commented on the Mondeo chrome collar having tactile quality. something Ford are oft criticized for, i am sure there are many people out there with reliable Mondeo`s and C5`s.
Re: New Ford C-Max revealed
Just asked 2 guys in the office who run them as company cars. Both like their Mondeos and are able to report no problems in two years motoring. My boss prefers me to use a company car for site visits (saves him paying 35p a mile expenses if I were to use my own car). My choice of car depends on who is going to be in the office all day and not need use of their own. My preference of transport for these road trips has to be the Mondeo (choice is between Saab 9-3, previous shape Accord, 2 Mondeos, a Passat and a Focus).
Am a sucker for that stuff too. I also am seduced by the Mondeo's ride, handling, comfort, space and refinement. It's main faults are it feels awfully big on the road (then again there are those who like the big car feel) and the diesel seems to need a lot of revs and clutch slip to make a quickish getaway at junctions and roundabouts.
Maybe you just had a bad one Lee.