Automotive Database: Ford B-Max

Not to be confused with Ford C-Max or Ford S-Max.

Ford B-Max
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Europe
Production	June 2012–present
Assembly	Craiova, Romania (Ford Romania)
Body and chassis
Class	Mini MPV
Body style	5-door hatchback
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform	Ford B3 platform
Related	Ford Fiesta
Powertrain
Engine	1.0 L I3 EcoBoost (petrol) 1.4 L I4 Duratec (petrol) 1.6 L I4 Duratec (petrol) 1.5 L I4 Duratorq (diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
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)

The Ford B-Max (stylized as Ford B-MAX) is a mini multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) manufactured by Ford Europe 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.

Ford B-Max in profile

The B-Max is based on the Ford Fiesta, and its main rivals are the Citroën C3 Picasso and the Nissan Note.

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:		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 4 out of 5 (later 3 out of 5) stars, giving the car a positive review.

Engines

Engine	Type	Displacement	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h	Top speed	Combined consumption	CO₂ emissions
Petrol engines
1.0 Ecoboost	I3	999 cc	101 PS (74 kW)	169 Nm (125 lbft) at 1,400–4000 rpm	13.2 s	175 km/h (109 mph)	4.9 l/100 km (58 mpg_-imp; 48 mpg_-US)	112 g/km
1.0 Ecoboost	I3	999 cc	120 PS (88 kW)	201 Nm (148 lbft) at 1,400–4500 rpm	11.2 s	188 km/h (117 mph)	4.9 l/100 km (58 mpg_-imp; 48 mpg_-US)	112 g/km
1.4 Duratec	I4	1,388 cc	90 PS (66 kW)	127 Nm (94 lbft) at – rpm	13.8 s	171 km/h (106 mph)	6.0 l/100 km (47 mpg_-imp; 39 mpg_-US)	139 g/km
1.6 Duratec	I4	1,596 cc	105 PS (77 kW)	150 Nm (111 lbft) at – rpm	12.1 s	180 km/h (112 mph)	6.4 l/100 km (44 mpg_-imp; 37 mpg_-US)	149 g/km
Diesel engines
1.5 Duratorq	I4	1,498 cc	75 PS (55 kW)	190 Nm (140 lbft) at – rpm	16.5 s	158 km/h (98 mph)	4.1 l/100 km (69 mpg_-imp; 57 mpg_-US)	109 g/km