Chat with me on social media @DanielCalbacho on either Twitter or Instagram

 

I'm not a family man, not yet that is! Although I'm an uncle many times over - especially having three older brothers and three older sisters. They have multiplied numerous times to the point that I could hold a class for my 19 nieces and nephews. 

 

Why am I discussing my family tree? It’s appropriate you see as Ford's B-Max has been designed specifically for families; giving it the acronym MAV or Multi-Activity Vehicle – hence, it’s ideal for families.

 

Launched late last year, the B-Max is built on the Ford Fiesta platform, albeit a uniquely different car to the zesty Fiesta.

 

Its name, B-Max explains its uniqueness - its B-pillar- the pillar that both front and rear doors are hinged upon and that traditionally is placed in the middle of the car, has been removed. This means that the cars doors rest on its A-pillars (front windshield) and C-pillars (rear) respectively, forming an open arch. The rear doors slid open - like you'd find in a minivan. When opened together this A to C arch is revealed, exposing a large cavernous opening of 1.5 meters. This pretty nifty for getting babies and young kids in and out of child seats. 

 

Not only child-friendly, the opening appears like a magical trick when viewed from the car's profile. It's a handy trick for real world necessities, like transporting oddly shaped things. Aside from its side entry, there is also a decently sized boot, which together with the rear folding seats, allow for multiple ways to use the car for functional transportation. 

 

The B-Max is driven by Ford's award-winning 1.0l turbocharged EcoBoost, 2012, 13 and 14 International Engine of the Year. A gem in operation: it's quick, quiet, efficient and reliable. Nipping in and out of city traffic or accelerating to overtake on highways isn't difficult for this sewing machine sized engine. 

 

Dynamically the B-Max has been created to be comfortable. What this means is - the B-Max isn’t going to get you all excited on the inside when whizzing around a corner. Rather, the B-Max is happiest being driven gently and treated respectfully. 

 

The cabin in the top of the range Titanium model is packed with all the mod-cons one would expect in a premium car. Although the Ford B-Max isn't considered a premium vehicle it features leather seats (good quality leatherette, not genuine leather, but it's hard to tell), a large leather covered steering wheel; featuring controls for the cruise control and audio/hands free telephone system, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers, keyless entry, rear park distance control with a rear camera and start-stop functionality. It's a great package!

 

It's not all perfect. The B-Max does have some minor shortcomings. Take for example its looks; cute but not handsome, it's ride height is average; so manoeuvring over driveways and speed bumps mean treading with caution not to scrape its undercarriage, the audio system is cluttered with buttons and as a result looks dated, the rear view screen used when reversing is tiny, which could be considered more of a handicap versus a visual aid. Lastly, the lovely EcoBoost engine is thirstier than I would expect. Driven mostly within the city, hopping on and off the freeway only occasionally, gave an average fuel consumption figure of 9.2l per 100km, a far cry from Ford’s claimed best figure of 4.9l per 100km. Perhaps it is due to the fact that being a smaller engine it's required to work a little harder? 

Pro's 

 

Value for money

Comfortable 

Quiet

Versatile

Family focused

Good engine

 

Con's 

 

Average looks

Thirsty on city runs - better in the highway 

Dated looking electronics

Heavy doors

 

 

Pricing 

 

1.0   EcoBoost Ambiente 74kW R234 900

1.0   EcoBoost Trend 92kW R261 900

1.0   EcoBoost Titanium 92kW R287 900

 

Service and warranty  

 

The B-MAX is sold with a 4-year/120 000km Comprehensive Warranty, 4-year/60 000km Service Plan, 3-year/unlimited km Roadside Assistance and 5-year/unlimited km Corrosion Warranty. Service intervals are every 20 000km.

www.ford.co.za

 

 

 

 

Views: 162

Add a Comment

You need to be a member of neofundi to add comments!

Join neofundi


Follow us on twitter  

 

© 2024   Created by neofundi.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service