Ford

B-Max

The Ford B-Max mini MPV offers pioneering technology with sliding doors offering easy access to passengers. There’s a great choice of engine and trim levels too.

The good

Excellent accessibility with rear sliding doors

The bad

Very competitive market

Tech Specs

Price from

£13,095

Combined Fuel up to

74.3mpg

0-62 from

11.2 seconds

max speed up to

117mph

co2 from

98g/km

Test Drive

Ford B-Max 1.5 TDCI Titanium

Ford’s baby B-Max has been given a new lease of life with the introduction of a highly-efficient 1.5-litre diesel powertrain that sees combined fuel economy of up to 74.3mpg with carbon emissions as low as 98g/km.

These figures cannot fail to impress and mean the B-Max enters the tax-free zone for the first time. But don’t be fooled into thinking the car might have sacrificed all its performance capabilities for economy because it still delivers a great all-round package.

Whilst it’s not exactly the fastest out of the starting blocks and takes 13.0 seconds to reach 62mph from a standing start with a top speed of 108mph, the B-Max is smooth, responsive and ideal as a compact family car.

And when it comes to practicality, it’s hard to find fault with the five-door hatchback. It features those really user-friendly sliding rear doors and the lack of a central pillar makes accessing the back seats simple.

This can transform shopping trips with youngsters from a nightmare into a relatively stress-free activity.

The interior is spacious and can accommodate five adults, although it will be a little bit of a squeeze in the back, but the high roofline results in plenty of head space.

Elsewhere there are numerous on-board storage options with the boot capacity ranging from 318 to 1,386 litres with an adjustable load floor.

Standard technology includes the likes of LED daytime running lights, tinted windows, a Sony sound system with CD player and DAB radio which is compatible with all modern media devices, ambient lighting, automatic lights and wipers, front fog lights, electrically-operated front and rear windows, cruise control and plenty more besides.

To be honest, the B-Max performed admirably and that very efficient engine delivered ample power and acceleration.

The five-speed manual gearbox was nice and smooth although I did go in search of a non-existent sixth gear on more than one occasion. The cabin remained beautifully quiet with minimal road, engine or wind noise even when the car was pushed quite hard.

The road-holding was good with very little body roll into bends and the slightly elevated driving position means good all-round visibility.

Optional extras on the test vehicle saw the asking price rise from £18,125 to £19,825 which is still very reasonable for such a versatile vehicle boasting such high standards of comfort, practicality and equipment levels.

In fairness, it was difficult to find fault with the new B-Max.

If I were to be extra picky, then the shiny centre console caused a few glare issues when the sun was particularly bright, but that’s all I could find on an otherwise impressive all-rounder.