No, the purchase of the new one Ford C-Max (from 16.490 Euro and between 63 kW / 82 PS and 134 kW / 182 PS) can not be easily hidden from the neighbor. Blame is the "One Ford" design language, which is repeated, but - whether intentional or not - reminiscent of the Aston Martin optics. And that just looks outrageously good, because the manufacturer forgave that his family members from Fiesta to Mondeo dressed similarly exciting.
After all, the cool daytime running lights make the dewy C-Max unique. And who orders the at least 20.450 Euro expensive Grand and quickly drives into the garage, may perhaps keep his new entry but still briefly keep secret, because on the taillights of the long version has not changed, while the tail of the short edition also received a fine touch. Those responsible justify this with the investment costs - most customers are more likely to use the compact vehicle. In addition to the development of the sheet metal dress has also done a lot under it - the emergency brake assistant now works up to 50 km / h instead of the former 30 km / h, and there is a cross-traffic warner, the early alarm sounds to prevent potential crashes. In addition, an active cruise control can be ordered for 870 Euro for the top model.
If you take a seat in the refreshed compact and are a little familiar with the Ford corner, you will immediately notice the large touchscreen in the center console. As with Focus and Mondeo, the C-Max has finally received the refurbished navigation system, which is characterized by excellent operation and rapid computation. And while, for example, settings on the map image used to be a fiddly undertaking, the most important functions can now be activated on the current map with the corresponding buttons.
The interior design has changed very little except for a few subtleties and partly enlarged storage areas - so you can see that the C-Max belongs to an old generation. But that's fine. For this, the engineers have brought the engine program up to scratch and worked on the noise front, as chief engineer Rainer Geschwentner explains. Whether the C-Max has now become much quieter than before, you can find out without direct comparison, of course, difficult, but for the vehicle segment, he looks in absolute terms already extremely quiet.
After the first laps in the new Euro 6 diesel with two liters and 110 kW / 150 PS, this version can be said to be in balance; The van, which should shine at least on paper with 4,4 or 4,6 liters (Grand C-Max) fuel per 100 km, is certainly not a street sweeper, but anything but lame on the road. Acceleration on highway speeds takes less than ten seconds, and the elasticity of the 370 Nm engine is impressive.
In addition, the machine sound: one feels in the C-Max quite isolated, the compression ignited seems generously encapsulated and murmurs far away sounding to himself. Even beyond the 3.000 tours he stays in the background. You use more insulation material in the engine compartment and optimized seals, explains Geschwentner. When Turbobenziner the developers have gone down to 1,6 liter displacement similar to the small diesel from 1,5. Here Ford has also brought the 110 kW / 150 PS variant, which of course differs drastically from the characteristic of the diesel. Lively is the four-cylinder only from 3.500 revolutions and sounds almost a little sporty - not an unpleasant engine for gasoline fans. The reduced compared to the old 1,6er 0,1 liter consumption may, however, go through as academic and is confidently negligible.
The chassis is still pleasant. If necessary, the Ford swiftly whips around the bend, but does not seem sporty and hard. Smooth he rolls himself over rough bumps to the delight of passengers. On the other hand, the driver is happy about a smooth-running clutch pedal and a willingly engaging shift lever. In addition, the technicians have worked a bit on the steering tuning. In the Grand C-Max, the occupants of the second row are allowed to play extensively with the dresser seats - here they are longitudinally displaceable in the home. In addition, the backrest can be tilted. With the short version 230 Euro extra is due for movable chairs. Only a little more generous, the rear seats should have failed already and offer a touch more contour. In front you sit but perfectly.
We do not even want to talk about the optional third row in the Grand C-Max - but it's only intended as emergency seating anyway. Even after the facelift, the two variants can be distinguished on the rear portals, the rear of the larger version can be seen on the practical sliding doors. Speaking of practicality: the electric tailgate now has a sensor, so it only takes one foot to simply open the rear compartment with full hands. Unfortunately, this gimmick is only available for the top model. But even without the C-Max is fun.
Author: Patrick Broich / SP-X