Just as the Touran previewed the platform for the Mark V Golf, so the C-MAX stands on the platform Ford will use for the next-generation Focus, although it's already putting on the miles in the new Volvo S40 and V50. Largely as a result of that chassis and suspension, the C-MAX is noticeably more agile than many of its rivals in the compact MPV class.The C-MAX tends to seem quite big in photographs, smaller when you see it in the metal, and roomier again once you clamber aboard.It's sometimes remarked on as having a less flexible interior than some of its competitors, but what that really means is that there's a maximum of five seats, with Ford insisting that customer clinics showed little interest among potential owners in the target market for seven.In fact, the rear seat arrangements are pretty ingenious, on the Zetec and the top-of-the-range Ghia, although not on the LX. The 40/20/40 split allows the narrower centre seat (which can also be folded down to provide a work surface or picnic tray) to be slid back out of the way, and the two on the outside to move towards each other diagonally rather than, as on several rival cars . . . well, longitudinally, would that be it?So what Ford has produced is a four/five-seater offering better rear seat accommodation and elbow room in four-seater mode, a decent amount of luggage space over the back, with a narrow-rimmed spare wheel under the floor, and the usual facility of fold-down and removable rear seats to increase the load volume.There are plenty of smaller stowage places dotted around the passenger cabin, including a fascia-top compartment on the passenger's side and underfloor stowage in the rear footwells. An option on the Zetec is a centre console storage unit for drinks, cans and whatever between the front seats.With the usual MPV advantage in height, the C-MAX offers a raised driving position, and pretty good all-round visibility, although you have to get used to the way the A pillars can obscure what's coming from the side at a T-junction or crossroads.With the amount of rake on the windscreen, which has a "kick" wiper action rather than the crossover type, the foot of the screen is a long way ahead, and the driver gets no view at all of the bonnet.There are silver-finish spokes on the leather-rimmed steering wheel, and a certain amount of metallic effect on other trim features. The driver's seat has lumbar support, and the Zetec comes with a centre fold-down armrest for the driver, but not for the front passenger. This is another car with the gearlever for its five-speed transmission mounted in the centre console, and once again that seems like a sensible easy-to-reach location.For many people, the favourite engine for a car like this, especially when well laden with passengers and luggage or leisure gear, is a turbo diesel, and the C-MAX catalogue includes a couple of those, in 1.6- and two-litre capacities.On the other hand, Ford calculated even before putting the car on the market that, while around a third of all C-MAX customers would go for one or other of the turbo diesels, the 1.8 petrol Zetec as tested here would be the individual best seller in the range.In this specification the C-MAX is noticeably quieter running and while, with 121lb/ft at 4000rpm, it doesn't have anything like the TDCi levels of mid-range torque, it gets along quite smartly. Here, of course, the better than class-standard handling helps, and the new longer-wheelbase Focus platform offers a supple ride.The figures show, of course, that the 1.8 petrol model can't get near the diesels for economy, although it's interesting (even if completely irrelevant here) that the CVT option on the 1.6 TDCi comes with a substantial fuel consumption penalty over the manual version.If you don't intend to use the C-MAX as a regular and serious load-lugger, then the more refined running of the 1.8 petrol model may appeal. It’s also £1225 cheaper than the 1.6-litre Zetec TDCi.Second opinion: Agile? I'll say. The C-MAX is right at the top of the mini-MPV division for front-end responsiveness, to the point where you have to concentrate at first not to muscle the steering wheel too forcefully. Lots of nice interior touches, including the fasia-mounted gearlever, which is conveniently close to the steering wheel. Odd, though, that Ford hasn't used this to clear up the floor area between the front seats, as other manufacturers have done. Instead, Ford has taken the opportunity to add yet more storage spaces in that area, a move which probably suits the mini-MPV ethic just as well, if not better. David Finlay. Engine 1798cc, 4cylinders Power 120bhp @6000rpm Torque ib/ft @4000rpm Transmission 5 speed manual Fuel/CO2 39.8mpg / 170g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 10.8sec Top speed 120mph Price From £15008.00 approx Release date 18/10/2003
Our Rating
