Ford B-Max reveals attractive figure

Here’s a nifty little “infographic” detailing what the new Ford B-Max mini-MPV delivers, economy-wise, and as we’d rightfully expect from the freshest car to the segment; it’s trumping the opposition in the mpg- and CO2-stakes. And this is thanks to a sippy mixture of the latest frugal engine tech, eco-electronics and in-car driver prompts for early gear shifts.

The opposition in question are the Vauxhall Meriva and Citroen C3 Picasso mini-MPVs; both cars that we see plenty of on the road, and Ford’s new, Fiesta-based family-ferry looks to undercut them in terms of economy, while also bringing fresh interior packaging ideas to the table. Most notably the sliding rear doors that are a dentist’s dream. They open wide!

So, the engines. The really new engine block on the block is the 1-litre EcoBoost petrol; a 3-cylinder tiddler that can be sat on a piece of A4 paper and uses the latest turbo-tech to make low-end torque when needed, but with a small capacity takes generally smaller sips moment to moment. Ford quote the combined economy for this engine as 57.6mpg, with CO2 at 114g/km. This is said to beat the competition cars by at least 10mpg, with CO2 stated as nearly 30g/km better, at best.

The 1.6-litre TDCi-powered B-Max returns 70.6mpg (quoted), with CO2 at 104g/km. This again beats the best averages from the Vauxhall and Citroen, but not by such wide margins as the petrol-powered comparisons. Still, these eco-figures - and price - are the modern-day guide for many frugal-focused families dropping into dealerships.

Other new B-Max tech aimed at reducing petrol pump patronage include Auto-Start-Stop, which automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle; the Ford Eco Mode driver information system, which prompts drivers to tune their driving style to a greener tint; a Gear Shift Indicator to remind you when to pop it up a cog; and Smart Regenerative Charging, which charges the battery at the most economical points in a journey, when braking, for example.

The Ford Fiesta is a TotallyMotor test drive favourite, so the Fiesta-based B-Max comes from enjoyable on-road stock, and that bodes well for drivers and families that need the space and practicality but without sacrificing a bit of back lane fun.

B-Max goes on show for real at the Geneva Motor Show early next month and will be in Ford dealers, ready for your inspection, from September.

www.ford.co.uk





By Daniel Anslow

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