Ford B-Max in a class if its own

What sets the B-Max apart from just about everything else on the road is its hinged front doors and sliding rear doors that provide the easiest, most convenient in/egress (via a gap of 1,5 metres wide) of anything else in its class and price range. It is a feature guaranteed to make life so much easier for small families, school-run taxi drivers, supermarket shoppers, as well as the not so mobile silver-haired segment of the market.

To complement the easy entrance, the B-Max has a flexible seating system with seven different seat-folding combinations, as well as an adjustable luggage compartment floor.

Passenger safety

To ensure passenger safety, Ford has strengthened the body and door structures so that it delivers the same outstanding levels of crash protection as vehicles with a more conventional structure. It also has seven airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, 'Follow me home' lights, LED daytime running lights, seat belt reminder, remote central-locking, anti-theft alarm and engine immobiliser, front and rear parking sensors plus reverse camera, and even a child observation mirror and child door locks (essential because of the sliding back doors on either side).

Further occupant protection features include electronic stability program (ESP) with ABS, traction control, hill launch assist, emergency brake assist (EBA), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and anti-roll protection.

Three specifications

The B-Max comes in three specification levels powered by two versions of the 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine that won the International Engine of the Year award for four years running.

The entry-level B-MAX Ambiente produces 74kW while the mid-range Trend and range-topping Titanium derivatives push out 92kW output. Both versions churn out 170Nm of torque. Combined cycle fuel consumption is claimed to be 4.9l/100km with CO2 emissions of only 114g/km for the 92kW models.

At the media launch I drove the flagship Titatium model which, like the other two versions, is based on Ford's global B-car platform also found on the popular Fiesta. Even though I have driven a number of 1.0-litre-powered vehicles, the EcoBoost engine never fails to impress with its peppy delivery. Linked to a five-speed manual transmission, it gallops along smoothly and, even at a fair rate of knots the ride, is quiet and comfortable.

Leaning towards comfort

In spite of its slightly boxy shape, it holds the road well even though the suspension and steering combination leans towards comfort rather than performance. The living quarters are furnished with a range of quality fixtures one would generally expect to find on a much pricier vehicle and includes leather trim, armrests, adjustable steering wheel, fully reclining 60/40 split rear seats, adjustable driver seat, plus a full length panoramic roof to name a few of the prominent features. But the star of the features undoubtedly is the Ford's SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system along with audio/CD/MP3 with eight speakers, USB and Aux linked to steering wheel controls.

Other nice-to-haves include keyless entry, electronic temperature control, rain-sensing wipers, MyKey functionality, cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, power windows, rear privacy glass, automatic headlamps and ambiente lighting which provides LED lighting for the footwell and stowage bin.

The B-Max is really in a class of its own, but you can probably weigh it up against the similar-sized Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai IX35 and Kia Sportage, although none of them come close to offering the same versatility and rich array of passenger comforts and occupant protection.

Ford is on a new-model roll with new models pouring into the country, including the eagerly-awaited "pony car", the iconic Ford Mustang which will be here before the end of the year, and the B-Max is sure to add to the brand's current sales impetus.

The B-Max models and prices, inclusive of a four-year/120,000km warranty, four-year/60,000km service plan and three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance, are:

• 1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente - R224,900
  
• 1.0 EcoBoost Trend - 246,900
  
• 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium - R271,900