Name: Ford C-MAX Review
Item: Ford C-MAX
Author: Gumtree.com

First launched in 2003 as the Focus C-Max and rebadged as the Ford C-Max in 2007, this compact MPV has plenty of room for the whole family. It’s a great value second-hand buy, whether you’re shopping for a petrol or diesel model. If you like the C-Max but need even more space and flexibility, check out the seven-seat Grand C-Max. It offers all the style and practicality of the original, with extra boot space and a third row of seats.

Ready to find out whether the Ford C-Max could be your next car?

What we think about the Ford C-Max

The Ford C-Max is a spacious MPV with a super-flexible interior, stylish looks and good fuel economy.

Pros

Lots of space for passengers and luggage

Choice of efficient petrol and diesel engines

Super-comfy ride

Cons

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Manual only

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Lacks up-to-date safety features

With five doors and seats, the Ford C-Max is an MPV available with a petrol or diesel engine. The Grand C-Max offers the same engine options and adds more boot space and two extra seats. Diesel models are generally the most efficient, but all offer good fuel economy for the class. Available trims run from Zetec to Titanium and Titanium X. Whichever option takes your fancy, you’ll have to look on the used market – Ford discontinued the C-Max in 2019.

Driving performance of the Ford C Max

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

Well-weighted steering and great grip makes the C-Max more fun and involving to drive than many other MPVs. It corners smoothly and feels stable, allowing you to drive confidently, and your passengers will find it a comfy ride on all but the roughest UK B-roads. The five-seat models in particular are also fairly easy to park. If you opt for the longer seven-seat Grand C-Max, it’s worth checking whether it has the optional reverse parking sensors, as it’s quite a large car to fit into tight parking spots.

Safety and reliability of the Ford C Max

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

Euro NCAP crash safety testing gave the C-Max five out of five stars in 2010. Older models include safety features such as Isofix child seat attachment points and seatbelt reminders. Newer models have more active safety including autonomous emergency braking and speed assistance features, but only received three stars from Euro NCAP in 2017. The C-Max is a fairly reliable car in general – some models of the Grand C-Max were recalled in 2011 due to an issue with the seat folding mechanism, so if you’re considering a car of this age be sure to check its service history carefully.

Under the bonnet of the Ford C Max

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

There’s a range of petrol and diesel options available for the C-Max, and all are options on the Grand C-Max too. If you’re looking for a petrol, there’s a choice of a 1.6-litre engine offering 123 bhp on 2010-11 models, while later versions use a turbocharged 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine capable of 99 or 124 bhp. The smallest petrols make for the best city driving but can be a little noisy at higher speeds. There are three diesel engines available, too: a 1.5-litre option with 103 or 117 bhp and a powerful 2.0-litre model with 148 bhp. The C-Max is only available with manual transmission. Diesel models have a particulate filter that can get clogged if you don’t get the car up to motorway speeds fairly often. If you’re mainly planning on using your C-Max for city trips, consider going for a petrol model.

What you'll find in the Ford C Max

Our Design Rating8 / 10

With sleek styling and a gently curving roofline, the C-Max is one of the best-looking MPVs on the road. It’s available in ten different colours including a range of blues, reds, whites and greys to suit your preferences. Roof rails add a sense of swiftness to the look, and can also be used to attach a roof rack for transporting large items. The C-Max is available in three trim levels: the budget-friendly Zetec, Titanium and range-topping Titanium X. Grand C-Max models get sliding rear doors for easy access in tight parking spots.

Comfort and interiors in the Ford C Max

Our Comfort Rating9 / 10

Inside, the C-Max is super-flexible. The rear row of seats can slide forwards or back to adjust legroom and boot space. All three rear seats also fold flat individually, and the middle seat can be folded out of sight for even more room. With the seats in their normal configuration, there’s plenty of boot space and enough room for five adults to travel in comfort. Opt for the Grand C-Max, and you’ll get a truly expansive boot as well as a third row of seats. This rear row does eat into boot space and is only comfortable for kids, but can be folded flat when not in use. The dashboard is easy to use and the interior materials are pleasant, smart and soft to the touch without being so fancy you’ll worry about damaging them.

What features you'll find in the Ford C Max

Our Features Rating7 / 10

All models made after 2010 come with a good range of standard features, including a heated windscreen and a full set of electrically adjustable door mirrors and windows to make getting on the road easier. You’ll also get air conditioning and a DAB radio, making life more pleasant for passengers. Upgrading to Titanium trim adds dual-zone climate control (good for when passengers can’t agree on a temperature), automatic tyre pressure monitoring that lets you know when you need to add more air, and hill start assistance. Titanium X adds even more fancy features such as heated front seats and a panoramic sunroof.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Ford C Max

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

The regular C-Max weighs 1390kg and the Grand version is a little heavier at 1606kg, but both still manage some impressive numbers. Diesel versions offer the best fuel economy and lowest emissions. The 1.5-litre TDCi Econetic diesel model claims 64.3 mpg and emissions of 99 g/km, while the 2.0-litre model is rated as doing 68.9 mpg and emissions of 105 g/km. The most economical petrol C-Max is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost model, claiming 55.4 mpg and 117 g/km of carbon dioxide emissions.

Running costs of the Ford C Max

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

Ford servicing is usually reasonably priced, and this very much applies when you’re having your C-Max checked over – though diesel models usually cost slightly more to get serviced than petrols. When it comes to getting insurance, the C-Max sits in groups 13-27. Exactly which insurance group a model falls under will depend on engine size, fuel type and trim, with more powerful and more fancy models having higher insurance prices.

Our verdict of the Ford C Max

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Ford C-Max is a sleek, stylish MPV with a super-flexible interior that's perfect for families or adventurous adults looking for an efficient way to travel.

Ford C-Max Review