You know the Ford C-MAX? Well, on its way to Irish shores is the Ford B-MAX – smaller, but with a versatile interior and very cool doors.
Ford have provided an early preview to their next addition to their fleet at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the B-MAX.
The most striking features of the B-MAX are the twin rear sliding doors, made possible thanks to a new body design that eliminates the need for a traditional B pillar (the strip of metal that runs down between the front door and back door on each side of a car). Without that pesky B pillar to contend with, the doors give clear access to a versatile cabin that belies the compact size of the vehicle.
“With its highly popular S-MAX and Galaxy, and more recently the all-new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, Ford has a proven history of bringing innovation and style to the multi-activity vehicle market,” says Stephen Odell, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.
“The new B-MAX signals that Ford is ready to bring the same bold thinking to the small car market. With its unique door format and dynamic design, the B-MAX sends a strong message that customers looking for a compact, stylish and versatile vehicle will soon have an exciting new choice.” he added.
At slightly more than 4 metres in length, the B-MAX is only 11 cm longer than the Fiesta five-door, and is a full 32 cm shorter than the new C-MAX.
“With the B-MAX we set out to create a vehicle that captures the spirit of a smaller
S-MAX,” said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s Executive Design Director. “We wanted to show that a small car could be very spacious and practical inside, while still having the sleek, dynamic appearance that has made the S-MAX so popular.”
Interior versatility
The B-MAX combines the integrated B-pillar door format with a flexible and easy-to-alter seating system.
With both front and rear doors open there’s a pretty huge, clear aperture measuring over 1.5 metres wide. This is around twice the width offered by most of the B-MAX’s competitors.
Having folded the 60/40 split rear seats and the front passenger seat to create a flat load floor, the large side access makes it easy to load bulky items such as flat-pack furniture or a bike.
With the front passenger seat folded, the interior is capable of swallowing loads measuring up to 2.35 metres in length. The sense of space in the interior is enhanced by a full-size panoramic glass roof.
Low CO2 powertrain
Given the rise in the price of petrol to over €1.50 per litre, thanks to problems over in Libya – a major supplier of oil to Ireland, it’s good to hear that the B-MAX looks like beeing relatively cheap to run. It’s powered by an ultra-low-CO2 powertrain, featuring a state-of-the-art three-cylinder 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine equipped with the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system.
This engine features direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing to achieve significant reductions in fuel-consumption and CO2 emissions.
“The B-MAX demonstrates Ford’s commitment to providing customers with exciting and innovative vehicles,” says Stephen Odell. “We believe that the new concepts and technologies it showcases will have a major impact on the small car market.”
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