just as Ford has updated the S-MAX, Focus and focus Estate, it’s now overhauled the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX.
The compact five and seven-seat MPVs are based on the same platform as the focus and get similar visual and mechanical upgrades. That implies a new chrome trapezoidal grille and a set of much more sculpted headlights. Ford has also moved the washer jets to underneath the windscreen to help clean up the lines a bit.
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At the rear, the tail-lights have been redesigned, and the bootlid is smoother. There are two new exterior colours available for both cars, too: a brown-grey Caribou paint (seen on the Grand C-MAX) and Red Rush, which has been applied to the C-MAX in our pictures.
The interior gets the same simplified layout as the Focus, centred around a new eight-inch colour touchscreen. This now controls much of the infotainment, which has allowed Ford to get rid of numerous of the small, confusing buttons from the outgoing C-MAX. There’s a new SYNC 2 system available as well – this brings with it a greater use of voice commands.
Drivers can adjust the cabin temperature or even simply say “I’m hungry” to find out where the nearest restaurants are.
A redesigned centre storage console provides much more space, while Ford has enhanced the capacity of the upper storage space in the dashboard. There’s a new USB connection for charging your phone, too.
Engine updates follow those applied to the Focus, so there are new 1.5-litre TDCi diesel and 1.5 EcoBoost petrol models, providing the same power as the outgoing 1.6-litre units, but with improvements to fuel economy.
Ford has said that the 1.0-litre EcoBoost will continue to be offered, and can return 99g/km in the five-seat C-MAX – down from 117g/km in the current model.
Sales of the new models begin early next year, and following the lead of the Focus, Ford will want to keep the C-MAX’s £17,650 starting price.
