Ford B-MAX MPV 2013 review - CarBuyer

Ford B-MAX MPV 2014 review: bit.ly/H4Tb6t
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"The Ford B-MAX is a brilliantly usable, great-to-drive small people carrier."
If you need a bit more space than a small hatchback but don't want to have to contend with the driveabilty of a full blown MPV then you may wish to consider a Ford B Max. It's as easy to drive as a Ford Fiesta but is much more spacious and hugely practical.
We shall start with these doors because there is no pillar here and these sliding open means it is easy to clamber in. In fact Ford claim this layout offers double the opening space than that of rival car Vauxhall Meriva. Once inside there is room for tall people, I don't fall in that category at 5foot4and a half but I assure this high roof line is very accommodating.
You may be worrying about what a lack of a door pillar does to the car's safety. Well you don't need to. Ford has fitted extra strengthening to the B Max's frame to ensure the B-Max offers the same protection in a side impact as its other cars.
Next there is the boot, it's a decent size and has a secret floor.
And the attention to space and design continues all the way to the driver as well. The controls are easy to get to, tons of storage and plenty of adjustment in the seat - including reach and rake on the steering wheel.
I promised you it was easy to drive well it is, the suspension is set up so it feels comfortable on the road with no alarming roll in the corners or spine shudders over the lumps and bumps. It is however taller than a Fiesta so it will lean a bit in the corners but this isn't a negative, it's to be expected. Ford are proud of its latest in safety technology, an option you can go for with the B Max is Auto City Stop which stops you from bumping in to the car in front.
They are also proud of their low litre ecoboost engines, which combine better efficiency with a decent amount of power. The 1.6 diesel however returns over 70mpg which is great if you will be spending most of the time on the motorway. If however you need an automatic you will have to go for the less frugal 1.6 petrol.
This is where the negatives starts, although I cannot complain about the fact that even the entry level model comes with DAB digital radio, the buttons are fussy and there's too many! In fact the whole interior is not up to the same standard as VW.
However it's cheap to buy and run, and all cars come with RAC cover, although hopefully you will not need that as Ford has scored highly in our sister titles Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. But its best party trick is the Easy Access System you get with these doors.

[@adelrefaatahmed8244]

I bought one, one year ago 1.6 automatic, It is astonishing car small from outside, big inside, easy to drive and park. I think it may be the best small family car in my country Egypt.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

As an MPV it's exactly the opposite from most SUV's which are 'large from outside, small on inside'!

[@1989rs500]

The best looking B segment MPV ever made, the most fun 2 drive and the best in economy and even though interior quality is not upto mark as a VW its far better equipped, no wonder this car was runner up of world car of the year 2013

[@adeelanhar2265]

I love this car so much!!! amans friend has its and I can't explain how excited I am to experience the b - max tomorrow

[@ludo_]

I can never concentrate when Rebecca reviews a car...

[@walterscott6435]

I bought this car new about 6 months ago. It's fantastic! i have the 1.6 auto & it has been a joy to have, no problems & good MPG about 45-48 (i don't drive very fast) A few people here talk about build quality not being great but i can't find fault. Well finished and reliable.n Great car!!!

[@800764]

+Walter Scott Whats it like for parking in a busy street. Is it much bigger than say a focus. It looks enormous onscreen.

[@AidanMillward]

+Thefatscotsman It's on the Fiesta platform, so it's not much bigger than one. I drove one last week and a Ford test drive day and it surprised everybody with how easy to drive, how much kit and how good it is for the money. I'd wait until they come with the new touch screen systems that are now in the Focus/Mondeo/C Max as they are much better than what's in that particular model. My father-in-law has a Kuga with that nav in and I agree with Rebecca: It's fiddly even for someone as tech savvy as me; and there's too many buttons. Ford's new system is BRILLIANT

[@walterscott6435]

+Thefatscotsman Sorry I didn't get back to you regarding the B Max's ease of parking (or otherwise) You're right about it looking quite big but it really isn't. As amillwardmusic says it's based on the Fiesta. The parking sensors make it almost impossible to hit anything behind you. I find that I rely almost exclusively on the mirrors when reversing into a space in a busy street. The one minus point on the B Max is possibly the areas of visibility being restrictive when looking behind you while reversing. Maybe this is a trait of modern cars, bulky window surrounds. That's why I mostly use mirrors. Apart from that, this car is excellent. I've owned it for about 2& a half years now with no problems whatsoever & will consider buying another new one when I sell it

[@bobwalsh3751]

I wish they imported these to the States. I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

[@Alaatin61]

The car is nice to

[@TulsaFordOK]

I love the van-like doors.

[@wolfhead74]

Most 'new' Fords over the past few years (Focus, Fusion, new Escape (based on Kuga)) are cars designed by Ford Europe so while the parent company is American, these are all European cars.

[@emanueltkidebwana6590]

Every time I need a car review,I need rebbeca to do that for me

[@Retrofordguy]

yes instead of usual steel they use this time they used boron steel which is has a higher strength the B pillar has been made as part of the roof structure and sills also notice the doors have a thickness where the B pillar would be it is because its also been built into the doors when doors are shut they lock together providing a safety cage

[@EnviousNinja]

so noticed in a few reviews now she always says "5 foot 4 and a half" how much difference does that half really make? lol

[@TheDanielRabbit]

I love how you just take the piss by constantly emphasising "five foot four and a half". You are honestly awesome. I love this channel so much guys, keep up the good work :)

[@pashow6486]

Carbuyer and Top Gear have absolutely nothing in common except for the fact that they talk about cars.

[@adelabdula3338]

The car is made in Craiova,Romania.

[@iacobemil1431]

Am Bmw E46 din 2000

[@simmyqux]

That has got to be one of the best ideas ever for a small car. Wow! Ford please bring this to the USA, with the diesel!

[@mauricemusa]

Yes you are right that Carbuyer and Top Gear have nothing in common, but incase you didn't know,Rebecca is a professional racing car driver, so she'l do well on Top Gear as well.

[@paulhic1]

Brilliant review I have a bmax and its a fantastic car

[@maxandsyd14]

BRING THIS TO THE USA ALREADY!

[@humptymont]

Rebecca is the reason I watch this review.

[@rickgreen626]

How secret is that floor ???????????????????????????

[@crimblycrimbo6332]

That last sentence makes a lot of sense...

[@zippy814]

why is car buyer obsessed with water bottle space

[@AdrianAzizSantoso-gq7rw]

good question

[@pgreg8528]

Stay hydrated

[@wolfhead74]

Agree - they have a written review on their website but not a video one - would be a nice one to see as we do not seem to see many cars from Seat, Renault or Citroen on here...mostly German, Ford, Vauxhall etc

[@tectorama]

Don't buy the Auto (powershift) We bought our 2014 BMax in 2017. I was told the clutch had been replaced once. It has now been replaced again under the used car 12 month warranty. They tried the software upgrade but it made no difference. When it works it is fine. Just fingers crossed it doesn't go again.

[@godzillasballs]

i agree, easy access is the best :)

[@lewiscompton3683]

Advice to CarBuyer - make KZbin get rid of all the fake versions of this video. CarBuyer is a trademark so you should have no trouble getting them to delete it.

[@PacificBlue51]

FORD !!!! bring this to the US market!

[@AnsisX]

I hate Vans, but if I'd need to buy one I'd go for the Opel/Vauxhall Zafira with the Boomerang-Lights, looks so awesome.

[@farcinue]

Ford should bring this to the US. There's not much competition other than the mazda 5, and would be a good alternative for people who don't want a full sized mini-van, which have gotten bigger and bigger.

[@deepclinicq]

Dear Becca, Jeremy, Richard and James cannot b doing Top Gear forever..... They look their age now. Please try out for Top Gear. Your skills will be appreciated by everyone. All the best

[@troyx0]

If only more gas stations in the US had diesel. 70 miles to a gallon for the 1.6l version, plus all the torque.

[@abdulwahedy5528]

B max or C max, which one is better?

[@tyraela115]

Yeah I`m aware of Auto Express`s review but it`s ok. My advice - just check if you`re not sure next time before posting. :)

[@thihal123]

Ford Europe is really making innovative cars. I haven't seen this car in the US. And folks, stop the sexual harassing and Internet whistling!

[@wolfhead74]

Probably has strengthened bars running the sides and middle of the roof from front to back to cover that - would not pass crash testing otherwise I guess and it has 5 stars in Euro NCAP tests

[@xanpagebrown]

That's the same one that fifth gear used, I can tell by the number plate

[@lj2684]

Oh yeah, you're right it is. That must've been one for journalists and stuff

[@HowkeyLL]

If you slide the front seat back for higher people, you have big trouble getting in the back seats.

[@jodelmeister20001]

Romania, Missisipi.

[@saadayahgbolo60]

B-MAX! Go Open!

[@water892]

Top Gear and CarBuyer are totally different shows.

[@a.g.9847]

+jedsebastian, Not in the UK: here they are considered average size, if a bit big.

[@johnstonchan993]

i like the no b pillar design

[@TRIVIUMDAVEX]

Auto Express have done a review, that's probably where I'd seen it, apologies :P

[@Retrofordguy]

because there are three main ford categories ford of america ford of Europe and ford of Australia each one had there own separate markets nowadays this aint the case as america now has eurobox cars like cmax focus fiesta etc europe is thinking about having a mustang but with a piddelie 4 cylinder ecoboost and aus has the falcon and utes just depends on the markets that there aiming for

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Very trick offering. Should do well. Looks good too.

[@W1nst0n69]

OH YES SHAKE IT BABY !!!!!!

[@theogceilingfanman]

You don’t know how much this comment made me laugh when I was like 6

[@fabulousprofound]

i wish the show could spare a few seconds to take a shot of the engine bay for us petrolheads out there to see in all reviews?

[@poke125]

yeah it's basically day and night

[@SkinnyEMedia]

Wish they sold these in North America but unfortunately the closest thing on sale is the EcoSport.

[@JurgenDX]

The lack of a B Pillar worries me... What will support the roof in case of a rollover?

[@tyraela115]

Do a Citroen C4 Picasso 2013 review carbuyer!

[@AnsisX]

I've never seen a better one than the '13 model, you wouldn't call this one beautiful, would you?

[@dontmesswithpandas]

It's like a mini mini van

[@sudds750]

PLEASE stop telling us how tall you are...or at least change the way you do it...other than that, another good vid. Thanks

[@mieguistumas]

KZbin curently works somehow strange for me. Those controles to play of pause video don't work at all and scale, that shows where you are at the video always show "0:00". Is it just my problem?

[@JurgenDX]

Oh ok,thanks for the interesting info!

[@onoff314]

She would be much better suited to a role on Fifth Gear than Top Gear.

[@kylem134]

the boot always a decent size

[@Madmonkeyitch]

I like how she talks like she's dizzy from her head hitting the headboard too hard. Over and over.

[@headcas620]

It'd cannibalize the sales of the escape. Not gonna happen.

[@germ321]

How's the noise insulation? That's another thing I worry about when I see these doors.

[@TRIVIUMDAVEX]

They already have done.

[@BestCarSound]

Oh c'mon, it's not that easy to change presenter especially on BBC, don't you think!? But yes, Rebecca is talented :)

[@oliversusnea2415]

Romanian President was the first B-Max Customer

[@crimblycrimbo6332]

'They look their age now', so? Because someone looks older we should kick them off television?... That's probably why modern television is so shit because that's the perception people have nowadays. I personally hope Jeremy, Richard and James do it for as long as they're physically able and Rebecca and Mat stick to reviewing cars.

[@echerechesiu]

I think you would have to compare the B-Max to a Touran though

[@TheDeadlyxRocker]

Agreed

[@PhonyxHack]

Why not? MB S class have it.

[@Pienimusta]

So it will brake before you can leave the car shop

[@Ccleanerable]

I agree

[@MattHealey.]

That comment a our Russian roulette is idiotic. The car frame and doors use aircraft style hinges to clamp shut and the body and doors use boron steel ffs. It's a very safe car

[@electronizersrbija]

And that i suppose is a good thing?

[@lillydike]

i like this car too

[@Ccleanerable]

B max is smaller, Touran should be compare with C Max

[@octchung]

Technical data and specification are missing, and

[@ushimisako]

thats true but Rebeca is racing driver :)

[@Letanca]

Why don't you make a test in a rain, wind or winter and we'll see how good it is in this wheather ... it will cool imediatly in winter and you'll be wet when it rains... try to step out with front doors closed from backseat when car is mesy :(

[@mazdapremacy97]

So now you're worried and the fiat 500l being made in serbia is no problem.

[@ravzb40]

Do a renault Captur review Please

[@MrFriedgreentomatos]

Rebecca Jackson, anyone know if she's got a boyfriend?

[@petewitham8061]

MrFriedgreentomatos I

[@rayaanshaikh5830]

likely to break down then

[@christophernewman5027]

Yep, l would...

[@PedroFTeixeira]

The rear reminds me of a Kia Venga.

[@saransinegan]

Why do the B-Max review now! You should of done this ages ago.

[@wolfhead74]

So you've never driven one then? I drive a Ford crossover and it is more than fast enough

[@n1kitaqvz]

I have a ford b max aswell

[@B3ansGuy]

Russian roullette? You must know very little about how capable car companies are at engineering completely safe chassis that don't have a B-pillar, it's very possible

[@alleycatpinkcat3841]

How do you open the boot from inside the car ?

[@AbsoloutelyNothing]

I'm sorry, what did she say?

[@jezzypoo7]

What car was this video about again..?

[@Jflux69]

Another great Car you can't buy in the US

[@hoodnationproductions]

Looks like a fiesta if it was a mpv

[@lucaslovesnumber5]

It's just a short kuga

[@dbnpoldermans4120]

I'm torn between proposing to her to marry me or slapping her with that annoying big water bottle. Just kidding, Love the show. I've watched all episodes since I discovered this channel

[@TomekSamcik69]

It's so cute... !

[@prontoklasik]

no bloopers this time : (

[@laplanetsquad8935]

5"4 1/2 beauty where is your yellow/ black banana today?

[@a.g.9847]

Why are the mirrors ridiculous?

[@konic40]

im guessing thr back seats fold