Used Ford C-Max Review (2013-2019) MK2
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Super practical
- Surprisingly fun to drive
- Well-equipped as standard
- Diesel variants are more expensive
- Interior may feel dated
- Larger alloys can spoil comfort
What's the Ford C-Max like?
The Ford C-Max MPV went out of production in 2019, making way for the company's range of SUVs after people carriers went out of favour with the majority of buyers.
But it makes fantastic family transport at a fraction of the cost of the 4x4 lookalikes that replaced it.
Because of its popularity new, the C-Max is a great bargain second time around. It's also a good car in every way and good fun to drive.
Engines
Diesels are more sought after and therefore more expensive, so that for most buyers, petrol would represent better value over time. And petrol models are also likely to come with fewer miles on the clock.
The gain in economy with a diesel takes a long time to cover the extra purchase cost, even with used cars.
As an example, a new C-Max diesel took about 50,000 miles or four years before it broke even with the petrol.
A wide range of petrol and diesel engines meant there is something to suit every owner, and there are plenty around.
Economy and Performance
Early petrols were 1.6-litre, with 103, 113 or 123bhp, but from 2015, 1.0-litre and 1.6-litre Ecoboost turbo units replaced them, the 1.0-litre having 100 or 125bhp, and the 1.6-litre either 148 or 177bhp.
The early 1.6-litre units have an official economy average of around 44mpg, while the 1.0-litre is rated at 55mpg and the 1.6-litre Ecoboost at 45mpg.
The diesel range, which are designated TDCI, are either 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre. The 1.6-litre has power outputs of 93 and 113bhp in different models, while the 2.0-litre starts at 113bhp, and rises through 138 to 160bhp.
The 1.6-litre is rated at 62mpg while the 2.0-litre gets an average of 55 to 60mpg.
The 1.6-litre turbo petrols are the performance kings in the range, covering the 0 to 60mph sprint in a best of 8.5 seconds, while the top diesel covers it in 9.2 seconds.
But the little 1.0-litre turbo is no slouch either, with the 125bhp bringing up the benchmark in 10.6 seconds.
As well as the new petrol engines added in 2015, there was a 1.5-litre TDCI with 118bhp and very low emissions, but its economy is rated lower than that of the 1.6-litre at 57mpg.
Early 1.6-litre petrol engines had a 5-speed gearbox while the 1.0-litre and 1.6-litre Ecoboost models, and all the diesels, get a 6-speed. An automatic was also available across much of the range.
Performance is good in most models, and they handle very well through the corners. The ride is also excellent over most surfaces, only spoiled in the most powerful models by the usual fit big alloys and very low profile tyres.
Practicality and Equipment
With facelifts and engine changes, the C-Max was on the market for eight years.
All have a quality interior, good levels of equipment and of course, plenty of interior space.
Peter Hawyard
There is also a Grand C-Max with seven seats, but the rearmost two are only large enough for smaller children.
Post 2015, the C-Max was given the latest, smoother Ford front end and grille and the interior was up-rated.
Lowest Zetec models have equipment including alarm, stability control, air con, loads of airbags, rake-and-reach-adjustable steering, alloys, emergency brake warning, DAB radio and audio system with six speakers, USB and aux-in, Bluetooth, heated windscreen and a multi-function steering wheel.
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The Ford C-Max is a large MPV that offers a comfortable ride and a good level of practicality, making it ideal for family life. Whilst SUVs are becoming a popular choice for many, MPV's such as the C-Max are still a great used buy thanks to their great all-round capabilities.
