Ford Focus C-MAX 1.6i 16V TDCi SIII

Test Model
Ford Focus C-MAX 1.6 TDCI (109) Zetec
Reg no: BF55 LLZ
UK model RHD
Mileage 6800

Printed 0-60: 11.3
Printed max speed: 115 mph

Following on from the success of their class leading small family hatchback, Ford decided to have a dabble in the compact MPV market using the Focus as a test bed. The new Focus C-Max was released in 2003 and was a preview of how the Focus hatchback ...
...and also hinted on what Ford had in mind for the new Focus. With a new model came new engines, shunning away with Fords old 1.8 diesel engine Ford opted for the use of the PSAs 1.6 and 2.0 diesel units (the 2.0 unit which had established itself as the Mondeos popular engine). The look of the C-Max is quite misleading is does actually look a reasonable size from the outside but the moment you step in it you realise how spacious it really is. The model ... more

Test Model
Ford Focus C-MAX 1.6 TDCI (109) Zetec
Reg no: BF55 LLZ
UK model RHD
Mileage 6800

Printed 0-60: 11.3
Printed max speed: 115 mph

Following on from the success of their class leading small family hatchback, Ford decided to have a dabble in the compact MPV market using the Focus as a test bed. The new Focus C-Max was released in 2003 and was a preview of how the Focus hatchback replacement was heading to look.

The C-Max itself is a handsome car for a bulky MPV and to be honest since their release I have been rather fond of them. The styling bought the car in line with the forever being revised Mondeo and also hinted on what Ford had in mind for the new Focus. With a new model came new engines, shunning away with Fords old 1.8 diesel engine Ford opted for the use of the PSAs 1.6 and 2.0 diesel units (the 2.0 unit which had established itself as the Mondeos popular engine). The look of the C-Max is quite misleading is does actually look a reasonable size from the outside but the moment you step in it you realise how spacious it really is. The model I drove was in metallic black and was the Zetec model so had front fog lights in the front valance and 16" alloys. All models have a spoiler lip on the roof of the tailgate. The width of the car isn't that bad and it's stunted nose and sleek lines make it loom, very sporty for the type of car that it actually is. The rear lights are quite high up and the tailgate is well shaped and gives optimum width and height for fitting in all the stuff you need. With the lines comes a long sweeping windscreen, which then in turn creates front quarter windows which restricts vision.

Inside the car is very spacious although can get quite draughty when cold, and the cabin quality is overall reasonably good. The dashboard is big and is mostly made of a soft rubbery plastic; it is that big that it actually has a lift up storage compartment. There is a mixture of high quality soft plastics and low quality hard plastics' making it difficult to establish what type of quality the car is going for. The seats are reasonably comfortable and the driving position is good. The gear stick is well positioned at the base of the dashboard. The Zetec model has a leather wrapped steering wheel, manual air conditioning, quick clear windscreen, trip computer, cd player, lumber support and an armrest on the drivers' seat. All models have the flex seating for the rear where the centre chair has got a detachable belt that disappears up to the roof and then the seat folds down to create a table with cup holes or it can be folded away and the flanking seats can be pushed more to the centre to create more space for two occupants. On the rear of the front seats is airline style folding trays with cup holders. All the rear seats can all be taken out for a virtually flat floor. The boot is very spacious with an easy to fold away parcel shelf.

The Nitty Gritty

When it comes to a comfortable ride and handling in an MPV you can't go far wrong with the C-Max. The model I am reviewing is with the 1.6 109ps TDCI power plant which to be honest is no real flamer. This is one of the biggest cars I have ever driven but with the smallest diesel I have ever experienced. There is no real problem with the 109 horses that the engine produces but the 1.6 cubic capacity is not enough to produce the torque to make this car move the way it looks. Don't get me wrong the car goes quite well and is comfortable to drive but there is no blistering performance at all and the torque is such a let down from a diesel. Maybe if it had a detuned 2.0 at 110bhp it might be a bit better but the 1.6 just barely scrapes it. The other problem is the economy with it being such a small engine pulling such a lump of a car it is working hard and the published urban figure of 44mpg is way off what I am getting, so I have to settle with 31mpg it is just ridiculous and I promise you I have been driving it normally. But now I have got that out of the way lets get down to the rest. As I have mentioned before I have not been racing this around so having really been testing it for speed or any major performance but I will have to say that when you are going quite quick the handling is superb. The steering is electric hydraulic assistance power steering but the trip computer has a steering setting enabling you to set it harder by choosing sport mode. The cars' steering on standard is very light and there is no real feeling of the road but in sport mode the car is actually quite a lot of fun. In the bends it handles absolutely superb even with it being so top heavy some of the best handling I have ever experienced and you still have a comfortable ride. The turning circle is also quite short enabling more precise turning and less lock turns. I will admit that the 1.6 TDCI isn't too bad when you get going and the car handles the diesel unit with no trouble with fantastic stability and virtually no roll.

Overall

I love this car it is amazing and has really grown on me quickly ( I want one). I personally would rather choose the 2.0 TDCI 136 with 6 speed gearbox I would also try and get the GHIA version with added cruise control and climate control, but to be honest the 1.6 TDCI Zetec isn't all that bad. The C-Max is in my opinion the most attractive MPV on the market and the handling is superb, if you are not too bothered about blistering performance then the 1.6 TDCI should do you fine, but if you like a bit of a sprint then the 2.0 TDCI is the obvious choice. The interior in certain places is disappointing but the sheer look and handling of the car makes your forget that quickly. It is a very sexy, fun and practical MPV and beats the Scenic hands down.
 

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