Although I haven't yet had the chance to drive a Ford Focus C-MAX (I have a licence but unfortunately no insurance), I am able to comment on the car from the point of view of a passenger.
When stationary, the engine is almost silent, bringing one to wonder all too often if the car has stalled. ... Read review
Advantages: Spacious, quiet, reliable Disadvantages: Uncomfortable, rear windows don't open all the way, weak parcel shelf, oversensitive seat belts
...the chance to drive a Ford Focus C-MAX (I have a licence but unfortunately no insurance), I am able to comment on the car from the point of view of a passenger.
When stationary, the engine is almost silent, bringing one to wonder all too often if the car has stalled. Its low volume is appreciated but can be unnerving for some drivers! I'm not complaining though!
The first thing that will strike you if you are used to ... ...a craned neck in a Ford Focus.
All the headrests are too far forwards so that they push one's head and neck forwards uncomfortably. At least the rear ones can be pushed down - that will solve the problem. Or so I thought. In the down position, the rear headrests get in the way of the average adult's shoulders, pushing them forwards instead. Can you fix it half way? Of course not. That would be too sensible.
Although I haven't yet had the chance to drive a Ford Focus C-MAX (I have a licence but unfortunately no insurance), I am able to comment on the car from the point of view of a passenger.
When stationary, the engine is almost silent, bringing one to wonder all too often if the car has stalled. Its low volume is appreciated but can be unnerving for some drivers! I'm not complaining though!
The first thing that will strike you if you are used to other family cars is the height of the seats and the leg room. Sadly, this comfort is detracted from by the headrests. If you arrive at your destination relaxed in a Mercedes and cramped in a Mini, then you arrive with a craned neck in a Ford Focus.
All the headrests are too far forwards so that they push one's head and neck forwards uncomfortably. At least the rear ones can be pushed down - that will solve the problem. Or so I thought. In the down position, the rear headrests get in the way of the average adult's shoulders, pushing them forwards instead. Can you fix it half way? Of course not. That would be too sensible.
Then we come to the problem about the rear side window pillars. Ford could have positioned them further back, but instead they put them level with the rear passengers' heads. Drive over a bump and if the cars rocks from side to side, you have two passengers with concussion!
Maybe they thought adding a rear light and rear speakers would compensate for this discomfort. Well, they help a little, but not much.
Also, the seat belts are too sensitive and the parcel shelf is too weak to put much on.
On the plus side, it does have under-floor compartments at the back, folding down middle seat, an adequately-sized glove compartment and an additional map compartment on the (rather over-sized) dashboard.
If you like air conditioning, that's great. If you don't then you're going to become really annoyed when you find out that it comes on automatically every time you start the engine.
The radio is good, but I haven't tried out the CD player yet.
The windows at the front are electric (do you really need electric windows? They're so annoying!) and the ones at the back don't go down all the way (they really don't like rear passengers, do they?).
All in all, it gets one from A to B and it is Ford after all, so it is reliable (we hope!).
Advantages: Very roomy. Good layout of controls. Great for storage space Disadvantages: Acceleration can be slower than 1.8.Parking brake needs getting used to!
We picked up our new C-Max having changed it from a 04 Focus ghia. At first I was not impressed and preferred the new focus estate. After driving it mind it has amazed me how agile it is. The steering is very responsive and you get a very high position when driving. Visibilty is miles better than the focus. Also all the controls are much easier to see and use. The gearstick looks akward but is surprisingly easy to use.
The electronic parking brake takes getting used to but its not too much trouble. Coming from a 1.8 TDCi to a 1.6 is a bit slower on acceleration but the fuel economy is much better.
The internal mirror which folds down to keep an eye on your kids is very good.
We upgraded to a Sony single CD with 8 speakers and I must say its clarity is excellant. The ford version is nice but you have to have it loud to hear the music ...
Advantages: Amazing car with superb handling and very comfortable and practical Disadvantages: The 1.6 TDCI isn't quite a performer and the economy is poor for a diesel!!
Test Model
FordFocusC-MAX1.6 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 FocusC-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 ...
Advantages: comfortable, economical, spacious Disadvantages: Has a Ford badge on the front
Well, here we are, after nearly a year, my new company car has arrived, or rather, I had to go and collect it from Bristol. It is a diesel engined focus CMax 1.6 TDCI Style.
The Style is one of the cheaper versions but is more than acceptable in terms of comfort and equipment.
It is going to be my home from home for the next four working years so I hope I chose wisely.
<>I deliberately chose a lower emission model as those horrible people at HMRC like to tax the drivers of company cars, as though having one was some kind of benefit. It's my workplace; does anyone else have to pay tax to sit in an office, factory or shop? I think not! Having to pay for the privilege of going to work seems to be the ultimate unfairness but I suppose that's what life's all about. Our government's goal in life seems to be to take ...
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