Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Ford Grand C-MAX MPV (2011-2019)

"The Ford Grand C-MAX isn’t your typical seven-seat MPV – it’s genuinely fun to drive, as well as offering a very practical interior"

Carbuyer Rating

3.3 out of 5

Owners Rating

2.5 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Good engine range
  • Great to drive
  • Very quiet

Cons

  • Three-star safety rating
  • Tight third-row seats
  • EcoBoost struggles to match economy claims

The Ford Grand C-MAX can seat seven, but it’s actually a mid-sized MPV because of its relatively small footprint. So it faces rivals such as the Renault Grand Scenic, Citroen Grand C4 Picasso and Vauxhall Zafira Tourer.

Its rakish looks may not be to everyone’s liking, but the car provides plenty of clues about how it performs on the road: it’s hands-down the best to drive in its class. In fact, the C-MAX shares its platform with the Ford Focus, so perhaps the MPV’s excellent handling shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, given that car’s fun reputation.

And while the Grand C-MAX is fun to drive, it’s also practical, with sliding rear doors that provide easy access to the second and third rows of seats. That rear pair is really only suitable for kids, although the middle row can be slid forwards to boost rear legroom.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Many MPVs cover above-average miles and if you want maximum miles per gallon the 1.5-litre TDCi diesel is the one to go for, as it averages 57.7mpg with a manual gearbox. If petrol power’s your thing, there’s choice of two 1.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engines, with either 99 or 123bhp, or a 148bhp 1.5-litre Ecoboost unit.

The two 1.0-litre units both return an identical 47.9mpg, while the 1.5-litre is considerably less economical at 35.8mpg. It sounds ridiculous to put a 1.0-litre engine in a car that can carry seven people, but it’s a fantastic thing, having done sterling service in the Fiesta as well as the Focus. It offers plenty of pulling power, particularly in 123bhp guise, enabling the Grand C-MAX to keep up with motorway traffic.

As with engine choice, there are just three trim levels on offer: Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X. Zetec gets you air-conditioning, DAB digital radio, 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and a heated windscreen. The Titanium adds an eight-inch touchscreen, keyless entry, cruise control and rear parking sensors, while Titanium X models get a panoramic sunroof.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
15 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon
2024 Porsche Panamera front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
13 Mar 2024

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car
Skoda Superb Estate Carbuyer drive
In-depth reviews
15 Mar 2024

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car

More on Grand C-MAX MPV

New Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX unveiled
News
17 Sep 2014

New Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX unveiled

Ford’s MPV gets new looks, more economical engines, and revised equipment levels
Best Ford deals 2014
White Ford Fiesta ST cornering
News
16 Sep 2014

Best Ford deals 2014

Save thousands of pounds on the cost of a new Ford with our guide to the best Ford deals

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
19 Dec 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024