Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Ford B-MAX MPV (2012-2017) - Interior & comfort

The Ford B-MAX is an easy car to live with, but its dashboard feels cluttered

Carbuyer Rating

3.9 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.4 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Interior & comfort Rating

3.5 out of 5

The Ford B-MAX has a firm yet comfortable ride, which has been tuned specifically for UK roads. It doesn’t lean much when going around corners and bumps are dealt with admirably. But it can be noisy sitting inside the B-MAX at motorway speeds, because there’s no sixth gear – the engines have to work hard to maintain a steady cruise.

Ford B-MAX dashboard

The Ford B-MAX is based on the Ford Fiesta, so you’ll recognise most of the dashboard layout and design if you’ve ever sat in one of those cars. Ford’s interior materials are fairly attractive, beating the Vauxhall Meriva and Kia Venga for quality, but the centre console has too many confusing buttons – although they are at least easy to reach. The seats are comfortable and hold you in place around corners, while it’s simple to adjust the steering wheel for reach and rake.

Equipment

For 2017, Ford has revised the trim levels and the entry-level B-MAX is now better equipped, but also more expensive, starting from just over £16,000. The cheapest diesel costs over £17,000, which is a significant jump up. In fairness, though, both Vauxhall and Hyundai ask a similar amount for a Meriva or ix20 with diesel power. We think the EcoBoost petrol engines in Zetec Navigator trim offer the best all-round value in the B-MAX.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Zetec Navigator trim now has sat nav as standard, along with essentials like alloy wheels, Bluetooth, air-conditioning and a trip computer, as well as luxuries like a heated front windscreen and leather interior highlights, as well as a child observation mirror.

Titanium Navigator models get bigger 16-inch alloy wheels and add a Sony stereo, climate control, cruise control, folding door mirrors and automatic headlamps and wipers. The Titanium X Navigator is one of the best equipped mini MPVs, with a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, part-leather seats, heated front seats and tinted windows.

Options

We think the £200 Active City Stop safety feature is well worth considering, as it could prevent you having a minor bump in traffic – but we wish this was fitted as standard. Other options include the £300 City Pack, which includes rear parking sensors and folding door mirrors. A rear-view parking camera will set you back £600, while Ford’s SYNC multimedia system with Bluetooth phone connectivity, a USB port and voice control used to be an optional extra, but is now fitted as standard, with the Sony system on Titanium Navigator trims and above.

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

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
4 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
4 Oct 2024

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

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
21 Mar 2024

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
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 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