In fact, I was thinking of starting Ford C-Max’s test article with the short history of compact class minivans, but I think it would be much better to start with my mother’s first reactions. Because I think that the comments of someone who never understand the cars will add entertainment and a little more objectivity to the test; From time to time I take my mother to the test tool. When I say to my deceased father’s cars, his wife’s friends; Although my mother knows a lot of brands and models, even though it doesn’t know which brand or model it is. However, for the first time yesterday, when we entered the Ford C-Max and set out, he reacted so that I have never seen such a thing. C-MAX’s high seating position, the general appearance of the futuristic cockpit, the wide “deck”, which extends right in front of us due to the very advanced windshield, the feeling of freshness completed with a glass ceiling and light-colored flooring led to an involuntary smile on my mother and immediately asked: “What brand is this? I don’t think someone will appeal to this interpretation, indeed, sitting in the front seats, almost in the Titanik’s nose – not standing, not standing – he feels like traveling. In addition to the high seating position; Thick A columns (although negatively affect the view), the depth in the windshield, the general silence of the car and the combination of the medium hard suspension make people feel completely isolated from any danger in the outside world. As a Ford classic, I will later touch on the driving features that determine class standards.
C-Max’s design is a typical example of compact class minivans. The silhouette and proportions are exactly as expected from this class. In details such as headlight and front shutter design and floor traces of side body panels, the current Ford design language immediately manifests itself. In this sense, a typical minivan and a typical Ford. The details that give the car a strong and dynamic look are especially collected in the front and side sections, unfortunately I cannot say the same thing for C-Max’s rear design. Instead of stopping from Kia, the flat pentagonal stops we knew from S-Max and Mondeo would be more dynamic, and more emphasizing the Ford identity in the design. Due to the end of the slied windscreen in the middle of the hood, triangular glasses are also used between the front door glass and the column A, but the thick A and B columns make these glasses quite dysfunctional. Thanks to the wide -opened doors, the cabinet entrance and exits are comfortable. The electric tailgate is one of the pluses of C-Max. Until 10 years ago, there would be plastic protection bar at the gates of the cars. However; Just as the bumpers, which used to be separate and protruding from the trunk in the past, completely fused with the trunk, the protection laths left their place to the traces of no function than visuality. C-Max is not an exception. At the bottom of the doors, we often come across the concept cars of a period, and today, the ironing traces of the car design attracts attention. Due to the larger surfaces and the C-Max is a compact class family car, the design of the design is more simple than Focus and Fiesta.
When you enter the C-Max, you encounter a typical Ford cockpit. The cockpit, which we see in all of the current passenger Ford models, is also included in C-Max with small proportion and detail changes. The cockpit, which looks impressive and strong, is also clean in use. I didn’t have to call any button in C-Max, which I first used. Since the first generation Focus, Ford has presented a very successful music system as standard in the compact class and did not break the tradition in the second generation of C-Max. Two -colored (beige and black) interior, as well as large glass surfaces, is extremely spacious with the effect of the light color of the glass ceiling and all the fabric flooring. In the meantime, the fact that the adjustment of the ventilation grids in the cockpit has chrome decorations even the adjustment nobs (NOB: Dialing button) allows C-Max to appreciate workmanship. In the past, we would only see such decorations in the middle upper or upper class cars. While it is possible to produce a simple plastic button or NOB in a single mold, when chrome ornaments are used, the number of molds increases and extra installation is required even for a tiny button; This means cost and Ford did not escape this cost. Dynamic design indicators make you feel sporty, while they are legible. Information such as instant consumption, average consumption, distance to the remaining fuel, daily counter, total meter, can be followed from the screen between 2 large indicators (speed and motor cycle indicators).
Let’s come to driving features. When the first generation brought Focus to the roads, Ford, who has revolutionized his driving features as well as his designer in the compact class (New Edge), continued this with his entire model range and almost all Ford models were remembered with driving pleasure. C-Max is not an exception. Although the diesel engine and 6 gear duo pushes the drivers like me to use low-speed and a very peaceful environment when traveling in this way, C-Max is ready if you want to have a little fun. Although not as hard as Focus, the suspension, which can be considered harsh, gives C-Max a significant dynamism and balance without renunciation of comfort. The steering wheel is not a “feathery” like the Japanese competitors, but the pedals a click hard; However, when they are combined with the dynamic suspension system of the vehicle, a driving pleasure that exceeds its class is offered. No matter what gear you are, if you are accelerating by pressing the gas slightly, the gear enlargement warning appears in the indicator panel without even seeing the engine speed 2000 rpm, and when you take the gear into the gear, the engine remains at low speeds, which means both fuel economy and a quiet and peaceful driving. My favorite aspect of today’s modern diesel is that they can produce high power and torque at very low speeds thanks to excessive feeding and modern injection systems. 6. When going at a speed of 100 km/h in gear, the engine speed is around 1500 rpm, something I like. And of course, like all modern diesel, C-Max’s diesel engine works with a softness and silence close to its gasoline brothers. The 115 HP power of the 1.6 -liter Duratorq engine of our test vehicle may appear insufficient on paper on paper; However, the main job of the car in question is not performance, but a crowded family with at least fuel, to bring the target to the target and to enjoy the maximum driving enjoyment of the driver. When you talk about driving pleasure, you just have to think that you are at the wrong address if the performance and engine sound; However, if you enjoy playing with steering and gears-like me-I recommend you to use your choice in this class in favor of C-Max.
The first Ford Focus was the first example of Ford’s “New Edge” design, then for the more simple lines we see in Focus II, Mondeo III and the first C-MAX, it would not be wrong to say the mastery of New Edge for the general style and design we encounter in C-Max.
Author-Gökçer Alp
Test Drive | Ozgur Sunay
