Seven-seater Ford Grand C-Max. Seven-seater Ford Grand C-Max Salon changed slightly

There have always been enough minivans in the Ford lineup. Judge for yourself: "C-Max" is an excellent "compact van", capable of accommodating the "average family" and everything you need; or "S-Max" - a minivan for a "big family", with plenty of space for luggage and "great opportunities." But, the "marketers" decided that it would not hurt to "fill the gap between them" - by creating a compact, but seven-seater car (and this is not so simple - the possibilities of transforming the interior, in this case, should be "outstanding").

And, it should be noted, the engineers of "Ford" did an excellent job with the task - the result of their work was demonstrated in 2009 (in Frankfurt) under the name "Grand C-Max" - which, in short, is an elongated "C-Max" (the second generation) with a seven-seater saloon.

Stylish "compact minivan" - yes, yes, that's right! Not always a car of this class can be called "stylish", but the Ford Grand C-Max is exactly that. Well, after the restyling (carried out by 2015), it became even better (in addition, it received a number of improvements in terms of equipment and technology). Its appearance clearly shows the current "kinetic" design (recognizable by many other cars of this brand) - one glance at this compact van is enough to understand what brand of car is in front of you.

Smooth lines, soft contours, perfectly tailored body - all this is present in the Ford Grand C-Max, making it a kind of "stranger among its own" (in the subclass of compact minivans). This quality makes the "American European" unique and attractive.
The front part has a beautiful and sophisticated optics, between which there is an "Aston-Martin" false radiator grille. The bonnet is typical for minivans - it does not protrude too much forward, but, at the same time, it is not too chopped off. The stern of the Grand C-Max is made in the style of "a la S-Max" - as if they copied the rear part of the "big brother", reduced it and "stuck" it here - a simple and successful solution. Despite the “typical minivan profile”, the “Grand C-Max” exudes a certain “sportiness” - thanks to the inflated wheel arches and many “aerodynamic elements” successfully integrated into the bodywork ... + large wheels (the dimensions of which vary from 16 to 18 inches , depending on the configuration).

Based on all of the above, what can you say about the appearance? Well, the fact that the Ford Grand C-Max is a perfectly tailored car, with an attractive and modern design and successful exterior solutions, thanks to which this "American" will be "in the subject" as in an urban environment (in heavy traffic or in the parking lot in front of the office ), and on a suburban highway or in the courtyard of your own house.

The dimensions of this car are "universal" (it is large enough to provide capacity and compact enough so that it is not cramped in the city): length - 4519 mm (with a wheelbase of 2788 mm), width - 1828 mm, and height - 1694 mm. Its ground clearance is not great, but it is acceptable for this class of cars ~ 140 mm.

It's time to move from the exterior to the interior of the compact minivan "Grand C-Max". To match the exterior, the interior here is embodied in the same “kinetic” design, which is very, well, just very good for the Grand. Quite a large and multifunctional steering wheel fits perfectly into the hands, and the control keys located on it make the driver's life noticeably easier. The dashboard of the Ford Grand C-Max is very good, the design is cool and thoughtful, the information is read from it in one fell swoop (and nothing prevents it). Pleasant, unobtrusive backlighting is pleasing to the eye, both at night and during the day.

Getting inside this Ford for the first time, only one thing immediately alarms - this is a very massive front panel, which, at first, seems to put a little pressure on the front riders (but you can get used to it). The central console of the "Grand C-Max" is made in the form of "three floors" (after restyling it became more ergonomic - having acquired a large touch screen): at the very top there is, as already noted, a large touch screen (on which it is possible to display a lot of useful and necessary information that will always be before your eyes); on the “middle floor” there is “music”; Well, the lower "basement floor" is a haven for the air conditioning control buttons.

Most importantly, the Ford Grand C-Max boasts a large and comfortable interior, which is endowed with rich opportunities for transformation. The front seats have a pronounced profile on the sides - due to which they tenaciously hold the driver and front passenger. And the offered choice of adjustments allows you to adjust the "workplace" individually for yourself. The middle sofa easily accommodates three adult riders (without too much cramped space), but still the space here is not so much like in the "S-Max" (of course, there is a separate armchair for each). Unlike “just C-Max”, “Grand C-Max” also has a “gallery” - capable of accommodating two (adults can accommodate on it, but only children will be free (but, as they say in such cases, “ it is better to go badly than to go well ").

Well, now about the most important thing that attracts in this compact van - the possibility of transformation.

Here, depending on the situation, the salon can be made for seven, five, six or two. At the same time, the size of the luggage compartment will also vary, the volume of which in the "seven-seat layout" is frankly negligible - 65 liters, but it can be "increased" as needed, sacrificing passenger seats - up to a maximum of 1867 liters of volume. Loading and unloading is greatly facilitated by a perfectly flat floor (which is obtained by folding the seats) and a fairly low loading height.

Specifications. A wide range of gasoline and diesel power units is offered for "Grand Es-Max":

• The first include a 1.6-liter four-cylinder "aspirated" (delivering 125 horsepower and 159 Nm of peak thrust) and turbocharged "triplets" and "fours" with a volume of 1.0-1.5 liters, producing 100-182 "mares" and 170-240 Nm of torque ...
• Among the latter are in-line "turbo-fours" of 1.5-2.0 liters with Common Rail injection, the performance of which has 95-170 "stallions" and 215-400 Nm of available recoil.

In the arsenal of transmissions: 5- or 6-speed "manual" gearbox, 6-band "robot" Power Shift or 6-band "automatic" - directing the entire power reserve to the wheels of the front axle.

Compact MPV "Grand C-Max" is built on an elongated front-wheel drive platform "Ford Global C" with an independent suspension of the MacPherson type in front, mounted on a stretcher, and a proprietary rear multi-link. The car is equipped with disc brakes on all wheels (ventilated at the front) with ABS and EBD and a rack and pinion steering system, supplemented by an electric power steering.

Prices. In 2017, the Ford Grand C-Max is not officially presented on the Russian market, and in the secondary market this model is offered at a price of 550 thousand rubles and above (depending on the year of manufacture, condition and equipment level). In Germany, this car is offered at a price of € 16,990 (~ 1 million 50 thousand rubles at the exchange rate at the beginning of 2017).

I learned about the new Ford S Max 2019 2020 from my friend - an inveterate lover of this brand (wants to buy). He talked so enthusiastically about the Ford S Max that I was also eager to find out as many interesting points about the new product as possible.

Official dealers

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Abakan, st. Shosseynaya, 2

Arkhangelsk, Moscow Ave., 39

Astrakhan, 1st passage Rozhdestvensky, 6

All companies

I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the useful information that I managed to get. There are not so many differences from its predecessors. In general, the design turned out to be modern, stylish and extraordinary. The car body has become more streamlined, and the roof is made in the form of an arc. This testifies to the excellent dynamic qualities of "Max".

The hood of the car has become lower, the radiator grille has a trapezoidal structure. The overall impression is enhanced by highly elongated, slanted headlights, a new air intake and an improved diffuser. A distinctive feature of the 2019 2020 Ford S Max is a double row of clear edges located on the sides of the car. The blunt, "chopped off" front part looks stylish. The minimum ground clearance is 130 mm.

The salon has changed slightly

Inside, you can still see a three-spoke steering wheel with a lot of functions. The center console houses a modern on-board computer, the screen of which is now as much as 10 inches. The dashboard has become much higher. Thanks to this, it was possible to improve visibility and visibility of the roadway.

Gearbox discs
front end
dynamic not boring
roomy image for the driver

The ergonomics of the cabin have improved significantly. This was facilitated by the use of high-quality, modern materials. We are pleased with the extensive list of security systems that are now included in the equipment of the new model. The large number of options and functions that have been added to the basic version is very impressive. Among them are:

• Rear View Camera;
• radars, ultrasonic sensors that recognize road signs, signal when the car is reversing, warning when parking;
• height adjustment, headrest tilt;
• massage function;
• position memory function;
• heated front seats;
• help system at the start on the rise.

The trunk volume of the S Max is 700 liters. With the second row seats folded down, the volume can be increased to 1,050 liters. If you fold down the third row of seats, this figure rises to 2000 liters.

Specifications improved

The power equipment of the new 2019 Ford ES Max 2020 is admirable. The creators offered as many as five engine options. Three of them are diesel and two are gasoline. Agree that such a rich selection of motors is attractive. Not all manufacturers have taken care of the extended line of engines. Each of the presented power units endows the 2019 Ford S Max with excellent technical characteristics.

Together with a petrol 1.5-liter engine, a 6-speed manual transmission works. The engine for 240 "horses" is aggregated by "automatic". Diesel engines with a capacity of 150 and 180 "horses" are equipped with an automatic transmission with a double clutch as in. Only a 6-speed "mechanics" is put to the two-liter diesel engine.

The suspension design is now completely independent. An anti-roll bar is installed in the front. A similar stabilizer can be seen at the rear, which complements the multi-link design. A pleasant surprise was the news that three complete sets of the 2019 2020 Ford C Max will be available in Russia.

Equipment		Engine, l / h.p.	Box		Acceleration, seconds		Speed, km / h	Consumption, l / 100 km			price, rub.
Trend		petrol 2.0 / 145	MT		10.9		197				1 108 500
		petrol 2.3 / 161	AT		11,2		194	9,7-13.7			1 223 500
		diesel 2.0 / 140	MT		10,2		196	5,0-7.7			1 248 500
		diesel 2.0 / 140	AT		11,6		193	5,7-9.7			1 326 500
Sport		petrol 2.3 / 161	AT		11.2		194	7,4-13.			1 412 500
		gasoline 2.0 / 200	AMT		8,5		221	6,4-11.0			1 511 500
		petrol 2.0 / 240	AMT		7.9		235	6,5-11.5			1 599 500
Titanium	petrol 2.0 / 145		MT	10.9		197			6,4-11.3	1 170 500
	petrol 2.3 / 161		AT	11,2		194			7,4-13.7	1 285 500
	diesel 2.0 / 140		MT	10,2		196			5,0-7.7	1 310 500
	gasoline 2.0 / 200		AMT	8,5		221			6,4-11.0	1 384 500
	diesel 2.0 / 140		AT	11,6		193			5,7-9.7	1 388 500

As you can see, the price of Ford S Max 2019 2020 is presented in a wide range, which allows every car enthusiast to choose the most suitable option for himself. The lowest price tag, as you can see from the plate, is 1 million and 100 thousand. The difference with the most expensive equipment is half a million. This can be done very soon, since the start of sales of the 2020 Ford S Max is scheduled for the very beginning of the year.

Competitors have added in growth

In this segment of family cars, the competitors of the 2019 Ford S Max are the Toyota BB and KIA Carnival... Toyota has a stylish, solid appearance, high reliability, spacious, roomy interior. Its main disadvantage can be considered poor sound insulation and rather expensive maintenance.

KIA Carnival is no less reliable car. It has a pleasant modern appearance and a comfortable interior. Weak points include the braking system, not very good roadholding, and an uncomfortable dashboard.

Advantages and disadvantages of the "newbie"

The car has many advantages, including:

• spacious salon;
• excellent equipment with modern options;
• profitability;
• excellent dynamics, maneuverability;
• ideal for our domestic roads;
• easy to maintain;
• inexpensive spare parts;
• excellent driving performance.

Of the negative points related to the car, one can single out:

• unstable body paint;
• poor heating of the cabin;
• low clearance.

In the life of every man, there comes a period when children appear, and emotions with testosterone must give way to reason. As a rule, all this leads to one decision - to buy a station wagon or MPV. Fortunately, not all of these cars are boring and unpleasant to drive. One of the most unique compact vans is the Ford C-Max. Its design may not be as eye-catching as the larger Ford S-Max, but rather resembles a slightly larger Ford Focus II. But after a long conversation with the car, he undoubtedly begins to like him.

Model history

The first generation Ford Sea Max debuted in 2003. It was the first such car in the brand's range. Two years later, the compact MPV received several new engines, and in 2007 the model underwent a slight restyling. In 2010, the last copy of the S-Max of the first generation left the assembly line, giving way to a successor.

Engines

Gasoline:

R4 1.6 16V (100 HP)

R4 1,8 16V (120 - 125 HP)

R4 2,0 ​​16V (145 HP)

Diesel:

R4 1.6 8V TDCi (90 - 109 HP)

R4 1.8 8V TDCi (115 hp)

R4 2.0 8V TDCi (110 HP)

R4 2.0 16V TDCi (136 HP)

All gasoline units are quite reliable and durable. The best recommendation is the 2-liter 145 hp engine. He is able to deliver the greatest driving pleasure.

True, in 1.8 and 2.0, swirl flaps in the intake are sometimes brought in. They start to make noise first. In the worst case, they can break off and get into the engine. And in 1.6 Ti-VCT phase regulators sometimes fail.

There are also offers for diesel lovers on the market, although not numerous. In the general list of possible problems with such engines, number one is not a very hardy dual-mass flywheel. Its resource is a little more than 150,000 km, and it changes along with the clutch kit. Everything will cost about $ 600.

The most preferred option is 2.0 TDCi, which provides good dynamics and demonstrates a high level of reliability. Instead of capricious Delphi injectors, piezoelectric VDO / Siemens are installed here. Injector malfunctions are usually caused not by mechanical wear, but by malfunctioning electronics. However, such cases are isolated.

Until 2005, the 2-liter turbo diesel was compliant with Euro 3 emission standards, and after that - Euro 4. The engine standard can be recognized by the VIN code or a sticker in the engine compartment. If the code starts with DW10B, then it meets the Euro-4 standard, if the letter "B" is absent, then Euro-3. In some markets, the engine was equipped with a particulate filter, while in others it was not.

2.0 TDCi sometimes makes you encounter oil leaks through the oil seals, which is detrimental to the timing belt. Problems with the EGR valve were solved by changing the valve kinematics and control program.

Avoid copies with 1.6 TDCi - there are turbocharger malfunctions (due to a design flaw in the lubrication system) and oil leaks. Both diesel engines are developed in collaboration with PSA. A common disadvantage is the exhaust gas cleaning system and particulate filter.

The list of proposals also includes a 1.8 TDCi of Ford's own design. Against the background of French diesel engines, he looks like a pensioner - even the block head is cast from cast iron. The dynamics of a car with such an engine is slightly better than the base diesel version with 1.6 TDCi. The reason is in program management, the main goal of which is to care for the environment. Typical malfunctions include problems with the injection system, cracking of the rubber elements of the intake channel and regular oil leaks (from under the timing chain cover and the connections of the upper and lower parts of the block). However, the 1.8 TDCi has a durable combined timing drive (eternal chain + short belt) and a robust turbocharger.

Design features

The model was based on a completely new platform, which was later used to create the Ford Focus II. MacPherson struts work on the front axle, and a multi-link design on the rear. As befits a micro van, the C-Max is front-wheel drive only.

For the transmission of torque, 5 and 6-speed mechanics or a 4-band automatic are responsible.

In 2008, the Getrag PowerShift automatic dual-clutch transmission was offered in conjunction with the 2.0 TDCi. However, it is better to avoid this box, because even with a new one it often caused problems. Failures were usually mechatronic and clutch related.

The 1.6 TDCi has been coupled with the Durashift CVT alternative since 2004. Its service life did not exceed 150,000 km, and repairs are very expensive.

Ford Sea Max 1 from the very beginning offered two versions of the parking brake - the classic mechanical lever and the more sophisticated electromechanical. The latter is a relatively cheap solution that does not use servomotors in the calipers, as in Audi or Volkswagen. The C Max has one large servo motor that pulls the cables. The electromechanical brake was only relied on in more equipped versions at an additional cost.

Typical problems and malfunctions

Ford Sea-Max is one of the least problematic models not only in the range of the brand, but also among the cars in general. The suspension is strong enough. As a rule, after 80-100 thousand km, you only have to change the little things (struts and stabilizer bushings). However, the situation is complicated by poor quality roads, which significantly reduces the service life of the silent blocks of the levers. Rear suspension repairs complicate the corrosion of threaded connections. However, it will not require too much maintenance.

The starter and generator are not distinguished by their durability - they often require repair. In addition, there are failures of the electro-hydraulic power steering pump ($ 300). Parking sensors and the electric parking brake sometimes fail. Sometimes ABS with ESP also ceases to function (due to sensors or the ABS control unit).

Owners of Ford C Max complain about poor workmanship: plastic interior elements and door seals creak. In the latter case, regular lubrication or replacement of the seals with new ones saves. The quality of the basic upholstery of the seats, which gets dirty very easily, is also upsetting. Traces remain even after raindrops enter through an open door or window. It is not difficult to guess what the upholstery of the rear seats, on which children have been transported for several years, will look like. The plastic of the trunk walls is too delicate and easily scratches.

Sometimes the instrument panel fails - the pointer arrows remain at zero, and various warning devices light up for no reason. Several dashboard options were used. The new shield is quite expensive, the refurbishment is much cheaper.

One of the serious drawbacks of diesel versions is the ineffective heating system. Unfortunately, Ford did not serially install an autonomous interior heater.

As for corrosion protection, the S-Max is better protected than the first Focus or the third Mondeo. However, against the background of competitors, corrosion resistance is not exemplary. On older copies, you should carefully check the condition of the sills, the lower part of the doors and the rear wheel arches.

Conclusion

Despite minor flaws, the Ford S-Max is a good car with a superbly tuned suspension and precise steering. It may not be as roomy as its competitors, but in terms of handling it is perhaps one of the best representatives of the class. Another advantage is high reliability (petrol versions). The picky ones may be disturbed in places by the poor quality of some elements, especially in the interior. The cheapest samples of the first years of production can be purchased today for about 200-250 thousand rubles.

Specifications Ford C-Max

Version	1.6 16V	1.8 16V	2.0 16V	1.6 TDCi	1.8 TDCi	2.0 TDCi
Engine				turbodiesel	turbodiesel	turbodiesel
Working volume
Cylinders / valves
Maximum power
Torque
Dynamics
Maximum speed
Acceleration 0-100 km / h
Fuel consumption	8.5 l / 100 km	9.0 l / 100 km	10.0 l / 100 km	5.5 l / 100 km	6.0 l / 100 km

10.01.2017

- one of the most popular cars among active, family car enthusiasts. The popularity of this minivan is added by the fact that it is available not only in a five-seater version, but also a seven-seater version can be found on the market. In addition to the spacious interior, the car has a rather interesting design, which was appreciated not only by motorists, but was also awarded the title "Car of the Year" in 2007, and in 2008 was recognized as the best-selling minivan in Europe. It is worth noting that today the car is in good demand among practical and family car enthusiasts, therefore, we have no right to leave this car unattended. And today we will try to find out what typical shortcomings a used Ford S-Max has, and what to look for when choosing this car in the secondary market.

A bit of history:

Officially, the Ford S-Max was presented to the public in 2006 at the annual international auto show in Geneva. The car was built on the same platform as the Ford Galaxy, however, the S-Max is positioned by the manufacturer as a car that is more focused on young car enthusiasts. Despite being similar in size to the Galaxy, the S-Max has a sportier appearance and different chassis settings, as well as a smaller cabin. In 2010, the premiere of the updated version of the car took place, visually the novelty began to look even more aggressive. The interior has also been updated and the electrical equipment has been improved. So, for example, instead of the traditional analog instrument panel (in all versions except the basic one), a more modern instrument panel with a large color display is installed. The assembly of this model is carried out at the company's plant, which is located in the city of Genk ( Belgium). The second generation Ford S-Max debuted in October 2014 at the Paris Auto Show.

Advantages and disadvantages of a used Ford S-Max

The paintwork is not of the highest quality, as a result, over time, the paint can begin to flake off. Despite this, the metal of the car body resists the onslaught of redhead disease well, but it also has weak points. Operating experience has shown that most often corrosion appears on sills, door edges and under rubber seals, and the exhaust system is also prone to corrosion. Often, owners complain about the low quality of the anti-corrosion coating on the bottom.

Engines

Ford S-Max can be equipped with the following power units: gasoline- 1.6 (160 HP), 2.0 (145 HP), 2.0 EcoBoost (203, 240 HP), 2.3 (160 HP), 2.5 (2.30 HP) ; diesel- 1.8 (100, 125 HP), 2.0 (115, 136, 140 and 160 HP) and 2.2 (175, 200 HP). Diesel-powered S-Maxs are a rare visitor to the aftermarket, but their reliability can be judged by other Ford models. Operating experience has shown that this type of engine is quite reliable and economical. The biggest drawback of these motors is the small turbine resource, it does not exceed 200,000 km. Therefore, when choosing a car with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, be sure to check its condition ( the cost of a new turbine is 400-600 USD.).

In TDCI engines, the fuel system is very sensitive to the quality of diesel fuel, and if you refuel a car at untested gas stations, you need to be prepared for premature replacement of fuel injectors and particulate filter. There may also be problems with the EGR valve and injection pump. When choosing a car with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, pay attention to the condition of the dual-mass flywheel. The first signal of a flywheel malfunction will be vibration of the gear lever at idle speed, a metallic ringing when the ignition is turned off (reminiscent of a dangling muffler b). Also, rare soft jerking of the car in a standing position at a slight angle is possible.

Gasoline engines are also quite reliable, but after 100,000 km, many of them require replacement of the hydraulic engine mount. If, when the engine is running, you hear a metallic clatter resembling the knock of valves, you should check the condition of the intake manifold flap. If suddenly the car began to start badly, and the speed also began to float, most likely replacement of the ignition coils is required (often the coil breaks through in wet weather or after washing the engine compartment). A clogged throttle valve can also cause unstable engine operation. Cars of the first years of production suffer from oil leaks from the threaded plugs of the cooling system channels in the head of the unit. This type of engine is afraid of oil starvation, so you need to constantly monitor the oil level in the engine, otherwise the metal timing chain tensioner may fail prematurely (the timing chain runs 200-250 thousand km). The 1.6 engine, unlike the others, is equipped with a timing belt drive, which should be replaced every 80,000 km.

Transmission

Ford S-Max can be equipped with a five- or six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic transmission and a PowerShift robotic transmission. In general, the machine and the mechanics are quite reliable and do not require special attention (the manufacturer claims that all boxes are maintenance-free). However, many servicemen strongly disagree with this, and recommend changing the oil in the box at least once every 80,000 km. The clutch mechanism of mechanics in most cases nurses 120-150 thousand km. Despite this, many experts do not recommend operating it until it is completely worn out, so as not to provoke premature wear of the dual-mass flywheel. A lot has already been said about the reliability of the robotic box, unfortunately, it does not have a large resource ( 100-150 thousand km), therefore, I would refuse to buy a car with such a transmission, which has a mileage of more than 80,000 km.

The reliability of the Ford S-Max chassis

The Ford S-Max is equipped with a fully independent suspension - MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear. Top versions can be equipped with shock absorbers with adjustable stiffness IDVC, it is worth noting that cars equipped with such struts have a reduced ground clearance. Operating experience has shown that the suspension of the Ford S-Max has practically no weak points; also, a high level of comfort and its endurance can be noted. So, for example, stabilizer struts are capable of serving 60-80 thousand km, bushings - up to 100,000 km. Shock absorbers, thrust bearings and ball joints, on average, run 100-120 thousand km. Silent blocks, hub bearings, CV joints with careful operation can last 120-150 thousand km.

The rear suspension requires overhaul every 100,000 km, and due to the abundance of parts, this procedure may seem unexpectedly expensive, and it is also worth noting that due to structural readings in it, it is necessary to adjust the wheel alignment every 20,000 km. The power steering pump is considered to be a weak point in the steering; the cause of the pump's premature failure is a stuck pressure relief valve. Closer to 200,000 km, most copies require repair or replacement of the steering rack. Brake pads wear out after 30-40 thousand km, discs will last 2-3 times longer.

Salon

The quality of the interior finishing materials and sound insulation is the same as on a budget car, therefore, many owners have to put up with extraneous squeaks and knocks. The plastic of the center console does not have good wear resistance, as a rule, it loses its presentation after 5 years of operation. Electronics extremely rarely causes problems to owners, but only on condition that garage couplings do not interfere with it. It is worth noting that there are not so few used copies with unauthorized interference with the electronic systems of the car in the secondary market, therefore, various failures may occur in the on-board network, up to the fire of the main control module. Of the typical sores of the model, one can single out: malfunctions in the control of the climate system (damage to the wiring), failure of heating the windshield and failure of the air conditioner compressor ( before buying, be sure to check its performance).

Outcome:

- a reliable car for all occasions, the main thing is not to make a mistake with the choice, and in the future do not spare money for high-quality "consumables" and fuels and lubricants.

Advantages:

• Spacious salon.
• Comfortable suspension.
• Low cost of maintenance and repair.

Disadvantages:

• High fuel consumption (petrol versions).
• Low quality of interior finishing materials.
• Small resource of robotic transmission.

First, a little history. In 2002, Ford began producing the C-MAX compact van. The result is a decent car - roomy and compact at the same time. But it was a five-seater, and according to Ford research, 50% of those looking to buy a minivan want a 6 or 7 seater. And the Russians - according to Ford marketing research - would like a car slightly more spacious than the 5-seater C-MAX.

Four years later, Ford introduced the S-MAX minivan to the market. Theoretically, it may not have a third row of seats, but in principle this car is seven-seater. Respectively large and expensive. The buyer wanted something smaller.

That is why Ford, together with the new C-MAX, decided to produce the Grand C-MAX: more spacious than the simple version, but still not as big as the S-MAX.

To what extent did the company focus on the needs of the Russian buyer? Hardly much. The segment of minivans in our country in the best times (2004-06) was no more than 2%, and this year it is negligible - less than 1%. That is, the new Grand C-MAX, together with the S-MAX and Galaxy also sold in our country, will fight for a market of 15-20 thousand cars a year. And then in the future.

Competitors of Ford Grand C-MAX in the Russian market

Ford's marketers decided not to supply us with a simple C-MAX - only the Grand. The car, the base of which is a very noticeable 14 centimeters longer, which is higher than the simple C-MAX by a very noticeable 5 cm, which - however, optionally - can have seven seats.

All words about "impetuous, sporty look", "new original style" and "recognizability" - I will leave without comment. For me, it's a normal car without frills. In the end, it's not beauty for the sake of such a car. In evaluating the exterior of the Grand C-MAX, there is only one detail worth paying attention to: this is the first European Ford with sliding rear doors. The design is convenient for parking, really making it easier to access the third row of seats, and all in all, eminently practical.

Did I like the C-MAX inside? As a roomy family car - yes, of course. It is thought out in great detail. But I would also say it in too much detail. The driver's seat is like a pilot or a DJ: buttons on the steering wheel with which you can control information on two screens, paddle shifters, a central console "a la mobile phone" - it's hard to figure it out right away. A few hours of driving was not enough to get used to this abundance. The question remained unanswered: Do I need all this?

What's great without any "buts": the seat folding system. A 7-seater car can easily be converted into a 6-seater, and also just into a 5-seater. Folding unfolding is carried out with one hand, and the developers from Ford do it so cleverly that it becomes clear: 5-6 attempts and you will do it just as smartly.

The basic version will not be equipped with a third row of seats. But as an option, it is relatively inexpensive in Russia - 23,900 rubles. For me, the price is reasonable, and if you have to carry more than 4 passengers it is worth spending this money.

Of course, the third row of seats is designed primarily for children. I would say that a person taller than 160-165 cm in the rear seats will be cramped. However, adults of this height are not uncommon ...

Let's get back to the options: a lot of everything can be installed in the Grand C-MAX. For example, a system of active parking assistance, new for European "Fords". When you search for a free space among cars parked by the curb, two UV sensors determine if there is enough space to squeeze in between the cars. When the place is found, the driver can only follow the commands of the system, adjusting the choice of gear, gas and brake: the steering wheel will rotate itself.

The side mirrors of the Grand C-Max can be fitted with light indicators that assess the "blind spots": from the mirror to a distance of three meters behind the rear bumper, also 3 meters wide. Offers Ford keyless entry system "FordKeyFree", rear view camera with navigation system and parking sensors, electric tailgate ... Of course, the practical use of these options requires training (experience), even if much of the operation is intuitive.

The dynamics of the Grand C-MAX for a family car is quite passable. It is pleasant to be behind the wheel of a Ford: there is no feeling that you are driving something bulky and clumsy. (However, the C-MAX is not that long: the usual C-class, 4520 in length). The car has a completely new suspension system, new electro-hydraulic steering, cornering traction control, which redistributes torque between the front wheels to further increase stability when cornering ...

Doubts about the adequate behavior of the car during the test never arose, and the noise isolation of the Grand C-MAX is simply excellent. The energy intensity of the suspension on French roads was not fully verified, sorry, it was not possible.

Also, we were not able to evaluate the entire line of motors. Only one - 140-horsepower Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel - a joy for a family European. Together with the automatic PowerShift transmission, they form a very quiet and not vigorous tandem. However, Ford liked it even less with a manual gearbox on mountain serpentines. Yes, acceleration is quicker, but constant gear changes are very tiring. Moreover, you have to work with your feet to the fullest: the pedal travel in the Grand C-MAX is very large.

The most interesting engines for Russia are 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol EcoBoost - 150 and 182 hp. Their declared characteristics are really good: maximum torque is reached already at 1600 rpm, fuel consumption in the combined cycle for the 182-horsepower is only 6.6 l / 100 km, and the acceleration time to 100 km / h is 8.8 seconds.

The basic engine of a minivan in Russia will be a "simple" 1.6-liter engine with 125 hp.

With it, in a rich minimum configuration, Trend with a 5-speed manual transmission Grand C-MAX costs from 799,000 rubles. The second possible configuration - Titanium - starts at 872,000 rubles. The number of additional options, as noted above, is enormous: it will not be difficult to assemble a car for a million or even more.

It remains only to understand whether you need such a car. According to Ford statistics, the average Grand C-MAX buyer will be a 42-year-old man, nine out of ten buyers will be family people and most likely this minivan will not be the first car in the family. Is this your portrait? And you are just a part of 1% of Russians, what pay attention to such models?

The values ​​that this Ford is promoting are very clear and good. A spacious car, with distinct driving advantages, if necessary, a 7-seater and stuffed with a line of what - isn't it tempting? It turns out that not for everyone. There are many of them in Europe. In Russia, the majority is still ready to take a simpler and cheaper car. Or passable.

And perhaps a new minivan would not deserve such close attention. But! The C-MAX family is the first cars made on a completely new Ford C-class platform. According to the manufacturer, it will become the basis for the release of at least ten different models and their versions. A new Focus will be made on it next year. Ford does not hide that many technical solutions and most of the options available on the minivan will be transferred to the most popular foreign car in Russia. And the Ford Focus will be of interest to many.

We liked the Ford Grand C-MAX	We didn't like in Ford Grand C-MAX
Wide possibilities of transformation of the cabin, an interesting line of engines, pleasant design	An overloaded driver's seat with buttons and switches, an abundance of options to get used to