Previously, in Business Car Manager, we’ve met and tested the B-MAX in 1.0-litre EcoBoost form. As you’d expect, the UK range also includes some diesel options and this Titanium 1.6-litre TDCi edition is the top spec diesel currently on offer. In fact, it’s the most expensive new B-MAX, at £18,895 OTR, full stop.
With power of 95PS, fuel economy of 70.6 mpg and CO2 emissions of 104 g/km, this 1.6 diesel B-MAX has slightly less power than the 1.0 EcoBoost, yet lower CO2 emissions and better fuel economy. So is it the one to have for a company car driver?
What’s hot?
- Those B-MAX rear doors and the way they slide open to give exceptionally easy ingress and egress to the cabin
- Tall, roomy cabin offers plentiful amount of space for the class
- Fold-flat seats (apart from the driver’s) which add to the sheer flexibility and versatility of the cabin.
Everything folds flat for the odd occasion when you need to carry something 2.3 metres long - Long 2.3 metre load length with the seats folded flat
- Easy loading from the side or rear of the car
- 1.6-litre TDCi Duratec offers stellar 70.6 mpg combined figure, with C02 of just 104 g/km, claimed to be best in class
- Ford Sync – Ford’s voice-activated in-car connectivity system, which you can use via your mobile phone to make calls and control music. Sync will also read out text messages and there’s a useful Emergency Assistance function too.
- In 1.6 diesel form, the B-MAX drives well, with good refinement, matched to a supple, well controlled ride
What’s not?
- The desirable 1.6 TDCi diesel only comes with the most expensive Titanium trim level
- With the MPV’s higher centre of gravity, handling not quite as tight and controlled through bends as a Fiesta, on which it’s based
- The 1.6 diesel is 31 kgs heavier and nearly 1 sec slower to 62 mph than the headlining 1.0-litre EcoBoost model. Mid-range pulling power also sees the EcoBoost (surprisingly) well ahead
- Relatively poor rear vision
