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

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

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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.

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.