Topic: Ford B-MAX

[Dante]

This is another great looking vehicle from Ford Europe. I wonder if this model will find its way over the pond. I can only hope it does. Based on Fiesta with more versatility -Ford should benchmark the Fit in this respect and make it equal or better with everything else from the Fiesta, which it seems that it already betters the Fit (Jazz in Euroland).
It seems like the front end is a combination of "kinetic design" with the "three bar". I personally like it in this format.








 

[Mitlov]

If those lights went back any further, they'd hit the windshield!

Anyway, decent looking I guess, but I have absolutely no interest in a subcompact MPV myself.

[Seafoam]

If those lights went back any further, they'd hit the windshield!

Anyway, decent looking I guess, but I have absolutely no interest in a subcompact MPV myself.

It will have to try and catch the windshield.How far does it extend into the roof?
 

[Ice]

Very cool.  That'd make a great replacement to all of those old Focus Wagons floating around (I still see quite a few) and it'd be very competitive with people cross shopping the Fit and other small haulers.

[tpl]

yes indeed and imo it is quite good looking.  Now if it comes here with a nice crisp euro engine or even a super economical diesel option...

[sailor723]

Sorry TPL....I just don't get the whole diesel thing. Between paying a hefty premium for the engine upfront and 15% more per litre for fuel I don't see how diesels are more economical. 

Maybe if you're a very high milage driver or if we go back to the days when diesel was cheaper than gas......... but otherwise............

[tpl]

The price difference for the Jetta for example is only $2500 and it is not impossible Ford maybe would sharp pencil that  difference.
The 2.0 is small enough to not need all that Bluetec stuff.
For my purposes a Golf sized/Focus sized/Fiesta sized/Fit sized car that got 60-70 mpg with fuel costing 15% more and economy 30-40% better  would be great.

I like turbocharged engines diesel or gas with the flat torque curve but I'd also be quite happy with a crisp euro 1.6 gas engine... a Honda-like engine,,, more power than the Fit perhaps, maybe 120-140 bhp.

[sailor723]

I should correct myself. Diesel is currently selling for 1.10-1.12 here in NB. That's right around 30% more than regular unleaded (.82-.85) NOT a 15% spread as I used in my earlier post.

[MKII]

The Fiesta-based car – which replaces the much-criticised, slow-selling (Euro) Fusion – offers style and practicality in a compact package. It will slot into the range below the C-MAX, which will be available with five and seven seats when the next generation version goes on sale in a couple of years’ time.

And, as we revealed in Issue 1,035, it’s already been given the green light. Production will start at Ford’s recently acquired factory in Romania in 2010.

The newcomer will sit on a slightly longer wheelbase than the Fiesta’s, and although the supermini has been criticised for being short on space, the same can’t be said of the B-MAX. There will be plenty of legroom in the rear and accommodation for at least two tall adults. |

Versatility will be high on the agenda. A development of the C-MAX’s sliding seats is likely, so occupants can vary boot space and passenger legroom. Up front, the cabin’s design and layout will be inspired by the Fiesta, where the emphasis is on quality. And the B-MAX is also likely to get a BMW iDrive-style control system, scheduled to debut first on the new C-MAX. With agile handling, sharp steering and a fine ride, the B-MAX will be great to drive, too.

But the best news comes under the bonnet. We revealed in Issue 1,037 that Ford plans to equip its models with a fresh range of small-capacity, direct-injection, turbo petrol engines. As a result, the B-MAX is expected to use 1.0-litre units with outputs ranging from 89bhp to 108bhp, while there is even scope for a 148bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine.

Diesel fans will be able to specify 1.6-litre TDCi units developing 89bhp and 108bhp. The oil-burner is also set to form the basis of a green Econetic version, offering ultra-low CO2 emissions. Production of the B-MAX is set to start at the Craiova plant in 2010. Ford has said it plans to build 100,000 models in the first year, but the factory has the capacity to increase output if sales demand it.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/231081/ford_bmax_enters_space_race.html

[PJungnitsch]

Ford seems to just keep punching out hit after hit, and with Mulally on board, there's a decent chance of this stuff making it's way over here. With Ford reving up speed and Kia/Hyundai similarly hitting a 'new age' of product, good times for car buyers are ahead.

It might get so that GM/Chrysler disappear or get carved up and we still have more choice then we ever had.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Awesome!

I'd prefer to buy a C-Max for the extra size, but this is a great choice and less van-like for a lot of people.

[Dante]

I think diesels won't become a common site in North America any time soon so I'm looking at the gas options on these cars.
I hope one of the choices for the NA Fiesta (B-MAX???) will be the 1.6L/120 hp I4 engine or a 1.4L turbo good for some 140 hp with good fuel economy. Anything below this would make the cars too slow for my taste.