Take it to the Max - Launch report: focus C-Max/Mondeo

Another new Ford has been launched. That sentence may not have caused many of you to faint with surprise but then I don't think that was ever Ford's intention when it unveiled its mini MPV, the Focus C-Max.

No, I think Ford was after a far more down-to-earth response altogether. And that's what it seems to have got.

After all, the Focus C-Max is a very practical car, taking the highly popular styling of the Focus and adding MPV functionality to it. It's longer and taller than the standard Focus but it can only accommodate five people, which may make it less than practical to potential MPV buyers.

There is no mistaking the Focus-ness of this vehicle in its exterior design. That should appeal to the majority of people as the Focus is the best-selling car in its class.

Customers are given four trim levels to choose from: Studio, LX, Zetec and Ghia. Engines take the form of a 1.6-litre 16V 100PS or 1.8-litre 120PS Duratec petrol engine or, for diesel drivers, a 1.6-litre 109PS Duratorq TDCi or the more powerful 2.0-litre 136PS model.

The 1.6-litre Duratec is the new engine in the range and is capable of 146Nm while economical at 40.9mpg and with a C[O.sub.2] rating of 166g/km. The 1.8 Duratec petrol in Zetec trim is predicted to be the overall best seller but unsurprisingly Ford is projecting the diesels to take 37% of sales.

Both diesels offer excellent fuel consumption figures, with the 1.6 litre TDCi capable of a combined consumption of 57.6mpg with C[O.sub.2] emissions of 129g/km; for the 2.0 TDCi these figures are 50.4mpg and 148g/km respectively.

The Ford Focus C Max also comes with the option of Durashift CVT (continuously variable transmission) on the 1.6 TDCi model.

The interior has a very functional feel to it with a well laid-out console and quality feeling fittings and furnishings. However, it doesn't feature the traditional Focus dash, despite what you might expect from the name of the car and its exterior likeness to the Focus. The interior feels spacious. with a good, high driving position; this is helped by reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel. Visibility is very good too.

As you would expect from Ford, the Focus C-Max drives and handles well, with hardly any roll considering the increased size.

The lack of seven seats may not be a real issue for you. Featuring plenty of room in the cabin to accommodate three adults in the back and a large boot, the Focus C-Max caters for most situations. And if you want even more space you can move the middle seat rearward and adjust the two seats on a diagonal axis to the centre of the car, making a more comfortable four-seater. All the rear seats can be removed to create a large cargo carrier, should the need arise.

This much flexibility bundled with a car that handles well and performs even better should be enough to convince you that the Focus C-Max has plenty going for it.

DRIVER'S LOG

OTR PRICES: 13,175 [pounds sterling] to 18,695 [pounds sterling]

ENGINES: Petrol: 1.6 16V, 1.8 Duratec Diesel: 1.6, 2.0 TDCi

TRANSMISSIONS: Five/six-speed manual 1.6 TDCi: optional CVT

POWER: 1.6 TDCi: 109PS @ 400rpm

TORQUE: 1.6 TDCi: 245Nm @ 1750rpm

C[O.sub.2] RATINGS: 1.6 TDCi: 129g/km

OFFICIAL COMBINED: 1.6 TDCi: 57.6mpg

INSURANCE GROUPS: 5E-10E

ON-SALE: Now

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