Ford Focus C-max Estate 2003-2007

The Ford Focus C-Max is a joy to drive and provides motorists with an alternative to a full size MPV. Based heavily on the standard Ford Focus the car manages to keep the feeling that you are driving a small and responsive model rather than the slightly bigger MPV that it actually is. The car offers seats for five passengers within a cabin which feels spacious and refined. If additional space is needed the rear seats can be removed which allows the Ford Focus C-Max to provide even more flexibility.

Pros and Cons:

• Car provides excellent comfort
  Accurate handing makes the car a joy to drive
  Range of engines are good the Diesel variants are quick
  

• Car is not as practical as a full MPV
  Have to battle to remove rear seats
  Not the most reliable Ford car
  Car has no 7 seat option like competitors

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Exterior and Interior

The C-max has carried over many of the style features from the Ford Focus and so the car scores well on these areas. The Focus C-Max benefits from a raised driving position which gives the car better visibility on the road. Internally the car is very comfortable and will suit most people. The driving position is comfortable and the standard features and optional extras really help to fine tune the car. Bluetooth phone connectivity, DAB radio and touch screen sat-nav are available of the Focus C-Max. Climate controller and cruise control buttons are at right place and the cruise control very simple to operate. Both of these features are standard on the Ghia model.

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Engines

The Ford Focus C-MAX offers a good variety of petrol and diesel engines. The turbo diesel engines provide good performance while still delivering a strong return on fuel economy. There are three petrol engines, the 1.6-litre, 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre engines. The petrol options do offer better performance but the economy isn't as good. Also there can be a lack or torque if the vehicle is fully loaded.

The more popular choices are the three diesel engines, again these are the 1.6-litre, 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre versions. The 1.6-litre may be a little sluggish but the other two provide a great level of performance and economy and are our favorites from the list but the 2.0-litre TDCI with 130bhp would be our top pick.

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Performance and Economy

One of the big benefits of the Focus C-Max is the running cost. It is relatively cheap to insure and run. For a car which can easily carry five adults it is important that the economy doesn't slip and the C-Max certainly performs in this area. The petrol 1.8 and 2.0-litre engines will be quick enough but we would recommend either the 1.8 or 2.0-litre diesel versions. These will provide excellent fuel economies of up to 50mpg and will also provide as much power as you are likely to need. The only exception of the range is the 2.0-litre petrol Ghia, this is insurance group 12 and the least economic so will cost the owner slightly more.

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What it's like to Drive

Quite simply put the Ford Focus C-Max is a great car to drive. If you are a fan of the Focus but need something with slightly more room then this is the car for you. The handling is accurate and will ensure that you don't get bored of driving the vehicle. Compared to other MPV's this is certainly one of the best performing although it does make some compromises with only having 5 seats and being smaller than some of the competition.

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Faults and Repairs

The only real negative points for the Ford Focus C-Max are that the reliability hasn't been as good as most Ford fans would hope for. Common problems include wiper motors playing up, electronic parking brakes sticking and faulty ECU's (especially in the 2.0 diesel and 1.8 petrol engines). The repair and parts costs will be lower on this model when compare to other manufacturers prices. The problems listed above shouldn't take anything away from an otherwise excellent car.

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