By: Jason Woosey
While MPVs are not exactly big business in this country, Ford has decided to jump at an opportunity to bring its innovative B-Max into South Africa at a competitive price.
The company is clearly taking advantage of a trade deal between South Africa and Europe, which allows for the duty-free importation of cars with engine sizes of 1-litre or less - which explains the recent price cuts on Fiesta and Focus EcoBoost models.
Unsurprisingly Ford's award-winning 1-litre, triple-cylinder turbopetrol is the only engine option in the B-Max, which is priced between R221 900 and R271 900. In base Ambiente spec, the engine is rated at 74kW, while the mid-range Trend and flagship Titanium models are liberated to the tune of 92kW. Maximum torque is 170Nm in all three cases, while claimed average fuel consumption, on the unrealistic EU cycle at least, amounts to 4.9 litres per 100km.
EASY ACCESS
Yet its biggest party trick is the pillarless body design - its sliding rear doors and the lack of a B-pillar make access to the vehicle really easy through the resulting 1.5-metre aperture, which should prove a hit with parents who have young ones to strap into the back.
Once inside there are numerous configuration possibilities. The 60:40 split back seat bench can be folded flat in a one-hand motion, while the front seat can also be folded to make way for bicycles, ladders or other long objects you need to move.
But doesn't the pillarless design make it dangerous in a side collision?
Not according to Ford. The carmaker says that its strategic placement of high-strength steels make it just as safe as a conventional car in such a crash. Talking protection, all versions are fitted with front, side, curtain and driver knee airbags, as well as ESP stability control and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
THREE LEVELS
As for creature comforts, the base Ambiente model comes with air conditioning, one-touch power windows and a six-speaker audio system with Sync Bluetooth connectivity, voice control and steering-wheel-mounted controls.
Trade up to the Trend and the features list includes cruise control, a full trip computer, eight-speaker audio system with 4.2-inch TFT colour screen, Ford's MyKey system and a Thatcham alarm. You'll tell it apart on the outside by its 15-inch alloy wheels (the Ambiente has steel rims with wheel covers), as well as its front fog lights and full colour coding.
The range-topping Titanium gets full leather trim, reverse camera, keyless access with start button, automatic climate control, a full-length panoramic roof, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers and built-in armrests front and rear.
PRICES
1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente - R221 900
1.0 EcoBoost Trend - R246 900
1.0 EcoBoost Titanium - R271 900
Included in the deal is a four-year/60 000km service plan and four-year/120 000km warranty.
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