Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Ford B-MAX review - Engines, performance and drive

B-MAX is fun to drive, yet is also comfortable and easy to park, too.

Engines, performance and drive rating

4.2

How we review cars
Find your Ford B-MAX
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

Given that the B-MAX uses the same platform as the Ford Fiesta, it’s no surprise to find that it's a fun car to drive. It features direct and well weighted steering, excellent body control and strong grip, and these combine to inspire confidence through a series of corners. The B-MAX is boosted by a torque vectoring system which distributes power to the front wheel with the most grip, which further improves handling.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Yet this composure doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, because the B-MAX soaks up bumps and does a good job of keeping wind and road noise out of the interior. Better still, with its decent visibility, light controls, responsive brakes and compact external dimensions, the B-MAX is a doddle to drive around town. Rear parking sensors are an option on Zetec and Titanium models.

Engines

Ford B-MAX buyers wanting a diesel can choose the firm's latest 1.5 TDCi with either 73bhp or 93bhp. Both engines emit 98g/km emissions and return a claimed 74.3mpg, but they are both rather sluggish performers. If you can afford the extra outlay, we'd recommend going for the 93bhp version, as you won't need to work it quite as hard, so you're likely to get closer to Ford's claimed MPG figure. A 0-62mph time of 13.0 seconds is 2.1 seconds faster than the 73bhp model, but neither car is exactly rapid.

The entry-level Studio model is only available with Ford’s elderly 89bhp 1.4-litre petrol, while the larger 104bhp 1.6-litre petrol is the only choice if you want Ford’s slick six-speed Powershift twin-clutch gearbox - the rest of the range features five-speed manuals. However we'd only recommend the 1.6 if you must have an auto, because Ford's newer EcoBoost turbo petrol engine is far better.

The award-winning three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost unit with 99bhp can get from 0-62mph in 13.2 seconds, while the more powerful 123bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost does it in 11.2 seconds. The latter also features start-stop, so has better claimed economy figures than the slower EcoBoost engine. The EcoBoost engines deliver a traditional three-cylinder thrum from under the bonnet, but it's not very loud, and adds a bit of character to how the B-MAX drives. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Our latest car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*Compare Offers
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,040Avg. savings £2,827 off RRP*Compare Offers
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,135Avg. savings £5,882 off RRP*Compare Offers
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,075Avg. savings £1,463 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

EV charger numbers are growing rapidly but there's one small problem
Fiat 500 connected to a Gridserve rapid charger

EV charger numbers are growing rapidly but there's one small problem

The number of public EV chargers across the UK grew by 38 per cent in 2024, but analysts are concerned about what’s being installed and regional inequ…
News
9 Jan 2025
Dacia Bigster to hit UK streets fast as brand signals high hopes for the new SUV
Dacia Bigster - reveal front

Dacia Bigster to hit UK streets fast as brand signals high hopes for the new SUV

UK brand director says buyers will not be left waiting for Bigster deliveries as they have been for Mk3 Duster
News
9 Jan 2025
These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics
These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics header

These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics

Is it time to get on board with these 40-year-old cars that have just qualified for the historic vehicle road tax exemption?
Features
12 Jan 2025