What is it?
Ford's supermini-based MPV (it shares its platform with the Fiesta) that is due to take the fight to the Opel Meriva. The B-Max packs a novel weapon though in the clever Easy Access Door System that does integrate the B-pillar into the sliding rear door to give unobstructed access to the cabin.
Why's it here?
Downsizing is the latest buzz word in the motor industry and the B-Max encapsulates that. At just over four metres it is only 11cm longer than the Fiesta on which it is based, yet 32cm shorter than the C-Max. However, thanks to the clever doors (which may make it onto the rest of the Ford MPV line-up), it is just as useable. Factor in the Ford 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that offers big capacity performance in a small package and this is really a 'now' car.
Show stopper or floor filler?
As smart as the B-Max's doors are it is being debuted alongside the production-ready Fiesta ST and there really is only one winner in that competition. The B-Max is likely to win in the market though where it really counts.
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