Used Ford C-MAX cars

Ford is one of the leading vehicle brands when it comes to practical MPVs that offer exceptional value. The C-MAX strikes a balance between space and performance, appealing not only to families but active individuals with outdoor hobbies too. It sits between the smaller B-MAX and larger S-MAX, coming as a five-seater – although if you need an extra two seats, you can opt for the Grand C-MAX.

The C-MAX had a relatively short lifespan. Originally launched in 2003 as the Ford Focus C-MAX, it provided a strong alternative to the Vauxhall Zafira and Volkswagen Touran. The Mk2 in 2010 came with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, and by 2012, three trims were on offer: the Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X.

Now the Ford C-MAX was competing against vehicles such as the Citroën C4 SpaceTourer and Renault Scenic. The C-MAX bested many of its contenders winning a raft of awards including the Fleet News Company Car of the Year in 2011 and the Mini-MPV title at the 2012 Business Car awards.

Production continued until 2019, when Ford decided to concentrate on other models.

Ford C-MAX updates and facelifts

Trim levels on the Ford C-MAX have remained the same from 2012 onwards. The most notable update to the Ford C-MAX , when a fresh chassis was introduced, alongside some styling tweaks including a re-profiled front end. The cabin was also improved, and the 1.6-litre diesel engine was replaced with a 1.5-litre option. All in all, the Mk2 model comes with three petrol and three diesel engine options and a choice of manual or automatic transmission.

Practicality and style of the car

Where the Ford C-MAX excels is in its ability to provide exceptional interior space within relatively compact exterior dimensions. While this is a car that feels easy to manoeuvre, it offers enough head and legroom to accommodate five adults with the three rear occupants able to sit abreast in comfort. Meanwhile, the cleverly split 40/20/40 rear bench enables you to fold the centre seat down and slide the outer seats backwards for more space. The outer seats also have ISOFIX mounting points for carrying young children safely.

When it comes to luggage capacity, the C-MAX doesn’t disappoint. Opt for an older iteration and you’ll get 471 litres of boot space. Fold all the rear seats down and the load space increases to an impressive 1,851 litres. The later Mk2 models come equipped with a spare wheel, which puts boot capacity at 432 litres.

The C-MAX is a good choice if you want to tow a caravan or trailer. The 104bhp 1.5-litre TDCi diesel unit is capable of towing a small trailer, offering a maximum braked weight of 400kg. The larger diesel engines, however, can haul up to 1,500kg, making it ideal for towing a small to midsize caravan.

Running costs

Depending on the trim and engine you choose, insurance premiums for your Ford C-MAX will vary. That said, all variants sit between groups 10–27 out of 50. The same is true of road tax – while there are some options that cost no more than £35 annually to tax, others are charged at a rate of £240 per year (although these tend to be models produced from 2010–2012). Any C-MAX manufactured after April 2017 is taxed at a standard annual rate of £180.

How a used Ford C-MAX drives

All C-MAX variants are front-wheel drive and offer plenty of grip, as well as accurate steering that makes this MPV feel agile around town.

Early versions of the C-MAX were offered with either a 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesel engines. The petrol is an EcoBoost that delivers 105bhp, 125bhp or 150bhp. The two lower powered options are teamed with a five-speed manual gearbox and provide a flexible and efficient drive around town. The 150bhp variant is the quickest, accelerating from 0-62mph in just 9.4 seconds while delivering a combined fuel economy of 45.6mpg.

The 1.6-litre diesel produces 115bhp and 270Nm of torque, delivering impressive efficiency at 62.8mpg. Opt for the 2.0-litre 140bhp engine, however, and you’ll get 320Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 9.6 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox.

Later iterations come with more efficient options. There’s a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol, which comes with outputs of 99bhp or 123bhp and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Both variants achieve a combined fuel economy of 49.6–55.4mpg while emitting just 117g/km of CO2 – impressive for an MPV.

The diesel is a 1.5-litre TDCi unit producing either 118bhp or 148bhp. The former is the most efficient, returning up to 60mpg on the combined cycle. The latter, meanwhile, offers plenty of punch, accelerating from 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds. The 118bhp engine develops 270Nm of torque and comes with either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, while the 148bhp is paired with a six-speed PowerShift automatic gearbox as standard.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2010 - 2019

Features you can expect in a Ford C-MAX

Interior

The Ford C-MAX has a smart interior that features everything you need for a comfortable and connected drive. There’s plenty of room for families, or even for five adults. High-quality materials are present throughout, and leather trim adds a sense of class. Storage is good too, with a large glovebox and deep door pockets providing space for belongings. A couple of cup holders sit next to the gear lever, keeping drinks within reach. Opt for the Titanium trim if you need extra storage in the centre console unit. The rear has a 12V socket too, enabling passengers to charge devices.

After its 2015 update, the C-MAX featured the Ford SYNC3 infotainment system with a touchscreen display as standard. DAB radio, a CD player and Bluetooth connectivity are also available on every trim, as is the brand’s AppLink, which provides a simple way of accessing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Technology

All variants of the C-MAX provide the essentials, from front fog lights and heated door mirrors to air conditioning and a leather multi-function steering wheel. Step up to the Titanium trim for driver aids such as hill launch assist, which prevents you from rolling backwards when pulling away on an incline, and cruise control. There’s also keyless start, which negates the need to rummage in your pockets or bag for your keys in order to get the car started. Some used C-MAX cars will have the optional Driver Assistance or Convenience Packs added, which add safety measures and convenience features respectively.

Safety

A 2017 Euro NCAP test saw the Ford C-MAX awarded three stars for safety, with an adult occupant score of 76% and a child occupant score of 60%. All variants include six airbags and electronic stability control for your protection. The Driver Assistance Pack, meanwhile, adds active city braking to reduce the chance of low-speed collisions, as well as lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition.

Trims available on the Ford C-MAX

Ford C-MAX Zetec

The entry-level Zetec offers 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, heated door mirrors, air conditioning, and the Ford SYNC 3 system with DAB radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. There are also a heated front windscreen and leather steering wheel.

Ford C-MAX Titanium

Mid-spec Titanium trims come with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, automatic climate control, front seat-back tables and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. There are also innovative tech features such as keyless start. Driver aids include hill launch assist and cruise control.

Ford C-MAX Titanium X

Top-spec Titanium X variants boast 17-inch alloy wheels as well as luxuries like xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof, part-leather upholstery and heated front seats.

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