Smart technologies offered by the B-MAX include SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated, in-car connectivity system with award-winning Emergency Assistance, plus a host of premium comfort features.
“The B-MAX is packed full of ingenious features, from its unique door concept to the powerful SYNC voice control system,” said Ford’s global small car vehicle line director Nick Collins. “Customers can look forward to a smarter and more capable compact car.”
Ground-breaking vehicle concept
The B-MAX presents Ford’s vision for a premium compact multi-activity vehicle, combining outstanding space and versatility within a smart and stylish exterior.
The Ford Easy Access Door System was developed following an innovation project in which engineers “went undercover” to observe drivers in their daily routine – going shopping or picking up their children from school – to understand exactly what customers wanted in a compact car.
The solution they came up with combines conventional, hinged front doors and rear sliding doors, in a new body design. This integrates the traditional central pillar structure into the front and rear doors, rather than forming part of the bodyshell itself, and creates a huge, clear opening − more than 1.5 metres wide.
This is around twice the width offered by competitors with alternative door concepts and makes it significantly easier to enter or exit the rear seats, attend to children in child seats, or load and unload shopping.
B-MAX’s twin sliding rear doors also make access easier in crowded streets or narrow parking bays. The front and rear doors can be opened completely independently, so the front or rear cabin can be accessed as required.
Ford SYNC technology with Emergency Assistance
The new B-MAX is the first European Ford to offer the company’s acclaimed SYNC system.
SYNC is an advanced voice control, device integration and connectivity interface. It enables users to connect mobile phones and music players by Bluetooth or USB, make hands-free telephone calls, and control music and other functions using voice commands.
It can automatically transfer contact information from a connected Bluetooth device to the vehicle, allows calls to contacts to be activated using straight-forward voice commands and reads text messages aloud from compatible phones connected using Bluetooth.
SYNC also enables B-MAX to offer the innovative new Emergency Assistance feature which is designed to assist the occupants to call the local emergency services operator in the event of an accident. Emergency Assistance won the “Best Mobile Innovation for Automotive, Transport or Utilities” category at the 2012 Global Mobile Awards, Barcelona.
Flexible and easy-to-use interior
A flexible and easy-to-use seating system features 60/40 split rear seats which can be folded flat with a simple ‘one-hand, one-motion’ mechanism. The front passenger seat can also be folded, creating an extensive flat load floor capable of swallowing loads up to 2.34 metres long.
The generous access makes it particularly convenient to load bulky items such as flat-pack furniture or even a bicycle through the side doors. An adjustable load floor in the boot creates a flat load space when the rear seats are lowered, with extra room underneath for valuable items.
With an overall vehicle height which is 12cm higher than the Fiesta, B-MAX offers drivers the benefits of a higher “command” seating position, and provides significantly improved rear seat legroom and headroom.
Premium technologies in a compact package
The B-MAX features a host of premium technologies demanded by buyers looking to “right-size” their new car – around 40 per cent of B-MAX customers are expected to choose B-MAX after previously owning a larger vehicle while 20 per cent are expected to have previously owned a smaller car.
Comfort and convenience features include an exclusive eight-speaker Sony audio system, all-new electronic automatic climate control system, Key Free system, Ford Power Button, Rear View Camera, Quickclear heated windscreen and Easy Fuel system.
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New Ford B-MAX High-Strength-Steels, Ingenious Design and Technology Combine to Help Protect Occupants
- Ford builds B-MAX bodyshell and doors using more than 50 per cent high-strength-steels
- Ford Easy Access Door System features reinforced latches and integrated central pillar for effective impact resistance and safety
- B-MAX is first vehicle in segment to offer Active City Stop
The B-MAX is also the first vehicle in its segment to offer Active City Stop, designed to help motorists avoid low speed collisions with stationary or slower moving traffic in front.
“Maintaining occupant safety and delivering all the benefits of the Ford Easy Access Door System was a key objective for us,” said Klaus-Peter Tamm, chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe. “The development team used innovative engineering solutions – and filed multiple patent applications – in the development of this unique car.”
Engineered for outstanding protection
From the innovative door and body structure to the advanced restraints system, the B-MAX has been engineered to deliver outstanding occupant protection.
Front and rear doors are reinforced with ultra-high-strength boron steel in key load-bearing areas, with high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels accounting for 58 per cent of the body and door structure.
In the event of a side impact, the door frames work together to absorb crash energy. In extreme instances, special crash catchers (which lock the doors together), a reinforced latch mechanism and an integrated central pillar combine to ensure the doors remain firmly attached to the roof and floor structure.
The new B-MAX offers seven state-of-the-art airbags: driver and front-seat passenger airbags, 3D Thorax side airbags, curtain airbags that run the entire length of the cabin and a driver’s knee airbag. B-MAX is the first Ford to enable deactivation of the front passenger airbag, for those carrying a rear-facing child seat, through a standard switch mounted at the end of the instrument panel.
Ford developed and implemented a unique test procedure to prove out the new B-MAX’s body concept. The five-year testing programme included 5,000 virtual collisions and 40 real-world crashes as well as the construction of a bespoke rig system used to test the reinforced latches.
Suite of active safety technologies
B-MAX will be offered with a suite of active safety technologies designed to help drivers maintain vehicle control and avoid accident situations.
The B-MAX is the first vehicle in its segment to provide the added reassurance of the Active City Stop system, designed to help motorists avoid low speed collisions with stationary or slower moving traffic in front.
First launched on Focus last year, Active City Stop monitors traffic ahead and applies the brakes if it detects a collision with a vehicle in front is imminent. In tests the system is proven to prevent collisions at speeds up to 10mph, and reduce the severity of impacts at speeds as high as 20mph. The system was awarded an Advanced reward by Euro NCAP in 2011.
As with all Fords, B-MAX features Electronic Stability Programme - a braking and stability system that helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle under extreme conditions.
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All-New Ford B-MAX Delivers Dynamic Design and Superior Driving Quality
- B-MAX brings dynamic design and a stylish, high-quality interior to the compact multi-activity vehicle segment
- Best-in-class driving dynamics with standard Torque Vectoring Control, and premium levels of comfort and refinement
The dynamic new model raises the bar with Ford’s fun-to-drive brand DNA, premium levels of comfort and refinement and a high-quality interior.
Compact, sporty and stylish
B-MAX is a compact, sporty and stylish car which adds its own distinctive character to the company’s multi-activity vehicle (MAV) line-up.
“We set out to create a compact vehicle that was both stylish and desirable,” said Martin Smith,Ford of Europe’s executive design director. “We wanted to show that a small car could be very spacious and practical inside, while still having a sleek and dynamic appearance.”
The vehicle’s striking front-end features a bold new interpretation of Ford’s signature trapezoidal grille. Other distinctive design elements include strong headlamp graphics, a muscular shoulder line with powerful undercut, the window line with its characteristic kick-up behind the rear doors, and prominent wheel lips.
The bold three-dimensional surfacing of the body-sides includes a unique new rocker treatment, with a stylish ‘zigzag’ form on the rear doors.
Spacious interior with premium craftsmanship
The car’s spacious interior features the same kinetic design approach, and the bold graphics and sculpted surfaces develop the themes found in Ford’s latest small and medium cars.
Distinctive features include the slim, wing-like section of the upper instrument panel which reaches out to the door panels, and the prominent centre console, which flows down between the front seats.
High quality, contemporary materials emphasise detailed craftsmanship and finish, with a particular focus on achieving world-class fits with minimal gaps between components.
The B-MAX instrument panel is a one-piece moulding with a luxurious soft-touch finish, while the choice of premium trim materials extends to full leather upholstery with premium embossed leather; an optional full-size panoramic glass roof enhances the sensation of space and comfort within the cabin.
Advanced chassis technology
The new B-MAX shares Ford’s global B-car platform with the new Fiesta, and its chassis – with front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam – has been meticulously tuned by the company’s vehicle dynamics specialists to deliver the same fun-to-drive experience as its sister model.
Particular focus was placed on achieving the kind of agility and manoeuvrability which will prove especially valuable in the cut and thrust of city driving.
Key chassis technologies include the electric power assisted steering system, which features speed-dependent tuning for light steering at parking speeds together with a precise and confident feel at higher speeds. The B-MAX also features standard Torque Vectoring Control – as fitted to the latest Ford Focus – for superior traction and agility.
Ford’s engineers also optimised the B-MAX design to achieve premium standards of refinement and comfort. The strong, stiff bodyshell, combined with stiffer chassis components, optimised suspension bushes, and detailed attention to sealing and noise absorption throughout the vehicle, has resulted in significantly reduced noise levels.
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Stylish New Ford B-MAX Opens Doors to Practical Solutions for City Driving
- Ford B-MAX features hinged front and sliding rear doors integrating the central body pillars and delivering best-in-class access
- Class-leading petrol and diesel engines; 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost 120PS petrol engine achieves 15 per cent lower fuel consumption than closest competitor; 95PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine delivers best-in-class CO2 emissions of 104g/km1
- B-MAX is among Europe’s most advanced small cars, featuring Ford’s voice-activated, in-car connectivity system, SYNC, with Emergency Assistance feature
The B-MAX’s Ford Easy Access Door System provides unobstructed entry and exit with hinged front doors and sliding rear doors integrating the central body pillars.
The new model also achieves class-leading fuel economy and the lowest CO2 emissions for both petrol and diesel engines1.
The innovative new B-MAX is the first European car to offer SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated, in-car connectivity system, with the Emergency Assistance feature. It is also the first vehicle in its segment to provide Active City Stop.
“The Ford B-MAX really challenges traditional small car thinking, and pioneers a concept not attempted by any other manufacturers,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “Its ingenious design opens the doors – quite literally – to exciting new ideas about what's possible with a compact vehicle.”
New vision for compact vehicles
Based on Ford’s global B-car platform – shared with the highly successful new Fiesta – the B-MAX presents the company’s vision for a premium compact multi-activity vehicle (MAV), combining outstanding space and versatility within a smart and stylish exterior.
The unique Ford Easy Access Door System delivers new levels of convenience, access and flexibility. It features conventional, hinged front doors and rear sliding doors, combined in a new body design. This integrates the traditional central pillar structure into the front and rear doors, rather than forming part of the bodyshell itself.
When both front and rear doors are open there is outstanding access to the interior, with a huge, clear aperture more than 1.5 metres wide, making it significantly easier to enter or exit the rear seats, attend to children in child seats, or load and unload shopping.
The flexible seating system features 60/40 split rear seats that can be folded flat with a simple “one-hand, one-motion” mechanism. The front passenger seat can also be folded, creating an extensive flat load floor from front to rear, suitable for loads up to 2.34 metres in length.
Engineered for outstanding safety
Ford engineers developed innovative solutions to ensure the B-MAX delivers the same outstanding levels of crash protection as vehicles with a more conventional structure.
The structure of both front and rear doors has been strengthened with ultra-high-strength Boron steel in key load-bearing areas so the door frames work together to absorb energy in side impacts.
High-strength and ultra-high-strength steels account for 58 percent of the body and door structure and ensure it is strong and rigid while remaining highly weight-efficient.
Best-in-class fuel economy for petrol and diesel
The B-MAX brings new standards of fuel efficiency to the compact MAV class. The 2012 “International Engine of the Year” 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine is available in 100PS and 120PS versions, and the 120 PS model achieves class-leading CO2 emissions of 114g/km.
B-MAX is available with 95PS 1.6-litre and 75PS 1.5-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines, each offering outstanding fuel efficiency; the 1.6-litre model delivers best-in-class CO2 emissions of 104g/km.
‘Right-sized’ for modern motoring
The B-MAX features premium technologies demanded by buyers looking to “right-size” their new car – around 40 per cent of B-MAX customers are expected to choose B-MAX after previously owning a larger vehicle while 20 per cent are expected to have previously owned a smaller car.
The advanced features include the Ford SYNC voice control, device integration and connectivity interface, with the Emergency Assistance feature that is designed to assist the occupants to call the local emergency services operator in the event of an accident.
High quality, contemporary materials throughout the interior emphasise craftsmanship and detailing, with comfort features including an exclusive eight-speaker Sony DAB audio system, Key Free system, Ford Power Button, Rear View Camera and full leather upholstery.
B-MAX is true to the Ford fun-to-drive brand DNA with class-leading driving dynamics featuring Torque Vectoring Control for superior traction and cornering. The car offers outstanding agility and manoeuvrability designed for the cut and thrust of city driving.
It is also the first vehicle in its segment to deliver Active City Stop, designed to help motorists avoid low speed collisions with stationary or slower moving traffic in front.
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1. All fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures in g/km are from officially approved tests in accordance with EC Directive 93/116/EC. Fuel economy figures quoted are based on the European Fuel Economy Directive EU 80/1268/EEC and will differ from fuel economy drive cycle results in other regions of the world.
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All-New Ford B-MAX Delivers Class-Leading Fuel Economy
- Ford’s new B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle delivers the best fuel economy in its class in both the diesel and petrol categories
- Award-winning 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost 120PS petrol engine achieves 15 per cent lower fuel consumption than closest competitor1
The B-MAX is equipped with the new 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine recently named the 2012 “International Engine of the Year” and is also available with the 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel which delivers best-in-class CO2 emissions of 104g/km.
Ford’s global small car vehicle line director Nick Collins said: “B-MAX will prove a real winner at the pumps, with the thriftiest engines in its class. And petrol buyers are in for a real treat, with the new 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivering a fun-filled drive along with remarkable fuel efficiency.”
Class-leading petrol and diesel engine range
The B-MAX brings new standards of fuel efficiency to the compact multi-activity vehicle class with Ford’s latest petrol and diesel powertrains equipped with low-CO2 ECOnetic Technology.
The 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine is available in 100PS and 120PS versions and uses the latest engine technologies to deliver the power of a larger capacity engine with the fuel efficiency of a much smaller unit.
Equipped with the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system as standard, the 120PS EcoBoost engine achieves class-leading CO2 emissions of 114g/km and fuel consumption of 57.7mpg – 15 per cent lower than the closest petrol competitor.
Other petrol engine options include the 90PS 1.4-litre Duratec, and the 105PS 1.6-litre Duratec engine which is paired with Ford’s high-efficiency PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission with advanced dual clutch technology.
B-MAX is available with a choice of two Duratorq TDCi diesel engines. The 95PS 1.6-litre engine delivers best-in-class CO2 emissions of 104g/km and fuel consumption of 70.6mpg.
The 75PS 1.5-litre diesel, closely derived from the 1.6-litre engine, appears for the first time in Ford’s European product range. It achieves CO2 emissions of 109g/km and fuel consumption of 68.9mpg.
Low CO2 features minimise fuel consumption
Ford engineers have minimised fuel consumption on the B-MAX with an optimised design which features the latest low-CO2 ECOnetic Technologies, including:
- Electric Power Assisted Steering, which requires less energy than hydraulic power assisted steering systems
- Gear Shift Indicator to highlight the most efficient gear changing points
- Ford Eco Mode driver information system which helps drivers adopt a more economical driving style
- Smart Regenerative Charging, which charges the battery at the most economical point in a journey (on 1.0-litre EcoBoost and 1.5/1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engines)
Engineers have also reduced consumption by minimising weight throughout the vehicle design, notably in the body and door structure which features 58 per cent high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels to ensure it is strong and rigid while remaining highly weight-efficient.
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1. Ford B-MAX fuel economy comparisons against selected competition:
PETROL MODELS (>100PS):
| MODEL | CO2 (g/km) | Fuel Consumption (mpg) |
| Ford B-MAX 1.0 EcoBoost S/S (120PS) | 114 | 57.7 |
| Vauxhall Meriva 1.4 16v VVT Turbo (120PS) | 139 | 47.9 |
| Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 VTi 120 (120PS) | 137 | 47.1 |
| MODEL | CO2 (g/km) | Fuel Consumption (mpg) |
| Ford B-MAX 1.6 TDCi (95PS) | 104 | 70.6 |
| Vauxhall Meriva 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX S/S (95PS) | 109 | 68.9 |
| Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 HDi 90 (92PS) | 112 | 62.2 |
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