Test drive Ford Focus C-Max 2003-2007 Minivan

Better late than never

It happened! Finally, we have the honor of seeing the Ford compactwane. A car that has been waiting for a long time, a very long time, is enough to say that the tests of prototypes of the machine began in the fall of 1996. The model under the code designation EV was supposed to appear in 1998, but some difficulties arose. Moreover, it soon became clear that these are not any small, eliminated flaws, but a fairly global problem. Renault Megane Scenic and the followed by Opel Zafira established such high standards in the new sector of the market, which was still at the Ford Ev refinement was losing position. It did not make sense to offer the buyer a deliberately weak model, so the initial project was folded, and after some time the development of compactwane began almost from scratch. Only at the 2002 Paris Motor Show was a pre-production C-Max, which was put into production last summer.

  

Despite the fact that the Fords had enough time for the preparation of the car for the eyes and ears, the C-Max did not produce revolution. Outwardly, he looks inconspicuously ordinary German design, ocular and concise.
 
And in the midst of its somarochniki, compactwhen threatens to get lost: it is very similar to the Galaxy profile, Fiesta is recognized from behind, Anfas is unified-corporate. On the other hand, such a utilitarian thing is a particularly bright appearance, it seems, and nothing to nothing. The main thing is that it is practical and convenient. Perhaps its loud name (which is deciphered as the maximum comfort for C-class) Ford Focus C-Max justifies with its internal content.
 
As is customary in the budget sector, the basic version of the car is relatively modest, and from the list of completing the equipment ripples in the eyes. The standard here includes ABS, two pillows, air conditioning, adjusting the steering column in two planes and a six-disc CD changer. Our C-MAX is 1320 euros more expensive than it, there are tinted glasses, there are foglights, electric drives of the rear glasses, heating of the frontal and mirrors, parking sensors and some other trifles. There could be: a leather salon, front seats with an electric regulation in height and heating or sports seats, xenon, hatch, headlight washers, 16-inch cast discs, cruise control, a pre-heater, a CD reserve with support for MP3 format. But the most useful ESP options (240 euros) and climate control (480 euros). The engine is still one 1.8-liter gasoline, a mechanic gearbox. In April, the GHIA automatic and top complexation will appear.

 

The interior of Simax bribes the elegant simplicity of design and the perfection of ergonomics. The only thing that can be reproached is an obvious emphasis in favor of business severity where I would like more home comfort. Probably, such a feeling is inspired by a stylistic analogy with Mondeo, clearly visible in the design of the front panel: a lot of sweeping lines and pseudo -metal decor. Like Mondeo, C-Max is pleasant in communication in all respects. At these seats, I want to go on a long journey, from this steering wheel and lever the checkpoint I do not want to take off your hands. Thoughtfulness is visible in every little thing: in a powerful steering paw of the audio system, in a retractable panoramic mirror (option), which allows the driver's place to survey every corner of the cabin.

However, the main thing is for what compactives love and for what they are buying, an effective organization of internal space, the possibility of its transformation. As a surprise, the Ford magicians have prepared a very non -trivial, but not indisputable solution. The trick is that the C-Max turns from five-seater into four-seater without dismantling the seats. To do this, it is necessary to fold the narrow central section of the rear seat, after which the side chairs that have received independence move back to the diagonal back and to each other, freeing the place in the elbows and in the legs.
 
The minus is obvious: sitting the three of them, it is already impossible to move back. So you have to choose: either the three of them are closely, or comfortably together.
As befits a true compactwane, the Focus C-Max is equipped with additional storage facilities. For two glove boxes, add folding tables in the backs of the front seats and containers in the floor in front of the rear passengers. Not bad, but the leader in this discipline Volkswagen Touran is still not surpassed.
 
Simax is based on the latest C1 platform, on which Mazda3, Volvo S40/V50 are built and, of course, the second generation Focus, which we will see in March. And this promises the extraordinary of the car in the sense of running qualities. And right: to control the machine that is pleasure. The C-Max literally predicts the driver's desires, responding with lightning speed to the actions of the steering wheel and deftly emitting into any turns. A perfectly balanced chassis in regular situations does not allow either deep demolition of the front wheels or drift drifts. The electro -hydraulic amplifier provides an understandable, reliable returning force on the steering wheel, although in the near -pot zone it is not enough. What is on straight lines, that in corners the compactiven is extremely stable: clearly holds a given trajectory, does not swing and does not roll.

 

The engine is also good for the gambling character. True, in the lower speed range, he responds to an electronic accelerator with very tangible delays, but demonstrates excellent elasticity. And with an increase in revolutions, his inhibition comes to naught. The gearbox delights with its impeccable work, despite the fact that the lever is located on the tide of the central console and is connected to the performing mechanisms of the cable drive. Conducted both sensitive, reliable brakes, and the worked out vibration insulation to feel the motor on idle.
 
This is embarrassed by this. In the pursuit of sports, the Ford engineers pushed the smoothness of the move to the second roles, preferring the rigid settings of the pendants. As a result, Focus C-Max diligently reads the body of the coating relief, nervously shuddering with the body on large fossa. It’s good that these tremors are almost not transmitted to the steering wheel. It can be assumed that in Europe with its quality roads, all of the above is unlikely to write down the car in a liability, but in any case, the losses in comfort are inevitable.

 

If Ford Motor marketer postponed the launch of their compactwane in the series before the Focus C-Max model appeared, they acted absolutely reasonably. Yes, the car did not become a revelation, but the level, as they say, withstand with honor. A competent car that is not boring to drive every day.
 
Autography
Ford Focus C-Max
Predecessor
no
Premiere
march 2003
Prototype
C-MAX (2002)
Body
5-d. Universal
Platform
Focus II
Engines
1.8-2.0 l (109-136 hp)
Production
Germany
Expected replacement
2010-11
 

The car is provided by Euro Motors.
During the test, the car is insured by LLC Nation Center.
 
Text: Leonid Klyuyev
Photo: Roman Ostanin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: Wheel magazine [No. 77/2004]