Ford Focus C-MAX (2003-) Review

Comfort and Equipment

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The diesel engines are still a bit clattery on start-up, but get impressively smooth and refined as they warm up; petrol engines aren't the most refined in this class. Wind and tyre noise are well suppressed, however, and there were no nasty rattles or creaks from the cars we tested. Plus points too for the nice plain, dark interior; it's simple and clean-looking, pleasant to the touch and not overdone. This is, of course, a matter of taste, but there's a lot to be said for an uncluttered approach to cabin design. The ride is firm but not harsh or jolting, and body roll is well contained. It doesn't give the same cushioned, floating feel as the Renault or Peugeot, though, the trade-off for the sharper handling. The C-MAX isn't quite as big as the Scenic, and its cabin feels a lot narrower; it doesn't feel as roomy as the Peugeot 307 SW, either. However, as it only has five seats, rather than seven, it offers more rear legroom than the 307 or Zafira, and two tall adults can sit in comfort in the back if the rear bench is in its rearmost position ("rear seat flexibility system" optional). Two adults, though, not three: the central rear seat is very narrow, and can really only accommodate a child's bottom. If you don't need it, the best option is to fold it away flat and slide the other two seats inwards a little to create more elbowroom to the sides, but yes, you can only do this with the optional system fitted at extra cost. Either way, the boot's not huge. We've not tested the bog-standard-fit audio equipment, but the optional eight-speaker Sony CD system, available with a front-loading six-CD autochanger or a single CD and MP3 player, is excellent. Sound quality is crisp, and the head unit is easy to use and nicely designed. Satellite navigation is optional, as is the rear seat entertainment system, as offered in the Fusion; this comprises sockets for DVD players or games consoles, and a roof-mounted fold-out screen. A cheaper option is the dual-zone audio kit, which allows the rear seat occupants to listen to a CD via headphones while those in the front listen to the radio, for example. Good news if the adults want Radio 4 and the kids want Eminem.