Ford has added a new range-topping variant of its B-Max compact MPV and cut prices of two mid-level trim specifications by up to £1000 amid reports of weak demand for the new model.
A Ford spokesman told Autocar the price adjustments were "a reflection to accommodate the Titanium X trim level", rebutting the suggestion that the B-Max was suffering from poor sales in Europe.
The Romanian factory where the B-Max is made recently announced it would be stopping production for four days in February, with Ford officials quoted as saying the decision was due to low demand. Around 68,000 Ford cars are made per year at the Romanian plant.
The range, which starts from £12,995 for the entry-level Studio model now includes a top-spec Titanium X variant. Priced from £18,395, the new version includes a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, heated leather seats and rear privacy glass.
Prices for Zetec and Titanium editions have been adjusted, meaning those models now start from £14,795 and £16,595, a price cut of £770 and £1000 respectively.
The price reductions bring the B-Max more in line with what Ford sees as its closest rival, the Nissan Note. Prices for the Note start from £12,100, rising to £13,495 for Acenta models, £14,395 for Acenta Premium and £16,100 for top-spec Tekna versions.
The Blue Oval sold 15,896 units of the B-Max in the UK last year, according to SMMT figures, beating sales of the Note by some 3354 units.
