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The Ford Grand C-Max is a practical and small seven seat MPV that's offers a surprisingly entertaining drive

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The Ford Grand C-Max is the longer, seven-seater version of the five-seat Ford C-Max. That car is the ground-up replacement for the second-generation Ford Focus-based model of the same name. That model served the firm well as a slightly roomier, easier-access variant of the Focus hatchback. But one which always lacked a seven-seat option. 

The Grand C-Max is 140mm longer and 110kg heavier than the five-seater, and straddles the small gap in Ford’s range between the C-Max and the Ford S-Max. It’s also one of Ford’s latest ‘global’ models, conceived and designed to sell on both sides of the Atlantic, and in within a mile or two of driving it you’re aware that this is a model with the US market in mind.

Sliding doors allow excellent access to the rear seats

In 2015, the C-Max range was given a facelift, with Ford's latest grille design prominently displayed on the front, sleeker looks, a improved dash and infotainment offering and improved engines. 

The car is distinctly softer in the suspension than the shorter model; engineers say it’s as much to give the occupants of the third row a comfortable ride as to meet American tastes. The rest of the car, however, is very European, with identical interior and seat designs to the short-wheelbase model and Volkswagen levels of material quality and finish. 

On the road, there’s little beyond the slightly more relaxed ride to choose between the Grand C-Max and the smaller C-Max. They feel identical in steering precision and cornering grip, and you’re barely aware of its extra size and weight. 

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It is deceptively spacious inside, with sliding rear doors and a clever set-up that allows the centre seat of the second row to fold beneath one of the others, leaving a ‘walk-through’ space. Ford calls the model a ‘six-plus-one’ layout, rather than a simple seven-seater.

The Grand C-Max’s seven-seat design compromises the five-seat C-Max’s sleek overall shape, but if you need the extra interior space and passenger accommodation then it’s a compromise you’ll doubtless be prepared to accept. With all seven seats upright and in use, boot space is limited to just 92 litres, but fold them flat and this expands to a full 1742 litres should you need it.

Standard kit is generous, with three trims to choose from. The entry-level Zetec models come with 16in alloys, Ford's Quickclear front windscreen, sports-style seats, air conditioning and DAB radio. Upgrade to the mid-range Titanium spec and expect to find 17in alloys, automatic headlights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, and keyless start and entry, there is also the inclusion of Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8.0in touchscreen.

The range-topping Titanium X Grand C-Maxs get larger alloys, a panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, a partial leather interior and heated front seats all as standard.

We based our most exhaustive tests on the 2.0-litre Duratorq diesel engine, driving through the optional six-speed dual-clutch Powershift gearbox. Its 148bhp is married to a torque peak of 236lb ft, and it’s an impressively smooth and refined powerplant, with typical turbodiesel shove from low down. It works especially well with the slick-shifting Powershift automatic gearbox. In auto guise the only downside is the worse mpg and CO2 figures.

Other engine options are a 1.6-litre petrol, a duo of 1.0-litre Ecoboosts and a couple 1.5-litre diesels. Our advice, unless you drive very few miles, is to skip the petrols and head for the diesels, which carry a relatively small premium and deliver more punchy performance for the sort of load-lugging this kind of car is likely to do. While the 2.0-litre diesel is the most capable, for many the more pasimonious 1.5-litre will do.

Steve Cropley

Steve Cropley Autocar
Title: Editor-in-chief

Steve Cropley is the oldest of Autocar’s editorial team, or the most experienced if you want to be polite about it. He joined over 30 years ago, and has driven many cars and interviewed many people in half a century in the business. 

Cropley, who regards himself as the magazine’s “long stop”, has seen many changes since Autocar was a print-only affair, but claims that in such a fast moving environment he has little appetite for looking back. 

He has been surprised and delighted by the generous reception afforded the My Week In Cars podcast he makes with long suffering colleague Matt Prior, and calls it the most enjoyable part of his working week.

Ford Grand C-Max 2010-2019 First drives