Insurance Group: 19
MPG: 55.4
CO2: 134
0-62 Mph: 10.1 secs
BHP: 138 BHP
Range: 731 miles
It gives an enjoyable ride on the motorway and copes well in stop/start traffic in town, characteristics that make it an all-round family car. The Zetec trims provides the Grand C-MAX with a high level of standard equipment to enhance the the driving experience further.
PROS: Good engine. Excellent handling. Comfortable. Sliding doors give easy access.
CONS: Not spacious enough for a 7-seater. Thick windscreen pillars obstruct view.
The Grand C-MAX Zetec is powered by a powerful 4-cylinder, 16-valve 2.0 TDCi engine. The diesel is gutsy, producing 138 bhp. Torque figures of 236 lb-ft make it competent on all terrains. Thanks to good suspension, the car drives smoothly over bumps and remains responsive. Body roll at corners is controlled and the steering is sensitive to speed changes, quick and precise. The car takes the lead in comfort and driver involvement in the large MPV class. You actually enjoy driving it!
The Grand C-MAX reaches 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds and has a top speed of 124mph. The 6-speed, manual gearbox is slick and efficient. At full tank (60 litres) the car can cover 704 miles, returning 53.3mpg, which is commendable of a large MPV. A lot of small MPVs return about the same mileage while most large MPVs return less.
Rear visibility is good. Adjustment settings ensure that you can raise the driving position for better forward visibility if you so desire. In bends, the thick windscreen pillars obscure your view so you will need to slow down while approaching corners.
The car has a high level of refinement and remains quiet even at motorway speeds.
Compared to the C-MAX, the Grand C-MAX falls short, but only as far as looks are concerned. Still, when you overlook the extended tailgate/rear end, it is easy to see that the Grand C-MAX is well-built and streamlined. The glamorous, panoramic roof and angular front-end soften the MPV’s appearance.
Inside, the Grand C-MAX is refined. The black detailing and soft-touch plastics used on the surfaces give the cabin a rich, upmarket feel.
The Grand C-MAX Zetec is replete with equipment. It comes complete with stability control, power steering, central locking, alarm, immobilizer, driver airbag, passenger airbags, front side airbags, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, and alloy wheels. For entertainment and communication, you get Bluetooth, MP3 connectivity and CD player.
Cruise control, climate control, keyless start and automatic headlights are only available in the higher Titanium trim.
You can get Sat nav for £750 and metallic paint for £495. But even without these, your Grand C-MAX Zetec is adequately equipped to make any ride safe, comfortable and enjoyable.
At 4520mm x 1858mm, the 5-door, 7-seat, Grand C-MAX Zetec is a big car, larger than the average MPV. It can comfortably seat 6 people in three rows. The 7th passenger would have to be squeezed in the central, middle row seat - a narrow, foldable seat that also functions as a passageway to the back. A three-seat bench would have provided better comfort. Other than this small glitch, there is plenty of space in the cabin.
The third row of seats ate into what should have been boot space, leaving only 92 litres. This is only fit for a small bag and given the size of car and number of occupants, quite impractical. Thankfully, the two rear seats can be completely folded or removed to increase boot space to 1742 litres. Either way, it is a compromise between carrying seven passengers and no luggage or limiting your passengers to five so you can create room for your luggage.
The driving position is superb, thanks to tons of adjustment on the driver’s seat and steering wheel. The dashboard and central control are stylish but most of the controls are complex.
Sliding doors ensure easy access, especially when the car is parked in tight spots.
The Grand C-MAX scored 5-stars in the Euro NCAP. That, alongside Ford’s proven reliability, should help ease any concerns you may have about safety. Plus the car is fitted with all the vital safety features so you have nothing to worry about, except for the central middle row seat which has no airbag.
The Ford Grand C-MAX falls on the high end of class prices at £21,495. It also has a high depreciation rate. After just three years, you are likely to sell the car for slightly more than £7,000!
Running the car is cheap though, thanks to fuel economy and affordable service. The manufacturer throws in three years’ warranty, with the option of a 60,000 mile warranty.
For its size and engine type, the Grand C-MAX is low on carbon emission. It averages 139g/km, and consequently falls under Road Tax band E, attracting £115 in VED annually. It falls under insurance group 19, which is considerably low for a car of its dimensions.
This car is well put together and is offered with a good range of standard equipment. Being able to seat seven occupants makes the car ideal for a large family and, as the car has five door access ...
The Grand C-MAX Zetec has all the markings of a Ford: strongly built, smooth on the road and comfortable. It is a good looking car, practical as a People Carrier, comfortable and fun to drive. ...
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