Ford Grand C-Max 2.0 TDCi 140 CV Powershift test drive

The Ford Grand C-Max, and its smaller sibling the Ford C-Max, received a restyling in 2015. These two multi-purpose vehicles have been renewed to strengthen their position in a highly competitive segment dominated by the major rivals on the market.

We had the opportunity to test the outgoing model of the Ford Grand C-Max 2.0 TDCi 140 CV. Test in which we will detail the main attributes that make it an option for families looking for a versatile vehicle. Let’s get started.

Exterior design

The first thing that comes to mind when describing the styling of the Ford Grand C-Max is its comparison with its ‘smaller sibling’, the Ford C-Max. They share practically all features up to the B-pillar, from which point we begin to notice the differences.

The rear is taller and more pronounced, with a rear window of generous size like the tailgate itself, which leads to a low and wide loading opening. There is no doubt that it is a car that makes its use and enjoyment, ergonomics and comfort easy in every corner.

In this sense, the Grand C-Max is one of the models featuring the main traits of Ford’s ‘Kinetic’ design, with very expressive lines and the characteristic front with a double grille and a large lower intake, as well as elongated headlights.

In terms of dimensions, the Grand C-Max measures 4,520 mm long, 2,067 mm wide overall and 1,684 mm high; making it 140 mm longer and 58 mm taller than the C-Max. At first glance it looks compact, considering how well the design makes use of its space.

We found that the Grand C-Max presents a balanced design overall, attractive lines, a well-proportioned MPV that makes very good use of the design language features defining Ford’s new range of vehicles.

Cabin

The Ford Grand C-Max has as its main asset a very versatile interior, with a really comfortable driving position that extends to the front passenger seat. But also with a second and third row of seats that offer comfort for a family and their luggage.

In the case of the second row, despite having 3 seats, the central seat is smaller than the side ones, which is quite common except for a few exceptions such as, coincidentally, one of its main rivals, the Toyota Verso tested by my colleague Dani.

However, a slim person or a child in a booster seat can travel comfortably between two adults. One of the highlights is that this central seat ‘hides away’ to provide access to the third row without needing to tilt the second-row seats. You can see the details in this gallery:

This solution is called Walk Through Concept and leaves a walkway with a completely flat floor, a convenient solution especially for children, enhancing the practicality of this vehicle. It takes a while to get the hang of this system, but the secret is to be confident and do it firmly and smoothly.

The third row of seats offers two relatively comfortable seats with a more than adequate padding, although this space and these seats are designed for occasional use and for children, who will undoubtedly enjoy the cabin of the Ford Grand C-Max to the fullest.

In terms of onboard technology, we find the Ford SYNC multimedia system, through which we can manage basic functions without taking our eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel thanks to voice control.

In our case, we had some difficulty communicating with SYNC; we had to raise our voice on some occasions and pronounce things in an unnatural way. Throughout the test we realised that the screen of the multimedia system and navigator was rather small (5”).

Load capacity

An MPV is also measured by its load capacity. In the Ford Grand C-Max we have a boot with 475 litres of capacity, with the puncture repair kit and third row of seats fitted. This drops to 439 litres if we opt for the mini spare wheel. In both cases, loading the boot up to the parcel shelf.

If we load up to the roof, the capacity increases to 755 litres with the kit and 719 litres with the mini spare wheel, again always with the third row in place as was the case with the Ford Grand C-Max in this test. The maximum capacity is 1,742 litres if we fold down the 2nd and 3rd rows of seats and have the puncture repair kit.

We should also mention the multiple storage spaces you will find inside the Ford Grand C-Max TDCi 140 CV such as in our test car. The front armrest, for example, provides enough space to store glasses, gadgets, cables, etc.

Going a step further, it is worth noting that the maximum authorised mass for this vehicle is 2,300 kilos, while the maximum towing capacity is 1,500 kilos, two figures for those families who want to extend the Grand C-Max experience with a roof rack or trailer.

Engine

The unit we tested had the 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel block, which delivers 140 CV and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. This powertrain was paired with the 6-speed Powershift automatic transmission.

This powertrain allows a top speed of 198 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.5 seconds, while complying with the Euro 5+ emissions standard. Now let’s see how the Ford Grand C-Max in this test performs on the road.

Handling

The first thing to mention, and what largely determines the driving experience, is the driving position. We are behind the wheel of an MPV, but the driving position is slightly lower than usual, a first point in its favour.

The instrumentation, centre console and other controls are all very ‘within reach’ from the driver’s seat; the position of the gear lever, on the raised console, is very comfortable. Visibility, frontal, diagonal and lateral, can be considered good.

We started the Ford Grand C-Max of our test and the TDCi Duratorq block can be felt slightly, which is normal given the temperature. Little by little we got used to the feel of the accelerator and brake, and soon we were off.

We got very good impressions: the Grand C-Max accelerates very well, the energy and especially the torque of the 2.0 TDCi engine come through. We noticed how the Powershift transmission revs high before shifting to the next gear, which helps overtaking but, as we will see later, affects consumption.

Noteworthy is the management of the Powershift gearbox, especially its speed in upshifting, giving it a certain liveliness, perfect for overtaking manoeuvres on dual carriageways and merging; families will feel safe with this behaviour.

On inter-urban roads, smoothness is the predominant factor: suspension with a correct firmness, good soundproofing on the move and, as I have already mentioned, a really comfortable driving position that enhances the enjoyment of driving the Grand C-Max.

When we moved into urban areas we encountered the other side of the Powershift automatic transmission: some clumsiness or slowness when managing downshifts. It is not alarming, but it jars a little after enjoying the smooth acceleration of the Grand C-Max.

Another aspect that surprised us, and very positively, has been the steering feel, which is quite direct, making the driving dynamics much more fluid than one would expect from an MPV of this kind; for example, compared with the Citroën C4 Picasso we tested.

On twisty roads the Grand C-Max behaves correctly: it moves well thanks to a suspension tuning that controls body roll well, avoiding the excessive sway that could occur on this kind of road with this type of car.

The Ford Grand C-Max turns in and links corners well, without offering sporty handling, it is comfortable and predictable. Good reactions for an MPV. As for the brakes, they are adequate and complement the whole package perfectly.

The suspension setting, balancing comfort and dynamism, combined with an effective engine and transmission, and the good impressions from steering that is more faithful than expected, mean that driving the Ford Grand C-Max has been more than satisfactory.

Consumption

The homologated consumption of this engine is 5.8 l/100 km on the combined cycle, 5.0 litres on the open road and 7.4 litres per 100 km on the urban cycle. In our test we did not try to achieve low consumption, quite the opposite: we wanted to make the most of the thrust of the 2.0 Duratorq engine and the good driving sensations.

The final consumption figure, after more than 450 kilometres, was 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, covering city, motorway, secondary roads and some mountain driving. At no point could we get below 6 litres per 100 km, while in the city it is easy to exceed 8 litres.

This figure is noticeably far from the homologated consumption, but it could drop below 7 litres with a more relaxed driving style in a ‘normal’ environment for the potential user of this car, without pushing too hard on secondary roads. Overall, we consider this consumption to be somewhat high.

Equipment

The Ford Grand C-Max unit from our test came with the Titanium equipment package, perhaps the most balanced between comfort, technology and safety features. Let’s look at it in detail:

• Navigator with Ford SYNC and 5” screen, USB/iPod® port and Bluetooth.
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Ford Power start button
• On-board computer
• Cruise control + speed limiter
• Front fog lights
• Rear electric windows
• Light and rain sensor
• Auto-dimming interior mirror
• Thermoelectric exterior mirrors
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever
• Centre console with cup holders and storage space
• Driver’s seat with manual longitudinal, height and lumbar adjustment
• Passenger seat with manual longitudinal adjustment
• 16” alloy wheels with 10 spokes
• Ford Vectoring Control
• Electronic stability control (ESP)
• Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• Front, side and curtain airbags
• Isofix anchorages
• Tyre pressure sensor (DDS)
• Hill start assist (HLA)
• Intelligent regenerative braking
• Ford EcoMode

Prices

• 1.0 Ecoboost 100 CV 6-speed manual Trend – €15,400
• 1.0 Ecoboost 125 CV 6-speed manual Edition – €16,400
• 1.0 Ecoboost 125 CV 6-speed manual Titanium – €18,150
• 1.6 TDCi 115 CV 6-speed manual Edition – €19,150
• 1.6 TDCi 115 CV 6-speed manual Titanium – €20,900
• 2.0 TDCi 140 CV 6-speed manual Titanium – €21,650
• 2.0 TDCi 140 CV Powershift Titanium – €28,050

Prices include the brand discount. As this is the outgoing model, Ford offers up to €7,000 off the C-MAX.

Final verdict and conclusions

In our opinion, the Ford Grand C-Max is a family car that stands out in many areas. First of all, we highlight its driving dynamics, a solid B+ for the Grand C-Max, as it left us with a good impression: very precise steering, plenty of stability and great comfort on the road.

In design, we liked the balance of the whole, with the main hallmarks of Ford’s ‘Kinetic’ design language. In short, the Grand C-Max struck us as a well-sized MPV with a style that is quite attractive.

The other area we can highlight is comfort on board: comfort for the driver and front passenger, and a second and third row of seats that offer comfort and, above all, flexibility for transporting the family and/or luggage.

A key and distinguishing feature is the sliding rear doors, which allow access to the second row of seats with total comfort and safety. All of this, together with a boot and various storage spaces, makes for a truly complete cabin for the whole family.

Safety and technology are also worth noting. Perhaps the only drawback is consumption, a consequence of the good performance offered by the 140 CV TDCi engine with the Powershift automatic gearbox. In short, good performance at the cost of high consumption.

It should be borne in mind that our test was carried out without passengers, so we assume that with 3 or 4 occupants on board and some load, the figures obtained could be considerably higher. But we will confirm this as soon as we get behind the wheel of the new Ford Grand C-Max TDCi 150 CV Powershift Auto Start-Stop.

The Ford Grand C-Max TDCi 140 CV Powershift Titanium from this test has pleased us overall. It is a complete car and a good option in a highly competitive segment against major competitors such as the Toyota Verso tested by Dani (Part I, Part II and III).

Photos: Leo Montiel