New Ford B-Max Doors Break On Through

By Kevin | 16th August 2012 | Category: Ford | Leave a comment

“The B-MAX is packed full of ingenious features, from its unique door concept to the powerful SYNC voice control system,” said Ford’s global small car vehicle line director Nick Collins. “Customers can look forward to a smarter and more capable compact car.”

There’s the statement and, admittedly, the all-new Ford B-MAX does offer its customers a smarter and more versatile compact car, with a breakthrough door concept which provides unrivalled access and some of the most advanced small car technologies, including SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated, in-car connectivity system with award-winning Emergency Assistance, plus a host of premium comfort features.

And that’s all the spiel about it, but what’s all this door thing about?

ARE YOU GOING TO BUY A CAR BECAUSE YOU LIKE THE DOORS?

Admittedly it is pretty impressive; The Ford Easy Access Door System having been developed by observation methods when it comes to car usage – from shopping and the school run to weekend visiting.

By combining conventional, hinged front doors and rear sliding doors in a new body design, Ford have been able to integrate the traditional central pillar structure into the front and rear doors, rather than forming part of the bodyshell itself. This creates a huge, clear opening of more than 1.5 metres wide, around twice the width offered by competitors with alternative door concepts.

B-MAX’s twin sliding rear doors obviously make it easier to get shopping and the like in, makes access easier in crowded streets or narrow parking bays and the front and rear doors can be opened completely independently.

But, as I said,..

YOU DON’T BUY A CAR BECAUSE YOU LIKE THE DOORS SYSTEM

What else is out there to light your fire?

Well, the new B-MAX is the first European Ford to offer the company’s acclaimed SYNC system.

“SYNC is an advanced voice control, device integration and connectivity interface that enables users to connect mobile phones and music players by Bluetooth or USB, make hands-free telephone calls, and control music and other functions using voice commands. It can automatically transfer contact information from a connected Bluetooth device to the vehicle, allows calls to contacts to be activated using straight-forward voice commands and reads text messages aloud from compatible phones connected using Bluetooth.”

Basically it’s a PA in your car, and quite a good-looking and helpful one too! SYNC also enables B-MAX to offer the innovative new Emergency Assistance feature which is designed to help call the local emergency services operator in the event of an accident. This feature won the “Best Mobile Innovation for Automotive, Transport or Utilities” category at the 2012 Global Mobile Awards, Barcelona.

OK. THE DOORS AND THIS SYNC THING. WHAT ELSE?

A flexible and easy-to-use seating system features 60/40 split rear seats which can be folded flat with a simple ‘one-hand, one-motion’ mechanism.

A front passenger seat that can also be folded making it particularly convenient to load bulky items such as flat-pack furniture or even a bicycle through the side doors.

An adjustable load floor in the boot

A high “command” seating position

Improved rear seat legroom and headroom.

OK. I’M BITING. ANYTHING ELSE?

The B-MAX features a stackload top quality technology including an exclusive eight-speaker Sony audio system, all-new electronic automatic climate control system, Key Free system, Ford Power Button, Rear View Camera, Quickclear heated windscreen and Easy Fuel system.

WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?

The bodyshell of the B-MAX and doors uses more than 50% high-strength-steels in its manufacture, and the Ford Easy Access Door System features reinforced latches and integrated central pillar for effective impact resistance and safety

And then there is Active City Stop, designed to help motorists avoid low speed collisions with stationary or slower moving traffic in front, appearing for the first time in a car of this class..

“Maintaining occupant safety and delivering all the benefits of the Ford Easy Access Door System was a key objective for us,” said Klaus-Peter Tamm, chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe. “The development team used innovative engineering solutions – and filed multiple patent applications – in the development of this unique car.”

OK. ONE MORE QUESTION. FUEL ECONOMY?

The B-MAX is equipped with the new 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine recently named the 2012 “International Engine of the Year” and is also available with the 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel which delivers best-in-class CO2 emissions of 104g/km.

Ford’s global small car vehicle line director Nick Collins said: “B-MAX will prove a real winner at the pumps, with the thriftiest engines in its class. And petrol buyers are in for a real treat, with the new 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivering a fun-filled drive along with remarkable fuel efficiency.”