GRAND C-CHANGE (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 77

The Ford Grand C-MAX seven-seat compact MPV has long been the best People Carrier of its kind to drive. In this revised post-2015 form, it also brought a range of useful fresh technologies to this segment and benefitted from smarter looks and a revised range of more efficient engines. As with the original version of this second generation model, you also get clever seat-folding mechanisms and plenty of space as part of an accomplished range of virtues.

Modelsword count: 12

5dr MPV (Petrol - 1.0 EcoBoost, / 1.5 & 2.0 TDCi diesel)

Historyword count: 304

It took Ford until 2010 to offers buyers in the compact MPV segment the option of seven seats. Still, when this Grand C-MAX model did arrive in 2011, it turned out to be a thoroughly well-engineered contender, here reviewed in updated post-2015-era guise, its revised second generation form. Like its five-seat C-MAX stablemate, this model's most unique selling point is the way that it's so much sharper to drive than obvious rivals. Aware though, that handling dynamics aren't an over-riding priority for most likely MPV buyers, Ford also included a range of other attributes rare in this segment - practical things borrowed from larger People Carriers. Like sliding side doors and clever seat-folding mechanisms. All this firmly established the Grand C-MAX as a seven-seat compact MPV that was difficult for potential buyers in this sector to ignore. By 2015 though, the market was looking much tougher and buyers were expecting considerably more in terms of safety, technology and efficiency. Hence the need for this much improved version, a car that was cleverer, more affordable to run and which featured a whole range of segment-first convenience features. Depending on the spec you choose, this rejuvenated Grand C-MAX model will park itself, stop itself in an emergency and open its rear hatch for you if your arms are full of shopping. It can connect you to the web, find you a restaurant and even limit its capabilities to suit your preferences if you happen to lend it out. At the same time, it can return early 50mpg plus, and, as was possible with the original version of this model, it can seat up to seven and feel rewarding on the back way home after everyone's been dropped off. This improved Grand C-MAX sold until late 2019 and then wasn't replaced as buying preferences turned towards SUVs.

What You Getword count: 396

This Grand C-MAX was the version of the C-MAX that Ford chose to sell in its home Stateside market, so prior to the original launch of this model in 2010, there was quite a bit of pressure on the Blue Oval's design team to get this seven-seat body style right. Though sitting 58mm higher than the five-seat variant, it's only 140mm longer, which might make you wonder whether it's big enough for larger American families, let alone European ones - until you realise that this remains a car well over 4.5-metres in length. The looks aged well, requiring just a little freshening up in 2015 to keep this model looking current. And that's exactly what was delivered here. This updated version's restyling package was supposed to reflect the brand's so-called 'One Ford' global design language. Hence the addition of the distinctive trapezoidal front grille familiar from most of the company's other models, which joined the sleeker, 'chiselled' front headlamps. The cabin updates for this facelifted MK2 model included classer black satin trim and chrome detailing that contributed to a modern look. Some of the functions were simpler to use - the air conditioning controls for example, which gained buttons that were easier to recognise and distinguish. Others were relocated to the SYNC2 infotainment screen that on most models was added to dominate the centre of the dash. Take a seat in the second row and at first glance, things look quite familiar for a compact 7-seater of this kind. Look a little closer though and real innovation reveals itself in the form of the 'seat-eating-seat' mechanism where the rather narrow centre perch disappears into the seat alongside to provide a clear walkway into the rear between two middle chairs that then offer far more space for their occupants. Those who make it back to the third row are unlikely to be especially comfortable if they're of basket ball-playing height or overly familiar with the offerings of Colonel Sanders. These perches are intended for children - or reasonably agile adults on shorter journeys. And luggage room? Most of the time, Grand C-MAX owners will be travelling with these rearmost seats folded down, in which guise the luggage area can swallow up to 448-litres loaded to the parcel shelf. If you do need more space, then folding forward the second row seating frees up as much as 1,715-litres.

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