Ford B-MAX proves a hit in first weeks on sale
Over 1,000 Ford B-MAX models have been delivered to customers, proving the appetite for this stylish new entrant to the B-MAV segment is strong. More than 2,500 orders have been received, the majority prior to the vehicle arriving in UK dealerships.
Ford B-MAX sales are overwhelmingly to private customers (63 per cent) with 22 per cent to Motability customers and the remainder to fleets.
Anthony Ireson, Ford Britain marketing director, said: “We ran a Ford B-MAX promotional campaign offering the chance to win unusual prizes that would not normally be available to the general public. Over 70,000 of those participating clicked through to an online Ford B-MAX configurator so we knew there was strong appeal from the start, but even so we were amazed by the true level of interest – especially since most customers placed orders before they had even been to a showroom.”
The stylish new Ford B-MAX offers a unique and ingenious door system which integrates the traditional central “B” pillar structure into the rear doors, creating an opening more than 1.5 metres wide when the hinged front doors and rear sliding doors are opened. This wider opening enables easy side loading, easier ingress and egress and coupled with the fold flat passenger and rear seats, delivers great flexibility.
Technology features on the Ford B-MAX include SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated, in-car connectivity system which enables users to connect mobile phones and music players by Bluetooth or USB, make hands-free telephone calls, and control music using voice controls. The system will read text messages aloud from compatible phones and offers the new Emergency Assistance feature designed to call a local emergency services operator in the event of an accident.
The Ford B-MAX is equipped with a choice of fuel efficient powertrains. The new 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, named “International Engine of the Year 2012” and most recently awarded the Dewar Trophy, is available with both 100 and 120PS power outputs. The 120PS engine features Ford’s Auto-Start-Stop system as standard and achieves class-leading CO2 emissions of 114g/km and an average fuel consumption of 57.7mpg.
Other petrol engine options include the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre Duratec engines, the latter is paired with Ford’s PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission. For those preferring a diesel engine, there is the 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi with best-in-class CO2 emissions of 104g/km and a 75PS 1.5-litre diesel appearing for the first time in the UK.
The Ford B-MAX is on-sale, priced from £12,995 on-the-road.
