B-max launches downsized ecoboost engines

The small B-Max MAV uses familiar Ford “kinetic” design cues.

DRAWING HEAVILY ON FORD'S IOSIS MAX CONCEPT from the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the Ford B-Max unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show is a near production-ready model, which features the sliding rear doors and lack of B-pillar from the Iosis-Max. Ford says the door arrangement has already been engineered for production.

B-Max will extend the Ford MAV (Multi Activity Vehicle) range downwards from the C-Max and will effectively serve as a replacement for the European-market Fusion based on an earlier Fiesta B-segment platform. The new MAV is based on Ford's global B-car platform first used with the latest-generation Fiesta three years ago. The new car measures 4060 mm (159.8 in) long, 110 mm (4.3 in) longer than a Fiesta five-door and 320 mm (12.6 in) shorter than the latest C-Max. It stands 110 mm taller than a Fiesta. With the front and rear passenger seats folded, it can accommodate items up to 2350 mm (92.5 in) long.