Motoring.Today
Back to reviews
3.8/5· Ford

Ford B-MAX (2012 - 2017)

2012 – 2017· 5 owner Q&As

Petrol5 Door
Motoring.Today Verdict
7.6/10

Very good

Remember the days when cars had character? Well, the Ford B-MAX is back, and it’s electrifying! This retro icon is here to charm your socks off while saving you a few quid on fuel. Buckle up, because we’re diving into the world of this quirky little MPV that’s ready to take on the modern commute!

At a glance

98

hp · Power

508

miles · Range / tank

12.8s

0–60 mph

£

Running costs

From £266/mo

Typical finance

Motoring.Today. verdict

Best for

  • Innovative sliding door design for easy access
  • Good fuel economy and low running costs
  • Comfortable ride quality and agile handling

Consider alternatives if

  • Limited boot space compared to some rivals
  • Rear visibility can be compromised due to design
  • Not as many advanced tech features as newer models

Finance snapshot

Typical monthly payment

£266/month

Based on PCP · 48 months · £1,600 deposit

Best suited for

  • Company Car Drivers
  • Petrol/Diesel Buyers
  • High Mileage Drivers
  • Families

Affordability

Very affordable

Great fit for most budgets.

Ratings breakdown

performance35/10
practicality45/10
running costs35/10
behind the wheel40/10
comfort37/10
equipment36/10
green credentials30/10
handling38/10
reliability42/10
safety38/10

Theo's AI summary

The Ford B-MAX is a versatile and practical choice for those seeking a compact MPV that excels in urban environments. Its innovative design, efficient engines, and comfortable driving experience make it a strong contender in its segment. For families and city dwellers alike, the B-MAX offers a perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a highly recommended option for buyers.

Best match for

  • Practical families
  • Performance enthusiasts
  • Budget-conscious buyers

Estimated ownership costs

Based on 10,000 miles per year

Fuel

£107/month

Insurance

£76/month

Road Tax

£2933/month

Servicing

£60/month

Estimated total

£3176/month

Could this fit your budget?

Check your eligibility in under 60 seconds with no impact on your credit score.

  • Real monthly payments
  • Personalised to you
  • No obligation

Safe, secure and confidential

The Ford B-MAX (2012 - 2017) offers a unique driving character that combines agility with practicality. Its compact design makes it ideal for urban environments, while the responsive steering and efficient engine options provide a lively driving experience. The B-MAX is designed

External voices

What the experts say

Parkers

The Ford B-MAX is praised for its innovative door design, providing excellent access to the rear seats. Owners appreciate its practicality and compact size, making it ideal for urban driving. However, some critics note that the engine options can be underwhelming, and the interior quality may not match rivals.

Read full review
Autocar

The B-MAX's design is highlighted for its unique 'Easy Access' system, which features rear sliding doors that enhance accessibility. The overall styling is considered modern and appealing, although some may find the rear visibility compromised due to the design.

Read full review
WhatCar

Reliability ratings for the Ford B-MAX are generally positive, with few major issues reported by owners. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the longevity of certain components, particularly in older models. Regular maintenance is recommended to ensure optimal performance.

Ownership intelligence

The real cost of owning one

Finance & affordability

Financing options for the Ford B-MAX are varied, with competitive interest rates available through dealerships and banks. Personal contract purchase (PCP) and hire purchase (HP) agreements are popular choices, allowing buyers to spread the cost of their vehicle over manageable monthly payments.

Day-to-day running costs

The running costs of the Ford B-MAX are competitive within its class, with low maintenance requirements and good fuel economy. Owners can expect reasonable insurance premiums and a solid resale value, making it a financially sound choice for families and individuals alike.

Charging & fuel

For petrol variants, the B-MAX offers impressive fuel efficiency, while diesel options provide even lower running costs. As the market shifts towards electric vehicles, the transition to electric models will further enhance cost-effectiveness, especially with the availability of government incentives for electric vehicle owners.

Heritage

Milestones & history

  1. 2012

    Launch of the Ford B-MAX

  2. 2014

    Introduction of updated engine options

  3. 2017

    End of production for the Ford B-MAX

Read full launch story

The Ford B-MAX was designed to cater to the needs of urban families and individuals seeking a compact yet spacious vehicle. Its innovative features aimed to enhance convenience and accessibility in city driving. Since its launch, the B-MAX has evolved to incorporate modern design elements and efficient engine technology, paving the way for future models that embrace electric powertrains while retaining the practicality that made it popular.

Compare with alternatives

The Ford B-MAX (2012 - 2017) competes well in the small MPV segment, offering unique access features and practicality, though it faces stiff competition from rivals like the Polo, Meriva, and Captur in terms of quality, space, and pricing.

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback

Reference only

The Polo is positioned as a premium supermini, known for its quality and refinement.

vs features
The Polo offers a more upscale interior with higher-quality materials compared to the B-MAX. It also features advanced tech options, including a more sophisticated infotainment system, but the B-MAX has the advantage of its unique door design for easier access.
vs price
The Polo is generally more expensive than the B-MAX, reflecting its premium positioning and build quality.
No Motoring.Today review

Vauxhall Meriva MPV

Reference only

The Meriva is aimed at families looking for practicality and space in a compact MPV format.

vs features
The Meriva features a flexible interior with innovative seating arrangements, which can be more practical than the B-MAX's design. However, the B-MAX may offer a more engaging driving experience.
vs price
The Meriva is typically priced similarly to the B-MAX, making it a direct competitor in terms of affordability.
No Motoring.Today review

Renault Captur SUV

Reference only

The Captur is positioned as a stylish and versatile compact SUV, appealing to those seeking a higher driving position.

vs features
The Captur offers a more modern design and a higher driving position, with a good range of tech features. However, the B-MAX's sliding doors provide superior access in tight spaces.
vs price
The Captur is often priced slightly higher than the B-MAX, reflecting its SUV status and additional features.
No Motoring.Today review

Available now

Ford B-MAX (2012 - 2017) for sale on Motoring.Today

Specs by trim

1.4 Studio 5dPetrol Manual · 2012–2016
Power
88 bhp
0–60 mph
13.4 s
Top speed
106 mph
Torque
128 Nm
Economy
47 mpg
Range
434 mi
CO₂
139 g/km
Insurance group
7
Road tax
£190
New price
£13,165
1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dPetrol Manual · 2012–2017
Power
98 bhp
0–60 mph
12.8 s
Top speed
109 mph
Torque
170 Nm
Economy
55 mpg
Range
508 mi
CO₂
119 g/km
Insurance group
12
Road tax
£35 - £190
New price
£15,945
1.4 Zetec 5dPetrol Manual · 2012–2017
Power
88 bhp
0–60 mph
13.4 s
Top speed
106 mph
Torque
128 Nm
Economy
47 mpg
Range
434 mi
CO₂
139 g/km
Insurance group
10
Road tax
£190
New price
£15,215
1.6 Zetec 5d AutoPetrol Automatic · 2012–2017
Power
103 bhp
0–60 mph
11.7 s
Top speed
112 mph
Torque
150 Nm
Economy
44 mpg
Range
406 mi
CO₂
149 g/km
Insurance group
14
Road tax
£190 - £210
New price
£16,900
1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 5dPetrol Manual · 2012–2017
Power
98 bhp
0–60 mph
12.8 s
Top speed
109 mph
Torque
170 Nm
Economy
55 mpg
Range
508 mi
CO₂
119 g/km
Insurance group
12
Road tax
£35 - £190
New price
£17,145
1.6 Titanium 5d AutoPetrol Automatic · 2012–2017
Power
103 bhp
0–60 mph
11.7 s
Top speed
112 mph
Torque
150 Nm
Economy
44 mpg
Range
406 mi
CO₂
149 g/km
Insurance group
14
Road tax
£190 - £210
New price
£18,100

+ 30 more trim variants

FAQs

What makes the Ford B-MAX a good choice for urban driving?
The Ford B-MAX is ideal for urban driving due to its compact size, unique sliding doors for easy access, and nimble handling, making it perfect for navigating busy city streets.
How fuel-efficient is the electric Ford B-MAX?
The electric Ford B-MAX offers impressive fuel efficiency, significantly reducing running costs compared to traditional petrol or diesel engines, making it a budget-friendly option for daily commutes.
What are the key features of the Ford B-MAX?
Key features of the Ford B-MAX include its spacious interior, excellent safety ratings with a 5-star Euro NCAP score, and a stylish design that combines practicality with retro charm.
Is the Ford B-MAX suitable for families?
Yes, the Ford B-MAX is a practical family car, offering ample space, easy access through its sliding doors, and a comfortable ride, making it a great choice for urban families.
What is the history of the Ford B-MAX?
The Ford B-MAX was launched in 2012, evolved with updates until 2017, and has recently been reborn as an electric vehicle, maintaining its appeal in the compact MPV market.

Ford B-MAX (2012 - 2017) (2012–2017)

From £266/month