7 Seater Cars 2012 
Ford Grand C Max - 7 Seater
Ford have redesigned and released their Grand Ford C Max model. It is a Mini MPV based on the existing 5 Seat Ford C Max. It was released in the Uk in October 2010.
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Ford Grand C Max - Purchase Price
The C-Max has been around since 2002, but with its younger, zestier brother, the S-Max, doing so well, it's about time Ford brought the C-Max up to date. New styling, seating and more space shows it means business. A new Ford Grand C-Max is available from £19,195 on the road.
The wheelbase is 140mm longer and there is 58mm more headroom. The new chassis is keen, more willing and progressive when driving. The chassis is said to be lighter, stiffer and stronger than before, making the driving performance more rewarding.
There are two types of C-Max: the regular C-Max and the Grand C-Max. The latter includes sliding rear doors, remote child door locks and two third row seats, and allows the middle seat to foldaway, meaning there is a walk-through to the rearmost seats.
Ford Grand C Max - MPG and C02
The Petrol 1.6 falls into Car Tax H (159 Co2 g/km) and does between 31.7mpg and 49.6 with a combined MPG of 40.9 miles to the gallon. The Ecoboost version doesn't do much better on the combined and urban cycle but can manage up to 51.4 miles to the gallon in the Extra Urban cycle.
The most fuel efficient Grand C-Max 7-Seater is the 1.6 Tdci which can do up to 64.2MPG, (48.7 Urban and 57.7 Combined). This model is also the most environmentally friendly with a low Co2 of 129 g/km. This falls into car Tax bracket D which is only £90 per year and free for the first year.
The fuel tank holds up to 60 litres of fuel.
Ford Grand C Max - Performance
Top speed for all models maximises at around 120 miles per hour with acceleration taking about 10 seconds.
There are three 1.6-litre petrol engines, only differing in power outputs; 104, 123 or 148bhp. Two diesel engines are available; the 1.6 (113bhp) or the 2.0-litre (138bhp). The latter comes with Ford's latest twin-clutch powershift automatic transmission and is a popular choice for the C-Max.
Ford Grand C Max - Standard Equipment
Standard equipment on both models is good, with a DAB digital radio, a Thatcham alarm, air-conditioning, USB and Bluetooth connections, and 16" alloy wheels. Optional extras include a blind spot information sensor, a powered tailgate, a panoramic glass roof, an active park assist and a rear view camera.
Ford Grand C Max - Interior Design
Inside it is a typical Ford, being versatile and practical. In recent years the company has made a real effort in style and design of the interior. The swooping dash leans heavily towards being ergonomically brilliant and all of the controls are light and have a positive 'click'. The dash layout is excellent and there are cubby-holes, drinks holders and storage bins galore. The steering wheel has radio control buttons, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel.
The luggage capacity with all seats upright is 755 litres.
In the eight years that the C-Max has been around, there has been more than 130,000 sold. With the new model's practicality, versatility and sheer good looks, this figure could easily be double in the next eight years. In fact, the S-Max's sales figures could even take a dent due to the C-Max. It really is that good!
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Ford Grand C Max - Conclusion
Overall, the fit and finish are superb. There is ample head and leg room, even in the rear, for adults. The interior is attractive, bold and at the cutting edge of design. In terms of practicality, there are few seven-seaters out there that could beat it. The boot is large, and positively cavernous with the seats folded away, and the sliding rear doors on the Grand C-Max make parking in tight spaces a breeze.
The choice model would be the Grand C-Max with titanium trim level. It might cost a little more, but with all of the electronic gizmos and gadgets that come with it, it will take a while before the rest of the seven-seater car manufacturers match or better the C-Max, making it a sound investment.
