Ford B-Max: Vauxhall Meriva Rival

The Ford B-Max has it's release in September 2012. Will the Vauxhall Meriva rival be the next big MPV? We give the verdict.

Ford B-Max 2012

Ford B-Max Price

The new Ford B-Max will start from £12,995 for the Studio trim. That's £495 more than the base model of its Vauxhall Meriva rival. Both MPVs have similar standard equipment, so upon release the question is: would you rather drive a Ford or a Vauxhall? 

The Ford B-Max will also come in Zetec trim (£15,600) with more equipment including: daytime LEDs, chrome details and leather steering wheel. Titanium trim (17,595) will include rain-sensing wipers, cruise control and a better stereo.

Ford B-Max Design

The Ford B-Max looks fine, like a tall, stretched Ford Fiesta. But the design is too safe. The front end has the slight design flare needed, but beyond that there are no striking creases or stylish details that the B-Max
desperately needs. But the rear looks better than the Fiesta inspired front. Still, the Vauxhall Meriva looks better with its more premium look, which could hurt the Ford B-Max when it's released.

Ford B-Max Engines

The Ford B-Max will have 5 engines available from it's September release.

1.0 litre petrol (57.7mpg, 114g/km CO2)

1.4 litre petrol

1.6 litre petrol

1.5 litre diesel

1.6 litre diesel (70.6mpg, 104g/km CO2)

The Ford B-Max is very good to drive, and beats every single other MPV outright in that test.

Ford B-Max Verdict

The Ford B-Max will sell well. It looks nice, has good economy figures and a reasonable price. But it just doesn't have the premium touch that the Vauxhall Meriva has and the design isn't adventurous enough. But it's the best MPV to drive. The next big MPV? Maybe.

Follow us on Twitter: @CarNewsMagazine