B-MAX Concept: pointing Ford’s future in the small car market

Ford has unveiled ahead of tomorrow’s start of the Geneva Motor Show the B-MAX, a concept car that points out the direction the brand will be taking in the future for the European small car market.

The new body design conceived by Ford eliminates the traditional B pillar and features twin rear sliding doors. Using them Ford states that it will be offering the best-in-class access to the cabin, together with unmatched convenience and flexibility.

The B-MAX shares the global B-car platform with the new Fiesta. It is 110mm longer than the current generation of the Fiesta and a full 320mm shorter than the new C-MAX.

“With the B-MAX we set out to create a vehicle that captures the spirit of a smaller S-MAX,” said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s Executive Design Director.  “We wanted to show that a small car could be very spacious and practical inside, while still having the sleek, dynamic appearance that has made the S-MAX so popular.”

The most important feature on the B-MAX is the he adoption of a unique integrated B-pillar door concept, which promises new levels of convenience and flexibility for small cars. Thanks to it the traditional B-pillar structure is eliminated at the trailing edge of the front door, which connects the roof to the floor.  On the concept vehicle the B-pillar is now integrated on the body side and access to the interior is via a conventional front door or a rear sliding door, each of which can open independently.

Innovation is also brought to the interior with Ford offering exceptional space and versatility for such a compact vehicle. The B-MAX combines the integrated B-pillar door format with a flexible and easy-to-use seating system.

In terms of design, at the front the B-MAX brings a new interpretation of Ford’s signature trapezoidal grille, with five strong horizontal grille elements picked out in a bright chrome finish.

Other distinctive design elements include strong headlamp graphics, the muscular shoulder line, a characteristic window line and the prominent wheel lips.

The B-MAX is powered by the state-of-the-art three-cylinder 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine, an ultra-low-CO2 powertrain which is equipped with the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system.