Ford Grand C-MAX (2010 – 2019) Review

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Ford Grand C-MAX (2010 – 2019) Verdict

4/5

+Seven seats as standard along with sliding side doors. Outstanding combination of ride and handling. Good range of low emission petrol and diesel engines.

-A seven-seater for young families rather than those with tall teenagers. Barely any boot space with rearmost seats in place. Axed from Ford model range April 2019.

Find out more about the Ford Grand C-MAX (2010 – 2019)

New prices start from £23,895
Insurance Groups are between 10–26
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure

The Ford Grand C-MAX does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s a C-MAX only it’s grander. That's thanks to a pair of fold-out seats hidden away in the boot floor. Aside from that, it’s all familiar C-MAX, meaning excellent handling, family-friendly practicality and a good choice of engines.

The two additional rear seats are simple to pull up from the boot floor using fabric straps and, while not suited to larger children, are fine for occasional use and short trips. They do more or less render the boot useless though – a Galaxy or S-MAX might be better if you need boot space and seven seats at the same time.

Like the standard C-MAX, the Grand C-MAX has sliding rear doors that make getting child seats in and out very easy. Plus they give great access in multi-storey car parks. The middle row of seats folds with a 40/20/40 split and is very spacious, with plenty of room for adults to sit in comfort.

The engine range consists of two 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines, plus 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre TDCi diesels. All four options are suited to the Grand C-MAX, although the entry-level 100PS EcoBoost might get out of puff if fully-loaded. The two diesels, with 120PS or 150PS, can both be specified with a Powershift automatic.

All of the engines have strong official economy figures of above 50mpg and even the most powerful 150PS automatic model has emissions of below 130g/km, so running costs should be low – just bear in mind the often poor performance of EcoBoost engines in our Real MPG section.

What really sets the Grand C-MAX apart from other MPVs is the way it drives. On the road it has excellent ride quality, yet it also has tremendous grip and great steering, making it surprisingly good fun for an MPV. It’s quiet and refined too, so is well suited to long distance journeys.

If you’re looking for a true seven-seater then the Ford S-MAX or SEAT Alhambra are a better bet, but if you just need some extra seats for occasional use the Grand C-MAX is great – it’s good to drive, cheap to run and has a practical cabin. Just remember that those two extra seats eat into boot space. 

Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX 2010 Road Test

Ford Grand C-MAX 2.0 TDCi Long Term Test 

Ford Grand C-MAX (2010 – 2019) handling and engines

The Grand C-MAX isn’t just good to drive for an MPV – it’s good to drive full stop. It provides a very well-judged blend of comfortable ride quality and excellent handling, with good body control and accurate steering. It’s certainly the most enjoyable MPV on sale, but it’s also quiet and refined enough for long motorway trips.

Speed bumps and potholes are taken care of easily while light controls make town driving easy and yet, despite that, the Grand C-MAX tackles corners with aplomb. The amount of traction is surprising and inspires real confidence on twisting county roads.

In total there are six engine and transmission combinations. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol is available with either 100PS or 125PS and a manual transmission, while the 1.5-litre 120PS TDCi and 2.0-litre 150PS TDCi diesels are available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed Powershift automatic transmission.

The entry-level 100PS petrol is surprisingly capable, but if you tend to carry a full load of passengers, particularly out of town on faster roads, then it might feel underpowered. The 125PS EcoBoost is a better bet, but the C-MAX is probably at its best with one of the diesel engines.

The 1.5-litre TDCi with 120PS has 270Nm of torque, which provides punchy performance on the move, allied to strong official economy of 64.2mpg and emissions of 113g/km. It has the lowest running costs of any Grand C-MAX variant, but the 150PS diesel isn’t far behind, despite its stronger performance.

For drivers who spend a lot of time on the motorway, on country roads with a fully-laden car the 150PS TDCi is the best engine, but it’s also the most expensive. For that reason, it’s not necessarily the best choice unless you really need the extra performance.

All variants of the Grand C-MAX come with a light, precise six-speed manual transmission as standard, but if you want an auto both diesels are available with a smooth dual-clutch Powershift. It suits the Grand C-MAX well and doesn’t affect fuel economy too much, but it does cost an additional £1250.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.0 EcoBoost 54 mpg 13.6 s 119 g/km
1.0 EcoBoost 125 54 mpg 12.2 s 119 g/km
1.0T EcoBoost 100 47–48 mpg 13.6 s 119 g/km
1.0T EcoBoost 125 47–48 mpg 12.2 s 119 g/km
1.5 EcoBoost 150 Automatic 35–36 mpg 10.5 s 179–182 g/km
1.5 TDCi 120 57–58 mpg 12.3 s 113 g/km
1.5 TDCi 120 Powershift 51–54 mpg 13.4 s 119 g/km
1.6 41 mpg 12.3 s 154 g/km
1.6 EcoBoost 44 mpg 9.9 s 149 g/km
1.6 TDCi 60 mpg 12.3 s 124 g/km
2.0 TDCi 55 mpg 9.2–10.1 s 134 g/km
2.0 TDCi 150 61 mpg 9.8 s 119 g/km
2.0 TDCi 150 Powershift 57 mpg 10.7 s 129 g/km
2.0 TDCi PowerShift 50 mpg 9.8–10.5 s 149 g/km

Real MPG average for the Ford Grand C-MAX (2010 – 2019)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

80%

Real MPG

29–61 mpg

MPGs submitted

379

Ford Grand C-MAX (2010 – 2019) interior

Dimensions
Length 4519–4520 mm
Width 1858–2067 mm
Height 1684–1694 mm
Wheelbase 2788 mm

Full specifications

The Grand C-MAX is more or less identical inside to the standard C-MAX, except for the obvious addition of two extra seats. These fold up from the boot floor using strong material straps. It’s very straightforward to flip them out or stow them and they’re surprisingly spacious if you remember they’re only really suited to children.

There is a drawback though – they render the boot almost useless. With both of the rear seats in place there’s barely enough room for shopping bags – so they are really meant for occasional use only. That said, Ford does sell the S-MAX and Galaxy for families who need load space and extra seats.

With the seats folded down the boot is large at 448 litres – plenty for luggage, pushchairs or shopping. The load deck is nice and flat – making loading and unloading easy. The middle row of seats also folds completely flat, freeing up a maximum of 1742 litres. That’s enough for furniture or trips to the tip.

The middle row of seats is easily spacious enough for a pair of adults even with taller occupants up front, plus the seats can be slid and reclined to help passengers get comfortable. Access is good thanks to sliding rear doors, which really help with getting children in and out, even in tight parking spaces.

Up front the C-MAX feels like most Fords – the layout is very similar to the Focus and uses the same mixture of soft-touch materials high up and hardwearing plastics low down. It’s easy to get comfortable thanks to the breadth of adjustment in the driving position, while all of the controls are logically placed and intuitive.

All versions of the Grand C-MAX include alloy wheels, Quickclear heated windscreen, air conditioning and DAB. Moving up to Titanium trim adds an 8-inch touchscreen, auto lights, auto wipers, keyless entry and start and parking sensors. Top Titanium X models have part leather, power seats and a panoramic roof.

Standard Equipment:

Zetec models feature 16-inch alloy wheels, Quickclear heated windscreen, front fog lights, driver’s seat lumbar support, air conditioning, DAB radio, heated door mirrors, MyKey and hill start assist.

Titanium trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, SYNC2 touchscreen with DAB, auto lights, auto wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control, power rear child locks, keyless entry, starter button, cruise control with active speed limiter, front and rear power windows, power fold door mirrors, rear parking sensors.

Titanium X trim adds panoramic glass roof, xenon headlights, partial leather seats, heated front seats, driver’s power-adjustable seat.

Ford Grand C-MAX (2010 – 2019) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4519–4520 mm
Width 1858–2067 mm
Height 1684–1694 mm
Wheelbase 2788 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1477–1672 kg
Boot Space 92–1742 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 10000–12500 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Tyre-repair kit
Alternative Space-saving spare wheel
Costs
List Price £23,895–£30,445
Insurance Groups 10–26
Road Tax Bands C–I
Official MPG 35.3–61.4 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

Currently on sale

Medium MPV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0T 100 Titanium EcoBoost Start+Stop 5dr £25,495 47.1 mpg 13.6 s
1.0T 100 Zetec EcoBoost Start+Stop 5dr £23,895 47.9 mpg 13.6 s
1.0T 125 Titanium EcoBoost Start+Stop 5dr £25,995 47.1 mpg 12.2 s
1.0T 125 Titanium X EcoBoost Start+Stop 5dr £27,995 47.1 mpg 12.2 s
1.0T 125 Zetec EcoBoost Start+Stop 5dr £24,395 47.9 mpg 12.2 s
1.5 TDCi 120 Titanium Powershift Start+Stop 5dr £28,445 51.4 mpg 13.4 s
1.5 TDCi 120 Titanium Start+Stop 5dr £27,145 56.5 mpg 12.3 s
1.5 TDCi 120 Titanium X Powershift Start+Stop 5dr £30,445 51.4 mpg 13.4 s
1.5 TDCi 120 Titanium X Start+Stop 5dr £29,145 56.5 mpg 12.3 s
1.5 TDCi 120 Zetec Powershift Start+Stop 5dr £26,805 54.3 mpg 13.4 s
1.5 TDCi 120 Zetec Start+Stop 5dr £25,555 57.7 mpg 12.3 s
1.5T 150 Titanium EcoBoost Powershift Start+Stop 5dr £28,360 35.3 mpg 10.5 s
1.5T 150 Titanium X EcoBoost Powershift Start+Stop 5dr £30,360 35.3 mpg 10.5 s
1.5T 150 Zetec EcoBoost Powershift Start+Stop 5dr £26,760 35.8 mpg 10.5 s

On sale until June 2018

Medium MPV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium Start+Stop 5dr £27,245 61.4 mpg 9.8 s
2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium X Powershift Start+Stop 5dr £30,395 56.5 mpg 10.7 s
2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium X Start+Stop 5dr £29,245 61.4 mpg 9.8 s
2.0TDCi 150 Titanium Powershift Start+Stop 5dr £28,395 56.5 mpg 10.7 s

On sale until October 2015

MPV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Titanium 1.0T EcoBoost 100 S5 S/S 5dr £21,045 54.3 mpg 13.6 s
Titanium 1.0T EcoBoost 125 S5 S/S 5dr £21,545 54.3 mpg 12.2 s
Titanium 1.6 TDCi 115 S5 5dr £22,045 60.1 mpg 12.3 s
Titanium 1.6T Ecoboost150 S5 S/S 5dr £22,250 44.1 mpg 9.9 s
Titanium 2.0 TDCi 140 S5 5dr £23,250 55.4 mpg 10.1 s
Titanium 2.0 TDCi 140 S5 Powershift 5dr Auto £24,500 49.6 mpg 10.5 s
Titanium X 1.0T EcoBoost 125 S5 S/S 5dr £23,545 54.3 mpg 12.2 s
Titanium X 1.6 TDCi 115 S5 5dr £24,045 60.1 mpg 12.3 s
Titanium X 1.6T Ecoboost 182 S5 S/S 5dr £24,950 44.1 mpg 9.9 s
Titanium X 2.0 TDCi 163 Powershift S5 5dr Auto £27,000 49.6 mpg 9.8 s
Titanium X 2.0 TDCi 163 S5 5dr £25,750 55.4 mpg 9.2 s
Zetec 1.0T EcoBoost 100 S5 S/S 5dr £19,745 54.3 mpg 13.6 s
Zetec 1.0T EcoBoost 125 S5 S/S 5dr £20,245 54.3 mpg 12.2 s
Zetec 1.6 TDCi 115 S5 5dr £20,745 60.1 mpg 12.3 s
Zetec 2.0 TDCi 140 S5 5dr £21,950 55.4 mpg 10.1 s
Zetec 2.0 TDCi Powershift 140 S5 5dr Auto £23,200 49.6 mpg 10.5 s

On sale until September 2012

People Carrier
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Titanium 1.6 5dr £21,050 40.9 mpg 12.3 s
Zetec 1.6 5dr £19,800 40.9 mpg 12.3 s

Model History

September 2009

New C-MAX launched

For the first time, Ford's MPV customers will have the choice of a five-seat C-MAX or the new seven-seat Grand C-MAX, which features twin sliding doors and innovative seat design to provide outstanding space and flexibility.

The central control area builds on the much acclaimed layout in the new Fiesta, with lower series models using the same ergonomic control design, while high series vehicles use next generation Sony head units with a gloss black finish. Carefully designed storage areas are located throughout the cabin, including generous door pockets, a large glove box, and additional compartments and cupholders in the centre console.

The new seven-seat Grand C-MAX provides spacious accommodation for up to seven passengers within compact exterior dimensions, with the extra convenience offered by sliding rear doors on both sides of the car ideal for parents helping young children in child seats, or for easy access in narrow parking bays. To maximise the versatility of the seven-seat layout, Ford engineers have developed a new seat folding mechanism for the three second-row seats that allows the centre seat to fold quickly and easily under one of the two outboard seats, creating a handy walk-through space between them.

This allows passengers to access the third row without having to disturb the two outer seats, which is particularly helpful when those positions are occupied by child seats or booster cushions. Owners thus have the option of using the convenient 2+2+2 seating layout, or switching to a full seven-seater when required. The second- and third-row seats can be folded to create a flat load floor, irrespective of how many seats remain in use. All of the folding mechanisms are designed so that they require just one hand to operate.

4,520mm long x 1,828mm wide (2,067mm with mirrors) x 1,684 high (1,698mm with roof rails).

September 2010

Ford's all-new Grand C-MAX on sale in the UK in October, priced from £18,745. Both the sporty but spacious five-seater and the Grand, a versatile seven-seater, come with a simplified two-series line-up – Zetec and Titanium.

With almost two-thirds of UK buyers in this segment now seeking seven-seat flexibility, the Ford Grand C-MAX becomes the spiritual successor to today's model, which was also designed to maximise practicality. Priced from £18,745 for the 1.6-litre petrol 125PS Zetec, the Grand offers family-friendly flexibility, with the extra utility of twin sliding doors, versatile seating and improved engine efficiency. The Grand Zetec with 115PS 1.6-litre TDCi, the anticipated volume seller in the UK, is priced at £19,745. .

Standard equipment on all models includes alloy wheels, air conditioning, leather steering wheel, Thatcham category one alarm, DAB radio/CD and Bluetooth with USB connectivity and voice control. Grand C-MAX has powered child-proof locks on the rear dual sliding doors, and rear parking sensors.

The Titanium trim supplements these features with auto front wipers and headlamps, dual electronic automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, hill launch assist, keyless start, cruise control with speed limiter, premium Sony audio, and tyre deflation detection system. The Grand C-MAX Titanium also has power folding mirrors.

Customers will be offered a choice of three petrol engines and two diesel engines. Making its debut in the Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX is the all-new four-cylinder 1.6-litre 150PS Ford EcoBoost engine which comes with a new six-speed manual gearbox. This gearbox also accompanies the 1.6 TDCi and 2.0 TDCi powertrains, which are jointly projected to account for around 50 per cent of sales. For those preferring an automatic transmission, the dual-clutch Powershift six-speed automatic option is available with the 2.0 TDCi powertrain.

Engine PS CO 2

Ford C-MAX

5-seat

Ford Grand C-MAX

7-seat

Duratec Petrol 5-seat/7-seat Zetec Titanium Zetec Titanium
1.6 TI-VCT 105 154 £16,745 - - -
1.6 TI-VCT 125 154 / 159 - £18,745 £18,745 £19,995
1.6 Ecoboost 150 154 / 159 - £19,745 - £20,995
Duratorq Diesel
1.6 TDCi 115 119 / 129 £18,245 £19,745 £19,745 £20,995
2.0 TDCi 140 134 / 139 - £20,745 £20,745 £21,995
2.0 TDCi (Powershift Auto) 140 149 / 154 - £21,995 £21,995

£23,245

March 2014

Facelifted Grand C-MAX announced

List prices from £20,295. Advanced technology includes Ford's SYNC 2 voice-activated connectivity system, Perpendicular Parking and improved Active City Stop, first seen on the new Focus. The new Grand C-MAX continues to feature Ford's innovative twin sliding doors and "walk-through" seat design for greater convenience, space and flexibility. Both the new C-MAX and Grand C-Max now offer Hands-Free Tailgate, a segment first.

January 2017

1.5 Ecoboost 150PS engine for Ford C-MAX seems to have been dropped.

April 2019

Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max axed from Ford model range.

What to watch out for

16-09-2012:

Powershift dual clutch automatic transmission requires fresh fluid every 3 years at a cost of £250.

01-12-2012:

Report of 2.0 TDCI Powershift engine running uncontrollably of its own accord in a Motability car, probably because repeated short runs from cold had led to fuel introduced to the engine to burn off the soot in the DPF rising to a level on which the engine ran on it.

11-01-2014:

Powershift transmissions require a change of fluid and microfilter every 3 years or 3rd service whichever comes first. This is essential maintenance. To avoid excessive wear of the twin oil clutches it is also essential to avoid sitting in 'D' at a standstill. Change to 'N'. It's easy to shift between 'D' and 'N' and between 'N' and 'D' with a Powershift because, unlike a VWG DSG, you don't have to stamp on the footbrake to do this.

07-04-2014:

Transmission/final drive failure on 2010 Ford Grand C-MAX 1.6 TDCi 6-speed manual, also affected the odometer reading from final drive speed sensor. Possibility that assembly lost oil through the sensor.

27-05-2014:

Complaint of perpetually misting headlights on 1 year old C-Max. Even a swap with headlights from another C-Max did not cure it.

11-05-2015:

Report of failure of clutch, DMF and slave cylinder of 2013 Ford C-Max 1.0 Ecoboost at 22,000 miles. Ford said it's not willing to cover under warranty as it maintains that clutch overheating caused the problem and the clutch is not covered under warranty. Customer looking at £1,000+ repair. Echoes the cases recorded of Focus 1.0 EcoBoost driveline failures here.

20-07-2015:

2011/61 Ford Grand C-Max 1.6TDCI Titanium developed an unusual fault on the clutch pedal damper spring after only 23,200 miles. The spring in turn damaged the pin of the master cylinder and resulted in the replacement of both at a cost of £249.82. Received £67 towards the cost as 'goodwill'.

20-08-2015:

Clutch failed on 2014 C-Max at 3,000 miles due to "complete burn out". DMF damaged due to hear. Slave cylinder also replaced "as a precaution". Same repeat scenario of what happens when the clutch slave cylinder fails. Escalated to Ford service team, driving style blamed and refusal to refund any costs. Standard complaint that we know all about. What probably happens is that the slave cylinder sticks giving the same effect as the driver slipping the clutch. No outward sign of a slave cylinder leak.

04-09-2015:

2012 C-Max 1.6TDCI bought used in May 2013 suffered failure of no 2 injector in March 2014. Replaced under warranty. Subsequently in June 2015 no 1 injector failed and replaced at cost of £1,000. Poor quality supermarket diesel blamed. Suggested switch to Shell V-Power.

10-03-2016:

Power steering pump of 2011 Grand C-Max failed in August 2015. Ford dealer replaced entire steering rack at a cost of £1,200 on basis that Ford would refuld £500 of this. Owner still waiting for the £500.

18-07-2016:

Another clutch and dual mass flywheel failure reported on a C-Max 1.0 Ecoboost 125, this time at 14,000 miles. Charged £1,150 for replacement. No contribution from Ford. Suspect failed clutch slave cylinder.

26-08-2016:

Report of plastic panel that holds seat controls breaking on a 10,000 mile 2015 Grand C-Max.

13-01-2017:

Report that a/c condenser on a 2010-2013 C-Max is vulnerable to stone damage. A revised protective grille has been fitted to C-Max and Grand C-Max since the March 2014 facelift.

30-01-2017:

1.5 Ecoboost 150PS engine for Ford C-max seems to have been dropped.

02-10-2017:

Report of EPAS failure on 2011 Ford Focus Grand C-Max at 62k miles. First indicated by "steering assist malfunction" warning. This initially manifested itself as very heavy steering which a re-start resolved, but last week the restarts stopped helping and the car became undriveable. Owner asked loacal Ford dealer to investigate in April 2017. Apparently a software update was applied. When it failed completely, they looked again and told owner that the electric motor on the steering rack had burned out and he'd need a new one - at a cost of £1,200+.

30-07-2018:

Report of ESP light coming on in 2011 Ford Grand C-Max at 57,400 miles, putting the engine into limp home mode. Stopping ands switching off re-sets it.

10-08-2018:

Report of two injectors needed on 2013 Ford C-Max 1.6TDCI.

01-10-2018:

Ford announced that it will be fitting new 1.0 Ecoboost engines to the 1,000 out-of-warranty Fiesta, Focus and Tourneo Connect models the company had previously refused to re-engine when the engines failed due to loss of coolant (some cars for a 2nd time). 600,000 1.0 EcoBoosts have been produced. 44,000 have had their turbo-to-expansion tank degas pipes replaced as a TSB 'service action'. But 2,000 suffered actual engine failure. Of these, 1,000 have had their engines replaced free of charge, but the other 1,000 had not. Ford rectified this situation on 1-10-2018. Ford's website carries details to encourage outstanding owners who have experienced an issue to get in touch ( https://www.ford.co.uk/owner/resources-and-support/faqs ). With any future cases, subject to being assessed and linked to potential 1.0-litre engine overheating, Ford will contribute 100% of the cost of repair at a Ford dealer. Furthermore, we will re-examine previous cases to ensure that this policy of a 100% contribution to the repair cost is applied consistently. UK owners should contact Ford by emailing mgrcrc@ford.com with vehicle registration number. It will take time to re-examine previous cases thoroughly, but Ford will respond to all correspondence.

17-03-2019:

Report of failure of cylinder head gasket in 2015 Ford Grand C-Max 1.6TDCI at 49,000 miles. Repairs estimated at £3,000 - £5,000. Ford admitted a "manufacturer's fault".

02-04-2019:

Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max axed from Ford model range.

11-07-2019:

Report of engine malfunction light of 2013 Ford Grand C-Max 1.6TDCI at 90,000 miles, Probably the DPF choked with ash. Suggested chemical cleaning by http://www.ceramex.co.uk