More on the B-MAX

So to the versatility of the Ford B-MAX, which I think is excellent. The interior has been well thought out, from the curry hooks moulded into the back of the two front seats – why doesn’t every car have these? – to the fold-flat front passenger chair. This latter feature has been particularly useful in transporting my bicycle around. The sliding rear doors have proved their worth in tight car park bays, meaning I don’t have to fret about the kids being forgetful and whacking the neighbouring vehicle. One of the B-MAX’s selling points is the lack of a B-pillar, as promoted in the ‘high-diver’ TV advert. I’m not sure it’s proved particularly beneficial, perhaps because I’m always in the front and because my children, aged 10 and seven, can sort themselves out. That said, it’s certainly not been a hindrance; perhaps if I was still strapping in a baby seat it might be a different matter. The infotainment system, particularly the audio streaming, has worked well, though there’s an issue with incoming text messages to paired phones which needs to be fixed with a software upgrade. All in all, it’s been practical family transport, though the limited size of the boot – this is the B-segment after all – means it works best as a second vehicle. I’m not sure it would cope well with our forthcoming week in the Lake District – it’s spacious inside but it’s no TARDIS.