The B-Max’s rock-bottom towing limit makes the Ford suitable for pop-ups and trailer tents rather than conventional caravans, but if that’s the kind of thing you tow, there are good reasons to consider this super-mini-based MPV.
Take the Ecoboost engine. Despite its tiny 1.0-litre capacity this turbocharged petrol is surprisingly lively, pulling car and trailer from 30-60mph in 15.1 seconds. It even coped with a hill start on a 1-in-6 slope.
For the most part, our test drivers found the B-Max stable at speeds, too, although it was less happy in the lane-change test than the best lightweight tow cars.
Unhitch the trailer and the B-Max proves more fun to drive than just about any small MPV we can think of, with agile handling and direct steering, although you pay for those nimble responses with a ride that’s on the firm side.
Even so, driver and passenger should be comfortable enough in a cabin that’s spacious for such a small car, and sliding rear doors make it easy to get in and out in narrow parking spaces.
However, the tiny boot undermines the B-Max as a car for downsizing families, and we struggle with the price tag of over £18,000. What Car?’s research shows that haggling should save nearly £2000, but that said, it’s still pricey.
