Hi ! Just changed (2 months ago) from a Ford 1.6 Zetec Cmax 61 plate to a 1.4 Zetec Bmax 15 plate and I’d just like to share my impressions after 2 months.
Driving the same roads under the same conditions my Cmax returned a consistent 33/34 mpg or more, the Bmax struggles to get better than 32 mpg (if I drive like a nun ).
The Cmax gear ratios where fine, and the flexibility of the Cmax engine coped well if you decided to stick it in 5th at just over 30 mph, the Bmax does not like 5th much below 38/40 mph, it judders mildly. 5th gear is just too high on the Bmax, I presume it’s only designed for motorway or fast dual carriageway use.
The indicators on the Cmax very rarely failed to cancel after making a turn but I have already learned to double check that the Bmax’s indicators have cancelled, they don’t 1 in every 10 times. They are also very, very quiet and at anything over 35 mph can’t be heard over the engine/road noise.
I’ve already posted a query about the loudness, or lack of it, of all the notification sounds, only the reverse warning tone is ok, but then again that manoeuvre is usually at 3 mph or less, so I would hear it. I am considering fitting a warning toner to help me with the indicators. (I have much the same fitted on my motorbike).
So all in all I still somewhat regret parting with my 61 plate Cmax for a newer 15 plate Bmax, it seemed like a good idea at the time, and I must admit apart from the above comments the Bmax drives well, but does rock and roll more than a Cmax through the country bends :surprise:.
I’ll give it 12 months to see if I can warm more to the Bmax.
Leo
Driving the same roads under the same conditions my Cmax returned a consistent 33/34 mpg or more, the Bmax struggles to get better than 32 mpg (if I drive like a nun ).
The Cmax gear ratios where fine, and the flexibility of the Cmax engine coped well if you decided to stick it in 5th at just over 30 mph, the Bmax does not like 5th much below 38/40 mph, it judders mildly. 5th gear is just too high on the Bmax, I presume it’s only designed for motorway or fast dual carriageway use.
The indicators on the Cmax very rarely failed to cancel after making a turn but I have already learned to double check that the Bmax’s indicators have cancelled, they don’t 1 in every 10 times. They are also very, very quiet and at anything over 35 mph can’t be heard over the engine/road noise.
I’ve already posted a query about the loudness, or lack of it, of all the notification sounds, only the reverse warning tone is ok, but then again that manoeuvre is usually at 3 mph or less, so I would hear it. I am considering fitting a warning toner to help me with the indicators. (I have much the same fitted on my motorbike).
So all in all I still somewhat regret parting with my 61 plate Cmax for a newer 15 plate Bmax, it seemed like a good idea at the time, and I must admit apart from the above comments the Bmax drives well, but does rock and roll more than a Cmax through the country bends :surprise:.
I’ll give it 12 months to see if I can warm more to the Bmax.
Leo