Ford B-Max

A production version of the Ford B-Max mini-MPV will make its debut at next month's Geneva motor show – one year after the concept was announced.

The production B-Max stays true to the 2011 concept, with the same lack of a B-pillar between the conventional front and sliding rear doors, which creates a 1,500mm aperture. We'll be interested to learn how this affects both weight and rigidity as well as how much real-world advantage it offers. Like its rivals such as the Citroën C3 Picasso and Opel/Vauxhall Meriva, the B-Max offers five seats.

Visually, the B-Max is very much in line with Ford's latest range, with its large, trapezoidal lower grille, pulled back headlights and steeply raked hood and windscreen. The rising feature line, exaggerated fenders and upward flick of the rocker add an element of sportiness to the car's flanks, which also features an unusually long, five-window DLO.

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