stigza.com

Ford B-MAX will be Ford's new european subcompact mini MPV, built on the Ford B3 platform. It was unveiled for the first time at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show as a concept-car. Production will begin in early 2012. The styling of the B-MAX continues Ford's kinetic design theme and has no B-pillars between the doors, giving a panoramic view from inside the car. Additionally, it features rear sliding doors. It is believed that the glass will be shatter resistant and extra tough in case of an accident. Head-designer Stefan Lamm declared at the unveiling of the car that Ford is confident the B-MAX will achieve a full five star rating at the Euro NCAP crash testing.

The new model will have the new 1.0 liter, three-cylinder SCTi engine from the Ford EcoBoost family. It will feature the PowerShift six-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox, turbocharged direct injection and start & stop system. It will be assembled at the plant in Craiova, Romania where it will replace production of the Transit Connect

Competitors will include the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva, Nissan Note, Citroën C3 Picasso and the Toyota Verso-S

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