The Ford C-MAX II, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2015, represented Ford’s entry into the compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment in Europe. Positioned as a practical and fuel-efficient family car, the C-MAX II aimed to blend the space and versatility of a minivan with the driving dynamics of a hatchback. The 1.0 EcoBoost 125 horsepower variant, equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, was a popular choice, offering a balance between affordability, economy, and acceptable performance. Production of this specific configuration ran from 2015 until June 2019. It was built on the Ford C-platform (Mk2 Focus platform), shared with other Ford and related-brand vehicles.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | C-MAX |
| Generation | C-MAX II (facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 EcoBoost (125 Hp) S&S |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | June, 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | MPV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg, 45.6 UK mpg, 16.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 117 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 187 km/h (116.2 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.5 kg/Hp, 95 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.7 kg/Nm, 129.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 125.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 1400-4500 rpm (125.39 lb.-ft. @ 1400-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M1DC, M1DD |
| Engine displacement | 998 cm3 (60.9 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71.9 mm (2.83 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1316 kg (2901.28 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1900 kg (4188.78 lbs.) |
| Max load | 584 kg (1287.5 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 432 l (15.26 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1684 l (59.47 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 695 kg (1532.21 lbs.) |
| Length | 4379 mm (172.4 in.) |
| Width | 1828 mm (71.97 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1858 mm (73.15 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2067 mm (81.38 in.) |
| Height | 1610 mm (63.39 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2648 mm (104.25 in.) |
| Front track | 1543-1557 mm (60.75 – 61.3 in.) |
| Rear track | 1554-1569 mm (61.18 – 61.77 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.1 m (36.42 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 278×25 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 280×11 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16; 215/55 R16; 215/50 R17; 235/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 16; 7J x 17; 8J x 18 |
INTRODUCTION
The Ford C-MAX II 1.0 EcoBoost 125 PS, launched in 2015 following a facelift, was a key variant in Ford’s European lineup. It aimed to provide a practical and economical option for families seeking a compact MPV. The C-MAX II, built on the Ford C-platform, offered a five-seat configuration and a versatile interior. This 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, represented an entry-level powertrain option, designed to appeal to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability. It sat below the 1.5 EcoBoost and the diesel variants in terms of performance, but offered a lower price point.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this C-MAX variant is the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost engine, specifically the M1DC or M1DD engine code depending on the exact production date. This is a three-cylinder, 998cc turbocharged gasoline engine. It utilizes direct fuel injection, a technology that improves fuel economy and reduces emissions by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for improved performance. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, forces more air into the engine, boosting power output. The six-speed manual transmission provides a good balance between fuel efficiency and driver control. The Start & Stop system, standard on this model, automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary (e.g., at traffic lights) to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.0 EcoBoost 125 PS C-MAX delivers adequate performance for everyday driving. While not particularly sporty, it provides sufficient power for navigating city streets and highway cruising. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 10.8 seconds, and the top speed is 116.2 mph. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in power, but the engine can feel somewhat strained when fully loaded or climbing steep hills. The six-speed manual transmission allows drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the more powerful 1.5 EcoBoost or diesel variants, this engine prioritizes fuel economy over outright performance. The gear ratios are tuned for efficiency, resulting in a slightly less engaging driving experience than the higher-performance models.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.0 EcoBoost 125 PS C-MAX typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features such as ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels offered additional features such as alloy wheels, a more advanced infotainment system with touchscreen display, rear parking sensors, and cruise control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials on higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing usability over luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The C-MAX II utilizes an independent front suspension with McPherson struts and a coil spring, coupled with an anti-roll bar for improved handling. The rear suspension is an independent multi-link setup, also with a stabilizer bar. This suspension configuration provides a comfortable ride quality while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The braking system consists of ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing braking performance and safety. The steering is electrically assisted, providing light and precise control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Ford C-MAX II 1.0 EcoBoost 125 PS was generally well-received by critics as a practical and economical family car. Its fuel efficiency was a major selling point, and the engine was praised for its responsiveness despite its small displacement. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded. Compared to the diesel variants, the 1.0 EcoBoost offered lower running costs but slightly less torque. Against competitors like the Volkswagen Touran and Opel Meriva, the C-MAX II offered a competitive package in terms of price, space, and fuel economy.
Legacy
The 1.0 EcoBoost engine has proven to be a reliable and durable powertrain, although some early models experienced issues with timing belt durability, which were addressed in later revisions. The C-MAX II 1.0 EcoBoost remains a popular choice in the used car market, offering a good balance of practicality, economy, and affordability. Its relatively simple mechanical design and readily available parts contribute to its ongoing appeal. While not a performance icon, this variant established itself as a sensible and dependable option for families seeking a compact MPV.
