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 aimed to blend the space and versatility of a minivan with the driving dynamics of a hatchback. The 1.5 EcoBoost 150 horsepower variant, equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, was a popular choice, offering a balance between performance and economy. Production of this specific configuration ran from 2015 until June 2019. It sat in the mid-range of the C-MAX lineup, offering more power than the base 1.0 EcoBoost engine but remaining more affordable than the higher-spec trims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | C-MAX |
| Generation | C-MAX II (facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 EcoBoost (150 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) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 204 km/h (126.76 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.8 kg/Hp, 113.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm, 182 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 100.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1600-4000 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1600-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M8DB, M8DF |
| Engine displacement | 1499 cm3 (91.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76.5 mm (3.01 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 | 4.05 l (4.28 US qt | 3.56 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1319 kg (2907.9 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1915 kg (4221.85 lbs.) |
| Max load | 596 kg (1313.96 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%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 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 (Back) 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 and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 300×25 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 280×11 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| 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 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this C-MAX variant is the 1.5-liter EcoBoost inline-four cylinder engine, designated with engine codes M8DB or M8DF. This engine is a member of Ford’s EcoBoost family, characterized by its combination of direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and variable valve timing. Direct injection allows for precise fuel delivery, improving efficiency and reducing emissions. The single scroll turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, provides a boost in power and torque without significantly sacrificing fuel economy. The engine utilizes a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for enhanced performance. The 1.5 EcoBoost engine produces 150 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque between 1600 and 4000 rpm. This broad torque curve contributes to good drivability in everyday situations. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, providing drivers with good control over gear selection.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5 EcoBoost engine in the C-MAX delivers a respectable level of performance for a compact MPV. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 8.9 seconds, and the car has a top speed of 126.76 mph. While not a sports car, the engine provides sufficient power for overtaking maneuvers and maintaining comfortable cruising speeds on the highway. The six-speed manual transmission allows for precise gear changes, and the relatively short gear ratios help to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the base 1.0 EcoBoost engine, the 1.5-liter offers a noticeable improvement in acceleration and overall responsiveness. However, it doesn’t quite match the performance of the higher-output 1.6 EcoBoost or diesel variants. The C-MAX’s suspension provides a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road well. The steering is light and precise, making the car easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5 EcoBoost variant of the C-MAX typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and alloy wheels. Safety features such as ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels offered additional features such as a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, and a panoramic sunroof. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for leather upgrades on higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and user-friendly, with clearly labeled controls and a comfortable driving position.
Chassis & Braking
The C-MAX II utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front suspension incorporates a coil spring and anti-roll bar to reduce body roll during cornering. The rear suspension also features a stabilizer bar for improved stability. The braking system consists of ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear wheels. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing enhanced braking performance in emergency situations. The C-MAX’s chassis is relatively lightweight, contributing to its fuel efficiency and agility.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Ford C-MAX II, and specifically the 1.5 EcoBoost variant, received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. The 1.5 EcoBoost engine was considered a good compromise between performance and economy. Compared to the 1.0 EcoBoost engine, the 1.5-liter offered a noticeable improvement in power and responsiveness, making it a more suitable choice for drivers who frequently carry passengers or cargo. Fuel economy figures of around 38.6 US mpg combined were competitive for its class. However, some critics noted that the interior materials were not as premium as those found in some rival MPVs.
Legacy
The 1.5 EcoBoost engine has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain, although like any turbocharged engine, it requires regular maintenance, including oil changes and inspections of the turbocharger and cooling system. The C-MAX II, in general, has a good reputation for reliability, with many examples still on the road today. On the used car market, the 1.5 EcoBoost variant offers a good value proposition, providing a practical and fuel-efficient family car at an affordable price. Its blend of space, comfort, and economy continues to make it a popular choice for buyers seeking a versatile compact MPV.
