Is the Ford Fiesta based B-Max Mini MPV a good bet for India?

The Ford B-car platform is playing host to an interesting range of cars, from the Fiesta to the EcoSport Crossover. The latest car in the B-car platform is the Ford B-Max MPV, which measures just over 4 meters in length. This compact MPV is scheduled for a debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, after it was first showcased at last year’s show. The 5 seater B-Max MPV comes with sliding doors which will make ingress and egress a very comfortable affair. The flat foldable front passenger and rear seats means that the B-Max can be a very versatile car.

2012 Ford B-Max Compact MPV

Given that compact MPVs like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Mahindra Mini Xylo are expected to be launched later this year, the 2012 B-Max could just be a good MPV option for India as well if Ford can manage to shave down the length to under 4 meters. Like the EcoSport, the B-Max will also be powered by the 1 liter EcoBoost turbo petrol engine featuring variable valve timing and direct injection. A diesel engined option remains unconfirmed at the moment although there’s a fat chance that the B-Max might get a oil burner under the hood given that it will do duty in the European market, a market where diesels dominate.

2012 Ford B-Max Compact MPV

Expect the Fiesta’s diesel to be a straight fit into the B-Max’s engine bay. Despite the sliding doors, Ford claims that the B-Max MPV is just as stiff as the Fiesta, offering both a high level of driving performance as well as safety. Ford has achieved this by suitably strengthening both the roof as well as the doors of the B-Max to compensate for the sliding function. The Ford B-Max will begin selling in the European market from September 2012, after which it will filter down to other markets across the world. Meanwhie, here a bunch of images of the 2012 Ford B-Max Mini MPV.