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Ford intros tech'd-up B-Max mini-MPV

Sync voice-controlled in-car comms, hi-fi kit on board

MWC 2012

Ford has taken the wraps off the B-Max - the first new class of car it has released for six years - and revealed it'll be the first vehicle to sport the car company's Sync voice-controlled in-car connectivity system.

Ford B-Max mini-MPV

Showing the vehicle off at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) show, Ford described the B-Max as "a sophisticated small family car" - its answer to the likes of the Honda Jazz and others in the mini-MPV arena, in other words.

As such, it's all about how much stuff you can cram in with the kids - and how accessible all that interior space is. To that end, the B-Max sports sliding rear passenger doors. The central pillar is built into the front doors so, open front and back, and you have unrestricted access to the inside.

Ford B-Max mini-MPV

But, Ford insisted, it's no less safe than fixed pillar designs when it comes to side-on impacts.

The B-Max will be offered with a choice of Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and a 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine gobbling up just 4.9 and 4.0 litres per 100km, respectively, the company claimed. CO2 output comes in at 114g/km and 104g/km, respectively.

Ford B-Max mini-MPV

Ford touted the B-Max's fancy Sony hi-fi too, and its use of Sync.

Sync isn't new. It has been available in the States for a year or so, and is now to be found in some 4m vehicles, Ford said. Sync integrates in-car electronics with phones, MP3 players and such. Voice-operated, it'll work with nine European languages.

Ford B-Max mini-MPV Sync

Have a prang, and it'll even call up the local emergency services wherever you happen to be.

The B-Max will get a showing at next week's Geneva Motor Show - watch out for Reg Hardware's Car Week coverage - and will go on sale "later this year". ®

Ford B-Max mini-MPV
Ford B-Max mini-MPV

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