Ford unveils India-bound B-Max UV at Geneva (Upcoming Cars)

WHEN: Early 2013

HOW MUCH: Rs 9 - 11 lakh

ENGINES: 1.0-litre 3-cyl EcoBoost petrol, 1.4-litre 4-cyl Duratorq diesel

COMPETITION: Nissan Evalia, Maruti Ertiga

Ford’s B-Max is almost production ready. This small multi-utility vehicle, or MUV, is based on the Ford Fiesta platform, which also serves as the basis of the EcoSport compact SUV, and is part of the Blue Oval’s new One Ford global product strategy.

The B-Max measures just over 4 metres long, but it has one of the most innovative features to be seen in a production car to date: its sliding rear door. Now, while sliding doors are in no way unusual or novel, what’s unique about the B-Max, is that the B-pillar is integrated into the doors themselves. This means the B-Max has an aperture which is 1.5 metres wide!

Also, all the seats, including the rear bench and the front passenger seat can be folded completely flat, which means that the B-Max can carry serious amounts of cargo, if required. Ford claims objects up to 2.3 metres in length and can be stowed inside.

Powering the B-Max will be the choice of two engines, including the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost motor which will do duty in the EcoSport SUV, and a small Duratorq diesel, which could be based on the present 1.4-litre unit we see in the Ford Figo and Fiesta Classic in India.

There’s no word on price, or detailed specifications yet, but we expect the B-Max MUV to be ready for production before the end of the year. It is yet to be confirmed, but the B-Max does stand a good chance of making it to production in India as well, where it will compete with the likes of the Maruti Ertiga and Nissan Evalia.