Grand C-MAX Seating Concept

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The seating concept and door layout for the new seven-seat Grand C-MAX was finalised after detailed research with typical family groups which identified the most popular configurations for a compact MAV vehicle.

Families with young children were invited to sample a choice of MAV vehicles, and to perform a number of common tasks: folding and removing seats; securing infants in their child seats; loading a range of belongings; and gaining access to the second- and third-row seats. Children were even asked where they preferred to sit, and what the easiest route to get there was.

Based on this input, a final design was conceived which allows spacious and versatile accommodation for up to seven passengers within compact exterior dimensions, with
class-leading convenience and practicality for family users.

The design was refined using Ford’s advanced 3D Computer Aided Virtual Engineering (CAVE) system. The CAVE creates a virtual, full-sized interior of a car, so that issues such as visibility and perceived roominess in the second and third rows could be tested and optimised during the early design stages.

Twin Sliding Rear Doors

Customer research proved that sliding rear side doors were strongly preferred to conventional hinged doors, both for the improved access they provide – such as when helping young children into child seats – and for the added convenience in narrow parking bays.

The Grand C-MAX features twin sliding rear doors which have been designed to provide a generous opening width with an optimised mechanism so that the doors slide smoothly with low operating efforts. To improve safety, an active door stop ensures that the door cannot close unexpectedly, for example when the vehicle is parked on a slope.

Inside the vehicle, a high-mounted 360° grab handle on each door incorporates the release button, so that the doors are simple to open or shut with one hand. The door incorporates a comfortable arm rest, a small holder suitable for a drinks can, power windows (standard on all models), and an optional sun blind.

Ingenious ‘Walk-Through’ Seating Concept

Customer research proved that the most popular and versatile seating arrangement for seven-seat vehicles allowed passengers – typically younger children – to access the third row directly, without the need to tilt or fold the second row seats.

Ford engineers therefore modified the traditional 2+3+2 seating layout by developing an ingenious new seat folding concept for the second-row seats. This features a mechanism which allows the centre seat to fold quickly and easily under the right-hand seat cushion, creating a handy ‘walk-through’ space between the two outboard seats.

This allows passengers to access the third row without needing to disturb the two outer seats, which is particularly helpful when these positions are occupied by child seats or booster cushions. Owners thus have the option of deploying a convenient 2+2+2 seating layout, or switching quickly to a full seven-seater when required.

The ‘walk-through’ concept has been implemented without any compromise to the traditional seating flexibility expected in a MAV vehicle.

The two outer second-row seats can recline and slide independently, and when passengers wish to enter the third row via the conventional route, they tilt and slide forward an extended distance, to provide easier access. The smaller centre seat is linked to the right-hand seat, and the pair recline and slide together.

The second- and third-row seats have also been cleverly engineered so that they can be folded down to create a flat load floor, irrespective of how many seats remain in use. All of the folding mechanisms are designed so that they operate quickly and easily, and require just one hand to operate.

For customers who do not require the additional seating capacity but want the extra space, the Grand C-MAX is also available as a five-seat vehicle, without the two third-row seats.