C-Max vs Focus Estate - aka Boot sizes!
C-Max vs Focus Estate - aka Boot sizes!
Author
Discussion

pressfiretoplay

Original Poster:

7 posts

88 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
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Currently tying myself up in knots over which car to get in relation to the C-Max and Focus Estate.
When I look at the specs on Autotrader it lists the C-Max Boot as around 660 capacity but when I went to view one it looked smaller than the Focus Estate.

Is it because it's taking into account the vast height?
On another website it states the boot space on a C-Max was 432 - which makes sense based on viewing both a C-Max and an Estate.

Another question is to do with Bike Racks. Is it a fact that fitting one to a Focus Estate is dependant on it having a tow ball? But with a C-Max they're much easier to fit?

Basically I want a good fuel efficient car around 8k that's got space!

anonymous-user

83 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
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Do you need the boot height, or not?

pressfiretoplay

Original Poster:

7 posts

88 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
quotequote all
Ultimately not mate tbh. Originally I thought about the c-max due to needing space for Bikes. But then I'd have more chance of getting them in the boot of an Estate (I think!)

Basically would need one where i can put a bike carrier on and be able to fit lots in the boot (boxes, suitcases etc) for when going on Holiday.

I wonder...does C-Max offer more space for passengers? I know it might give the illusion of that with head space, but realistically for footwell area

Also started looking at Kia Sportage now as well as that seems to offer the boot space of a focus estate, but the headroom of a c-max.

thel33ter

62 posts

91 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
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pressfiretoplay said:
Also started looking at Kia Sportage now as well as that seems to offer the boot space of a focus estate, but the headroom of a c-max.
There's more useable boot space in a MK1 Focus estate than a new Sportage. Rented one on holiday having driven to the airport in my Focus and struggled for space. Probably equally true for the latest Focus, however the MK3 has a bit less (usable) space due to the wheel arches.

If you get an estate with roof bars then there's no need for a towing hitch, and you can still get into the boot.

Also with looking at an Octavia, bit more spacious and similar money, possibly a bit cheaper.
Cat S example - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2018...


Edited by thel33ter on Thursday 16th May 18:15


Edited by thel33ter on Thursday 16th May 18:16

A500leroy

8,341 posts

147 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
quotequote all
you can completely take the seats out of a cmax if your only carrying two or three passengers and have the rest of the room for luggage/bikes etc, cant do that with the estate.

pressfiretoplay

Original Poster:

7 posts

88 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
quotequote all
Good points guys although we wouldnt have the option of taking out the rear seats due to having your children - even though we'd wish to leave em at home at times lol

I've since spoken to someone who said that the Sportage would be hopeless for short journeys whereas with the Focus Estate, I know more about it cause of having a 2012 one a few years back. Wish I'd never sold it now!

Appreciate the replies guys.

GreatGranny

9,519 posts

255 months

Friday 17th May 2019
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Hopeless for short journeys????

Why?

Yes, if it's a diesel they aren't ideal if just used for short trips but it sounds like you will do long trips as well.

The C Max seems to be a bargain 2nd hand but I would still got for the Focus estate for it's more practical boot size/shape.
Also it's a bloody pain loading bikes onto the roof on a tall vehicle unless you have a towball mounted bike carrier. Trust me, I've done it on an XC90 and Alhambra.

NickGRhodes

1,291 posts

101 months

Friday 17th May 2019
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If you regularly carry bikes, don't use a boot mounted rack.
My brother started bending the boot on his Cmax from the bike rack strapped to it, he switched to a towball mounted rack.
I've been camping with my brother a number of times in his Cmax and previous Focus estates, with bikes.
Focus estate boot is a more usable boot IMHO, due to being squarer, Cmax is quite tall and harder to pack.

pressfiretoplay

Original Poster:

7 posts

88 months

Friday 17th May 2019
quotequote all
GreatGranny said:
Hopeless for short journeys????

Why?
I used to work for the place which provides tech support for Kia dealerships and been informed that on the new Sportage (which has the same engine as the one's I've seen), two people who are do slightly long journeys than what I do are getting 32mpg and 26mpg.


nobrakes

3,782 posts

227 months

Friday 17th May 2019
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Hate to say it but if space is an issue why not just get a Mondeo estate?

Roger Irrelevant

3,384 posts

142 months

Friday 17th May 2019
quotequote all
The process of arriving at boot size numbers is akin to reading goat entrails so far as I can tell. Whatever the quoted figure may be, I've always found that the length of the boot and the minimum width between the arches are more useful figures than the absolute volume, which as you say takes height into account that might not be all that much use. Here's a useful website that I stumbled across that gives detailed boot size measurements for lots of cars: https://www.ridc.org.uk/2604 (C Max) https://www.ridc.org.uk/2678 (Focus). This says that the boot on the Focus is indeed longer and wider, so may well be more useful in practice.

NickGRhodes

1,291 posts

101 months

Friday 17th May 2019
quotequote all
Roger Irrelevant said:
The process of arriving at boot size numbers is akin to reading goat entrails so far as I can tell. Whatever the quoted figure may be, I've always found that the length of the boot and the minimum width between the arches are more useful figures than the absolute volume, which as you say takes height into account that might not be all that much use. Here's a useful website that I stumbled across that gives detailed boot size measurements for lots of cars: https://www.ridc.org.uk/2604 (C Max) https://www.ridc.org.uk/2678 (Focus). This says that the boot on the Focus is indeed longer and wider, so may well be more useful in practice.
What a great site, some very useful measurements there.